Top 5 Identity Security Vulnerabilities You Can Fix Today

In today's digital landscape, protecting your personal identity has never been more critical. Knowing where you're most vulnerable is the first step toward the most comprehensive protection. We’ve laid out the top five areas where people unknowingly leave themselves exposed to identity theft and fraud. It’s our goal to help you understand the threats so you can live your most protected, confident life!

Skipping two-factor authentication leaves doors unlocked

Even with a strong password, relying on a single layer of security is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a crucial second step to verify your identity, typically through a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. Without this additional barrier, hackers who obtain your password through phishing scams or data breaches can waltz right into your accounts.

Many people avoid enabling 2FA because they find it inconvenient, but this small extra step can be the difference between a thwarted attack and a devastating breach. Most major platforms now offer 2FA for email, banking, social media, and shopping accounts—ignoring this feature is a risk you simply can't afford to take.

Unsecured online financial transactions invite trouble

Shopping online is convenient, but conducting financial transactions without proper security measures is like handing your credit card to a stranger. Using unsecured websites (those without "https://" in the URL), shopping on public Wi-Fi networks, or saving payment information on questionable websites all create opportunities for cybercriminals to intercept your financial data. Public computers and shared devices pose even greater risks: they could have keyloggers or malware installed.

Always verify that a website is legitimate before entering payment information, and consider using virtual credit cards or payment services that mask your actual card number. Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for suspicious activity, and never click on payment links in unsolicited emails or text messages, as these are common phishing tactics designed to steal your information.

Your Social Security number is a big target

Your Social Security number is like a key to the rest of your identity. Thieves want to get their hands on your SSN because once they have it in hand, they have access to many of the other accounts that you own. ID thieves can steal your SSN through a variety of methods: dumpster diving for an un-shredded SSN card, stealing your wallet with your card inside, and hacking or phishing (tricking you into giving up your personal information).

Don’t hand over your SSN to just anybody. If you get a new card to replace an old one, make sure to shred or burn the old SSN card to prevent opportunists from finding it in the trash later. Don’t keep your SSN card in your wallet or purse; instead, store it in a secure location in your home, like a safe. Never type your SSN into a website, text, or email if asked for it.

Unprotected Wi-Fi and no VPN usage expose your data

Connecting to public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, or hotels without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the easiest ways for hackers to intercept your data. Public networks are often unsecured, allowing cybercriminals to position themselves between you and the connection point, capturing everything you send or receive. This includes passwords, emails, financial information, and personal messages.

Even your home Wi-Fi can be vulnerable if you're using the default password or haven't updated your router's security settings. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it. Whether you're checking email, banking online, or simply browsing, using a VPN on any network—public or private—adds a critical layer of protection that keeps your digital footprint hidden from prying eyes.

Your info may be on the dark web

The dark web isn’t all bad, but it is a place where identity thieves love to sell and buy stolen personal information. If your info has ever been involved in a data breach or stolen in a phishing scheme, it could be for sale on the dark web. And you may not even know!

It’s important to use an identity theft protection service that can scan the dark web in search of your personal information. You want a service that can find your info, alert you to the detection, and perform restorative steps to help get your personal information removed from those sites.

IDShield: Your identity theft protection solution

Protecting yourself from these vulnerabilities doesn't have to be overwhelming. IDShield offers identity theft protection that addresses those security gaps mentioned above and more, starting at just $14.95 per month.

Trend Micro ID Protection: IDShield’s maximum security protection from Trend Micro uses cloud-based AI technology to deliver highly effective and proactive protection against ever-evolving malware infections on your PCs and mobile devices. Additionally, Trend Micro ID Protection allows participants to create strong and unique passwords and safely secure them. The password manager can identify weak passwords and change them with unique, tough-to-hack passwords.  

VPN: IDShield includes VPN service to encrypt your internet connection and keep your online activity private, whether you're using public Wi-Fi or your home network. This shields your data from hackers and ensures your browsing remains secure across up to three devices.

Data monitoring and alerts: With 24/7 monitoring of your Social Security number, dark web activity, public records, and even social media, IDShield watches over your digital presence around the clock. You'll receive real-time alerts if your information appears, allowing you to act quickly before damage is done.

Credit and financial account monitoring: Keep your finances secure with continuous credit bureau monitoring, monthly credit score tracking, and financial account threshold monitoring. You'll be alerted to suspicious activity like hard credit inquiries, payday loan applications, or unusual account changes.

Take control of your security today

Don't wait until you become another identity theft statistic. Your personal information is too valuable to leave unprotected.

Explore IDShield's membership plans and discover which protection level is right for you.

With world-class monitoring, restoration services, and the peace of mind that comes with identity theft protection, IDShield gives you the power to take back control of your digital life.

IDShield is a trademark of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“LegalShield”). LegalShield provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of LegalShield. Some of the services provided under the plan by third party providers are subject to change without notice. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional legal advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, LegalShield makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. The Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten and administered by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company. LegalShield is not an insurance carrier. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.

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