Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime in which someone unlawfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information, such as a person’s name, Social Security number, or financial information, usually for financial gain or fraudulent activities.

1. Data Breaches: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in online systems to gain access to databases containing personal information, allowing for large-scale identity theft.

2. Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks use deceptive emails, websites, or messages to trick people into providing sensitive information, which contributes to identity theft.

3. Oversharing Personal Information on Social Media Platforms: Oversharing personal information on social media platforms can make people more vulnerable to identity theft.

4. Online Transactions: Inadequate online security during e-commerce transactions can expose personal information to identity thieves.

How can we protect ourselves?

1. Use Strong Passwords: To secure online accounts, create complex passwords and update them on a regular basis.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Increase the security of your accounts by requiring a second form of verification.

3. Monitor Financial Statements: Check bank and credit card statements on a regular basis for any unauthorized transactions.

4. Educate yourself: Learn about common identity theft techniques and exercise caution when sharing personal information online.

For Examples:

1. Aadhaar Data Leaks: incidents in which Aadhaar details were exposed as a result of data breaches, exposing affected individuals to identity theft risks.

2. Banking Scams: Situations in which cybercriminals use phishing or malware to gain access to victims’ online banking information, resulting in financial losses and identity theft.