A New Year’s Resolution for Everyone: Protect Your Privacy

Steps you can take to enhance digital privacy and avoid identity theft, year-round

Thinking about personal goals for the new year? Maybe hitting that treadmill or going for that dream job? Don’t forget about something equally important, which affects your personal life, financial security, and career every day: data protection and guarding against identity theft.

Identity fraud cost Americans $56 billion last year, and it’s likely that number will only keep climbing as cyberthieves get more sophisticated, and consumers move more and more of their daily lives online. So, as you’re setting self-improvement goals for health, relationships, or career over the coming year, make sure that digital self-improvement is also on your list.

As one of your new year’s resolutions for 2022, seek to become a better protector of your personal privacy and identity. Here are some simple action items to get you started.

1. Scan the dark web.

The dark web—an encrypted, anonymous part of the web that’s accessible only with special software—is a haven for cybercriminals buying and selling stolen personal information. Find out if your personal information is floating around the dark web, where it’s potentially accessible to cyberthieves, by using IDX CyberScan. It continually monitors all layers of the web, including the dark web, to alert you if your information has been exposed. Be sure to add your email address for CyberScan monitoring, and check to see if you want other personal information to be monitored.

2. Get your data removed.

With every move you make online, you generate data that creates a profile of you. Your profile can be sold to companies called data brokers, which can then resell your information to advertisers or anyone willing to pay a few dollars for it. Resolve to get your data removed from these sites by using services like IDX Privacy’s ForgetMe. This tool scans more than 100 data broker websites to see if your personal information is available for sale to advertisers and other groups; if it’s found, it gets deleted.

3. Check your passwords.

Hacked passwords are one of the leading causes of identity theft. Use Password Detective, included with all IDX memberships, to check the exposure of any passwords you use online. Not only will you immediately see if your password has been stolen in a data breach, you’ll also get advice on how to change it to something stronger.

4. Set up a password manager.

Now it’s time to let go of those old passwords. Today’s best practice for password protection is to use a password manager, which creates and stores passwords for all of your online accounts in a single, encrypted spot. The password manager generates random, hard-to-hack passwords for each of your accounts—the best news is, you don’t need to remember them. To access any of your accounts, simply log into the password manager using just one strong password. Consider using a tool like IDX Privacy’s Password Manager. It’s cloud-based, employs military-grade encryption technology, and allows you to access your accounts from any device.

5. Monitor your credit.

In these days of ongoing data breaches and rapidly evolving identity threats, it’s no longer enough to simply request and check a credit report every few months. It’s best to use 24/7 credit monitoring so you’ll know immediately if there’s suspicious activity on your file. If you have credit monitoring as part of your current IDX plan, be sure to activate it.

6. Lock your credit.

If you believe you’ve become a victim of identity theft, it’s wise to put a freeze or lock on your credit report. This may help prevent criminals from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. It also stops other lenders and other businesses from accessing your report. (You can temporarily remove the freeze or lock when applying for new credit or loans.) A credit freeze is free but is time-consuming to set up. A credit lock is easier to set up, and while it usually involves monthly fees, the IDX Identity Premier plan includes Credit Lock by TransUnion® at no extra charge. You’ll be able to lock and unlock your TransUnion® credit file with just a click.

7. Stay informed.

A great way to keep up with the latest information about privacy issues and identity threats is to regularly visit the IDX Knowledge Center. It features lots of tips, how-to instruction, and more, and it’s continually updated to reflect the ever-changing world of digital life.