Swine Flu Not the Only Risk in College

Originally posted in Safety at Internet Marketing with Rallie Rallis

I have been reading all the warnings and guidelines to ward against the swine flu, especially the kids off to school and college this fall. But what got my attention was that the swine flu is not the only risk College Students will face this year - students also need to protect themselves against Identity Theft.

College students may believe that they don't have any personal information worth stealing. But identity theft among students is the highest because they'er less likely guarded. Identity thieves know this, and take advantage of it.

Here are a few things you can do to keep you and your identity safer..

1) Never leave your dorm room open or unlocked. This is the first line of defense against a thief looking for your wallet or purse, or your electronics.

2) Do not leave your computer unattended. Physically secure your laptop at all times. If you have a car, lock your computer in the truck, don't leave it lying on the seat. Don't give someone access to your identity - and all the other important things on your computer!

3) Be careful when sharing computers. As a student you may use public computers at the library, in computer classrooms, at an internet café, or you might borrow your roommate's laptop sometimes. Be cautious! They may be infected with spyware.

4) Be smart with your online activity. Social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace are a fun way to get to know people - and identity thieves want to know ALL about you. Be careful what information you post online! Be wary of network sharing, which can introduce identity-stealing malware to your machine.

5) Protect your computer's contents. Use a password, even if it's inconvenient to login every time. Make sure that it's not your birthday or Social Security Number. Also, have a firewall! You may not think that you have valuable personal information on your computer, but you would be surprised! Be smart, keep yourself safe. If you are interested in a computer protection services check out what is offered by INVISUS, by visiting their website, at IDirect

6) Stay alert with your credit. If you have credit cards, make sure that you check your statement every month. Spend a few minutes to make sure all the charges are YOUR charges, and not someone else buying things in your name. You won't regret the extra few minutes that could save your personal identity.

Guard your physical identity too! Don't leave your credit cards lying around.  Also, make sure to shred anything with your personal information on it. That includes credit card applications you get in the mail - makes sure someone else doesn't fill it out and pretend to be you!

It's your life and future, so take care of it. Check out Invisus Direct, and see what they can do for your protection.