MyCRA Specialist Credit Repair Lawyers

Tag: smartphone

  • Secure your smartphone and other mobile devices to prevent credit rating misuse

    securing mobile deviceWith smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, your life is there at the touch of a button. But the features that make your phone ‘smart’ also make it susceptible to viruses and malicious software. These attributes also make your mobile device a valuable commodity if it is lost or stolen. Your personal information can be accessed via your phone, as well as potentially your passwords, banking details, emails and photos. If fraudsters got their hands on your device, either virtually or physically, what could they get from it? Is the information on your device enough for fraudsters to access your money, or steal your identity or credit rating? For this post in aid of Stay Smart Online Week 2014, and it’s theme ‘On The Go’, we look at the best ways to secure your mobile device. 

    By Graham Doessel, Non-Legal Director of MyCRA Lawyers www.mycralawyers.com.au. Stay Smart Online Week 2014.

    Stay Smart Online - Proud Partner LR

    The rise in the use of mobile digital devices points to a need for users to be more cautious about the security of those devices, and aware of the potential for identity theft should they fall into the wrong hands.

    Mobile phones, especially smart phones are mobile computers. They allow you to access the internet and email, download applications and games and store personal contacts, photos and information. You need to protect and secure your phone just as you would your home or mobile computer.

    If you are unlucky to have your mobile device stolen it can be the same as someone breaking into your home or stealing your PC. If the device is not secure, often there is enough information on there for a criminal to go about hacking into your bank accounts, or stealing your identity and taking credit out in your name.

    Likewise if you are ‘hacked’ or download malicious software, passwords and personal information can be taken. The recent iCloud attacks are an example of how you can potentially be at risk. It demonstrates the importance of changing passwords on all accounts regularly. (See the story in The Australian ‘Hacked iCloud account victims face ongoing identity fraud risk‘).

    Identity theft can hit twice, and if you’re hit, you can face an uphill battle with your credit rating if it’s gone that far. Many times you are unaware your good name has been used until you apply for credit somewhere and are flatly refused. You can have credit applications as a minimum and possibly defaults, mortgages and mobile phones attributed to you incorrectly.

    You may have repayment history against your name on your credit rating at a minimum, or once an account remains unpaid past 60 days, the debt may be listed by the creditor as a default. Defaults remain listed on the victim’s credit file for a 5 year period unless they can prove they are an identity theft victim.

    It is not widely known how difficult recovery from identity theft can be. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that defaults can be removed from your credit file. The onus is on you to prove your case of identity theft to creditors.

    So to prevent this terrible crime from happening to you, take heed of Stay Smart Online’s Top Tips for securing your mobile device:

    Top tips

    • Put a password on your phone and a PIN on your SIM card. Do not rely on the default factory settings. Using a password and PIN will stop thieves getting access to your phone or using the SIM in another phone to make calls. All phones have security settings so familiarise yourself with them and turn them on.

    • Setup your device to automatically lock. If your phone has not been used for a few minutes, it should automatically lock and require a password or PIN to reactivate.

    • Encrypt your data. Some phones allow you to encrypt your data, sometimes using third-party software. Encryption secures your data if your phone is lost or stolen.

    • Consider installing security software from a reputable provider. Anti-virus, anti-theft, anti-malware and firewall software is available for some mobile phone operating systems.

    • Stay with reputable websites and mobile applications (apps). Always keep an eye on your commonly used websites’ addresses and make sure you are not redirected or diverted to other websites. When using any financial mobile applications, such as mobile banking, make sure to only use applications supplied by your financial institution.

    • Be careful when allowing third party unsigned applications to access your personal information. This includes access to your location. Always read permission requests before installing new apps or app upgrades, looking for unusual requests or pleas for money.

    • Do not click on unsolicited or unexpected links. Even when they appear to be from friends.

    • Check your phone bill for unusual data charges or premium rate calls. Contact your service provider immediately if you discover any unusual calls or data usage on your bill.

    • Check for updates to your phone’s operating system regularly. Install them as soon as they are available.

