Ramsey Insurance Blog

Many people now spend a lot of their time using social media, online banking, internet shopping and email. This means that cyber security is more important than ever: to protect your computer from viruses and other malware, and your identity (ID) and financial information from being stolen. All that is required for someone to steal your identity is your name, date of birth and a social security number. Fortunately some insurers are now including ID theft coverage as part of home insurance – if you have a West Virginia home insurance policy, or you are considering one, check if ID theft is included. In the event that it isn’t, you may be able to add it. 

According to OnGuard Online.gov, you should treat your personal information as if it is cash. This means that you should:

• Only use encrypted sites – those with “https” at the beginning of the website address on each page.

• Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and a firewall.

• Keep your passwords private and change them frequently.

• Take regular backups of data to an external device.

• Perform regular system scans.

• Don’t reply to “phishing” emails – those that look authentic but ask you for personal information.

• Don’t open email attachments unless you are certain they are safe.

• Safely discard or shred documents containing personal information.

Just as you would protect your physical possessions through home security and your West Virginia home insurance, it’s equally important to protect your ID through cyber security and lots of vigilance when using the Internet. Check with one of our agents to see if ID theft insurance is available.

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