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Hacking Your Data to Steal Your Identity

It is amazing to consider how quickly we have converted to a digital world. When was the last time you sent a letter through snail mail? In this age of massive data manipulation, we get more done then ever before. There is a price for all this efficiency.

Data breach and identity theft are two things that tend to go together. Data breach occurs when a criminal element successfully breaks into a secured system that contains sensitive information regarding individuals.

The average identity theif is not looking for just any old information. They are focused on the holy grail of private information, your legal name, address, SS# and phone number. Bank and credit card info is also going to raise an eyebrow.

The average database does not contain all these golden nuggets of info. To fill in the gaps, the criminal element will steal your email address and start emailing you fraudulent messages to try to entice you to provide it.

These fraudulent emails are often designed to use the credibility of a legitimate site. You may receive the information allegedly from the IRS, Home Depot or some other well-known entity. One you click through to the site, however, it is only a copy.

Regardless of how your income is obtained, the data breach leads inevitably to identity theft. Most people think identity theft comes in one general form, but there are many different ways your information is used and sold by thieves.

The primery way criminals make money using your information is pretty much what you expect. They either misuse your current credit card accounts or, alternatively, your sensitive financial information is used to open entirely new cards.

It is getting harder to use the misappropriated account scam, so theives are turning to new strategies. One that is growing in popularity is the sale of your full identity for use as an entirely new life.

Some people need to leave behind a torrid past. It might be criminal. It might be personal problems. Whatever the reason, some people will pay to get your identity and start living a second life under your name and profile.

One of the more controversial issues today, illegal immigration, also gives rise to identity theft. Many jobs now require an applicant to present a social security card. Illegals don't have them, so they are willing to buy yours and use it!

When society takes a jump forward in any particular area, it creates both legal and illegal opportunities. Data breaches and identity theft represent the illegal side of the equation. Make sure to keep an eye on your finances to guard against these problems.