    • Be smart with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When connecting to the internet using Wi-Fi, try to use an encrypted network that requires a password. Avoid online banking or financial transactions in busy public areas and over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Ensure that passers-by can’t watch what you are typing (known as shoulder-surfing). Turn Bluetooth off when you aren’t using it.

    • Back up your data regularly. Set up your phone so that it backs up your data when you sync it, or back it up to a separate memory card.

    • If you decide to recycle your phone, make sure you delete all your personal information first. Most phones have an option to reset to factory settings. Remember to remove or wipe any inserted memory cards.

    • To assist you in case of your mobile theft or loss, ask your provider or manufacturer whether it has services such as mobile tracking and the ability to remotely wipe your information stored on the phone.

    So our message this week is: take heed online, and safeguard your personal information to prevent identity theft and credit file misuse.

    For more information on credit file misuse, or to get more help or information about the security of your credit file, visit our main site www.mycralawyers.com.au, or you can contact us on 1300 667 218.

    Image: adamr/ www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

     

  • Survey reveals Perth most at risk of identity theft

    A survey on identity theft risks released by internet security software company AVG today reveals the Australian cities most at risk of online identity fraud and data loss.

    The survey of online and mobile consumer behaviour was conducted over 2 weeks in August, and involved 1250 consumers across 5 states of Australia who own an Internet-connected device and have Internet-access at home.

    Results showed Perth respondents were most at risk for stolen identities, digital fraud and data loss, followed by Brisbane, then Sydney and Melbourne in equal third and Adelaide ranking fifth as the most security savvy city.

    Here are AVG’s findings :

    Overall Results

    Across the board, the survey showed many Australians are putting themselves at risk of identity theft, viruses and malware with poor PC security habits and a lack of comprehensive protection. Of those surveyed in the five cities:

    •         22 per cent have been the victim of a phishing scam

    •         25 per cent have shared online passwords with at least one other person

    •         12 per cent do not run an anti-virus scan at least monthly

    •         73 per cent do not use an identity monitoring service or other form of identity protection service.

    Recently we blogged about mobile security and the need for people to secure their smartphone to prevent identity theft. Interestingly, AVG’s survey revealed how little users considered the value of security on their mobile devices.

    While most of those questioned (77 per cent) use three or more passwords online, less than one in five (18 per cent) had changed the password on their mobile device in the past year.

    “Consumers are getting better at recognising and addressing online threats, but it’s vital to ensure all your bases are covered. Taking some security measures and overlooking others — such as backing up your PC and not your smartphone — is like locking your door and leaving the windows open. Comprehensive online protection means covering all Internet-enabled devices – smartphone, tablet and PC,” said Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist at AVG (AU/NZ).

    In terms of credit repair –the statistics are interesting. MyCRA certainly has seen a few clients from Perth who have claimed to be victims of identity fraud.

    Often it is not understood how easy it is for criminals to steal peoples’ personal information or bank details online, and then use that information to take out credit in the victim’s name. It is also not realised how widespread the problem is becoming.

    A recent survey of online fraud reveals one in 10 people have lost money to online fraud in the past year. That figure has doubled in four years.

    There can be great difficulty for people in recovering their clear credit file following identity theft. Particularly with some of the more sophisticated forms of identity theft, often the victim is not aware their credit file has been used right away. Often people don’t know they are victims until they apply for credit and are flatly refused. Some have even had properties mortgaged in their name.

    Credit rating defaults remain on credit files in Australia for 5 years. The consequence of people having a black mark on their credit rating is generally an inability to obtain credit. Most of the major banks refuse credit to people who have defaults, or even too many credit enquiries.

    By law in Australia, if a listing contains inconsistencies the credit file holder has the right to negotiate their amendment or removal.

    But to clear their good name, the identity theft victim needs to prove to creditors they did not initiate the credit – which can be difficult. Not only are victims generally required to produce police reports, but large amounts of documentary evidence to substantiate to creditors the case of identity theft.

    In terms of preventing this crime, there is a host of information for internet users, but many people don’t learn about identity theft until they or someone they know becomes a victim.

