Protect your identity on the road
Being a Digital RV’er means you have more options while on the road, right? Well, yes, it does.
Digital RV’ing also opens you to some issues as well. Your data can be exposed via WiFi networks, shared networks at parks you visit, and more. But you can control that pretty simply.
- Get a good firewall running on your system.
- Use Anit-Virus software.
- Secure your wireless network. Always use a WEP key.
- Backup your data regularly!
There’s the simple steps. But there’s more, and your exposed every day, not by your computer and digital technology. You’re exposed just through your existence!
You’ve probably heard the stories often on the TV or Radio news. Large corporations, the federal government, state governments have lost data. 60,000 employees data gets out into the public. Hackers have gotten into credit card clearing house databases. The list goes on and on. And none of it has to do with your personal digital security measures!
What can you do?
For this author I paid attention to a recent advertising campaign. Life Lock caught my attention, and I researched them, and finally signed up with them.
Now, do you really need an outside service out there to protect your credit and good name? Yes, absolutely. From a friend’s direct experience I became concerned and protected myself with Life Lock.
My friend, “Mr. J” was a full-time RV’er for several years. He and his wife lived aboard a Class A for two years before building a new house. Their travels were very short, and they didn’t do coast to coast as I have over the past year. As a matter of fact, they stuck close to “home”. All the familiar stops, shops, and service spots.
During their time aboard their RV Mr. J’s identity was stolen. A knock came at his door one afternoon, the local sheriff had come with a warrant for his arrest! He was accused of writing bad checks all over town.
With a little research Mr. J found that a person had opened an account in his name. The person opened credit cards too. And he was running a muck with Mr. J’s identity. How did it happen?
9 months earlier Mr. J had his RV serviced at his local dealer. The dealer’s nephew did some work in the rig, and while working in the rig, copied Mr. J’s driver’s license information and registration information. The dealer’s nephew was the criminal. No computer use, no hacking, just someone coming across your hard documents is all you need!
One year later Mr. J is still cleaning up his credit reports.
Knowing his story I’ve remained concerned since I hit the road. When I came across Life Lock I was thrilled. For under $150 a year they promise to keep my identity safe! The service is simple and easy to setup. The peace of mind it offers is priceless.
Life Lock is not a sponsor here. I paid for their service just like anyone else. They are a service I’d recommend. I’d suggest you research them on your own and make your own decision. For me, they provide extra piece of mind while I’m on the road. That simple!
Oh, Mr. J is now a Life Lock customer too.
Even better, use WPA if your router and wireless can handle it (most newer equipment will). WEP has been cracked, WPA is still safe, for now, relatively speaking.
(And assuming you will encounter an elite hacker while on the road.)
Comment on June 26, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
Yup, WPA is better. I’ve found many people I’ve met recently have “dated” equipment.
All seem to not use WEP or WPA. Pretty surprising how many open satellite / wifi systems I’ve found.
Haven’t met an elite hacker yet on the road!
Comment on June 26, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
I think the comments about WPA miss the point. This story of identity theft had *nothing* to do with using WiFi. In fact, it had nothing to do with using a computer. Most, if not all, identity theft involves the theives getting your information from physical items (drivers license, SS card, SS# on forms at Doctor’s offices, credit card given to waiter etc.) - not from your use of the Internet. I preach that checking your account frequently (via the Internet) is one of the best things you can do!
Comment on June 27, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Chris,
I agree with you completely. I quickly popped in some digital security in the article, but then jumped along to the story of my friend who had his identity stolen from his registration information and license. Both items were in his RV when it was serviced, and the service person took the information and shortly ran a muck with a new identity.
I check my accounts often. Glad I decided to go with Life Lock as well. Just an extra added piece of mind. Fortunately, I’ve gone paperless (with the exception of medical bills), so the standard ID thieves don’t have much of a paper trail with me.
On the tangent of digital security. I’ve been to several rallies this year. Just scanning for wireless networks I’ve come across open networks, and open computers. Always let the owners know, as their systems were wide open to anyone sniffing around.
But in general, the ID thieves do get you on the paper side. Glad I’ve got my digital arsenal to keep up.
By the way, I’ve been by your blog, and enjoy your site as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Comment on June 27, 2007 @ 9:24 pm