Government Technology

New Computers: Avoid Giving Identity Thieves a Holiday Gift


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December 7, 2006 By

A little snooping for gifts around the holiday season is normal. But the many people receiving computers need to be aware of a more dangerous form of spying that can hit their pocketbook.

To help people enjoy their new computers and protect them from hackers, spyware, viruses and other threats, the nonprofit, independent IT Governance Institute (ITGI) offers the following tips:
  • Immediately install a reputable antivirus program and firewall on the computer.
  • Sign up for automatic updates and maintenance on the security software; it should check all attachments.
  • Do not open attachments or click on links, even if they look like the increasingly popular e-cards, from unknown senders.
  • E-mail addresses can be faked, so when in doubt, check with the sender via telephone.
  • Turn off the computer or disconnect it from the network when not in use.
  • Regularly back up data.
  • When shopping online, visit only sites that have secure ordering (e.g., have an "https" address or yellow padlock). Do not respond to unsolicited links. Only provide information that is absolutely necessary.
  • When traveling, always keep your PC in sight. Don't conduct sensitive transactions in unprotected wireless zones -- you may inadvertently provide your bank account and Social Security numbers and passwords to identity thieves.
"Identity theft, monetary losses, reputational damage and legal consequences can be severe, so it is important to protect new computers immediately," said Everett Johnson, CPA, international president of ITGI. "Not following security precautions can give hackers another present -- your confidential information."

Warning about disposal of old computers

After receiving a new computer, many people put their sensitive information in jeopardy by neglecting to erase or remove data from old computers being donated, sold, trashed or recycled. While software is available to help "wipe" drives, a skilled techie can recover original data. The safest method is to physically remove the drive from the computer. It can then either be installed on a new computer or stored for future use.

"Before disposing of a computer, make absolutely sure all sensitive information has been removed or deleted," said Johnson. "Even if the computer is given to a favorite relative, access might not be restricted to other trusted people."


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