    The Government has two websites with a host of information about safe computer use for internet users. Its Stay Smart Online website gives people information on how they can secure their computer, as well as safety tips for the whole family.

    The SCAMwatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au specifically warns internet users about scams in the community. Visitors can log on to an alert system for any new scams which are found to threaten the safety of people and their personal information.

    The Stay Smart Online website recommends Australians follow these 8 top tips for increasing their resistance to identity fraud, and avoiding the loss to their bank balance and potentially their good name:

    1. Install and renew your security software and set it to scan regularly.
    2. Turn on automatic updates on all your software, including your operating system and other applications.
    3. Think carefully before you click on links or attachments, particularly in emails and on social networking sites.
    4. Regularly adjust your privacy settings on social networking sites.
    5. Report or talk to someone about anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened – download the government’s Cybersafety Help Button.
    6. Stop and think before you post any photos or financial or personal information about yourself, your friends or family.
    7. Use strong passwords and change them at least twice a year.
    8. Talk within your family about good online safety.

    For more information on credit rating repair following identity theft, people can visit the MyCRA Credit Repairs website www.mycra.com.au.

    Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  • Is your smartphone use increasing your risk of identity theft?

    A recent survey found that over half of all mobile phone users own a smartphone.  The survey conducted by TNS Mobile Life found 52% of mobile users own a smartphone device, which is an increase of 24 per cent from 2010.

    But unfortunately fraudsters are also aware of this. People should be wary about the possible risks to the security of their personal information when they are using their smartphone.

    The fact that people are using these devices to log in to social networking, use email, download applications and access bank accounts means they also need to be careful they are not opening the door to identity theft. This could leave them hugely out of pocket, and potentially ruin their credit rating.

    Security firm Earthwave Managed Services guest blogged on CSO this week, and warned readers about emerging identity theft risks with smartphones.

    “The smartphones of today don’t just make calls and take pictures. They serve as handheld PC’s and can potentially provide a thief with enough information about your online presence so that further theft of finances and identity can occur,” the firm says.

    Earthwave says the same types of malicious malware and viruses that are present on home computers are being directed to smart phones, but there is a gap in adequate security in this area. Here’s how they say people’s personal information can be compromised:

    “The malware could be injected using a PDF document, an image on a website, an e-mail or even embedded in webpage code. While the PC and notebook fall victim to the same attacks, the smartphone is even more vulnerable due to sluggish software development and user naivety…

    “The hype surrounding the app-race gives attackers another means of entry – App Stores. Cyber criminals can code apps which include malware with the aim of gaining anonymous and complete access to the data residing on the phone,” the firm says.

    Earthwave says people should adhere to the same security practices as those applied to their notebook to prevent smartphone identity theft. They suggest four security measures to take:

    1. Install firmware updates that resolve security issues.
    2. Always use strong passwords and stay vigilant with your email and web browsing.
    3. Always be extremely careful what information you provide on social networking sites
    4. Configure websites containing personal or financial information to be encrypted for the entire session, if the site provides this functionality.

    Identity theft can be devastating for the victim, and many times they face an uphill battle with their credit rating following it. If the crime is sophisticated – as could be the case with malware-generated identity theft, the virtual stealing of someone’s good name can go undetected for a significant time.

    Often it is not until the victim applies for credit somewhere and is refused that they realise their personal information has been stolen and identity fraud has been committed against them. People may have credit applications as a minimum and possibly defaults, mortgages and mobile phones attributed to them incorrectly.

    Once any account remains unpaid past 60 days, the debt may be listed by the creditor as a default on a person’s credit file. Under current Australian legislation, defaults remain listed on the victim’s credit file for a 5 year period.

    What is not widely known is how difficult recovery from identity theft can be. Unfortunately there is no guarantee defaults can be removed from a person’s credit file. The onus is on the identity theft victim to prove to creditors they didn’t initiate the debts. But for the victim who is virtually robbed of their financial freedom, it is a point worth fighting for.

    For more information on identity theft, or for help with credit repair following identity theft, visit the MyCRA Credit Repairs website.

    Image: Salvator Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net