Tips to Protect Your Personal Information

Tips to Protect Your Personal Information

• Use multi-factor authentication to add another layer of security to your accounts.
• Choose strong passwords and keep them safe.
• Secure your personal computer.
• Use your device securely. Verify applications before downloading, use secure WiFi networks, keep your operating system up to date, and limit your device to only necessary applications and services.
• For personal devices, follow the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s guidance on proper disposal of electronic devices.
• Bookmark important websites, such as ohio.edu and your bank, rather than searching for them.
• Follow best practices for traveling internationally with technology.
• Since W-2 forms can be stolen from the mail and used to commit income tax fraud, opt into paperless tax statements. 

What to Do If You Think Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised

• Make sure to report an information security incident to the Information Security Office (security@ohio.edu) as soon as possible. 
• Visit identitytheft.gov to learn about immediate actions to take to protect your identity.
• Learn how to freeze your credit and monitor your credit from the Federal Trade Commission.
• If you believe you are a victim of identity theft and are a benefits eligible employee, you have access to the employee assistance program. The employee assistance program features, but is not limited to the following: 
  • Member Portal: Access Your Benefits
    • 24/7/365 through your member portal with online requests and chat options. Explore thousands of self-help tools and resources including articles, assessments, podcasts, and resource locators.
  • Financial Consultation 
    • Build financial wellness related to budgeting, buying a home, paying off debt, basic tax questions, preventing identity theft, and saving for retirement or tuition.
• If your University device is lost or stolen, report the theft or loss as soon as possible. 

What to Do If You Think Your Identity Has Been Stolen 

If someone has used your personal or financial information without your knowledge or consent, you may have experienced identity theft. A common form of identity theft is the unauthorized opening of a credit card account. Being informed on the steps to take after identity theft occurs and learning how to prevent future fraud can help protect your financial security. 

• If an unauthorized credit or loan account has been created in your name, contact the credit card  or loan issuer to notify them of the unauthorized application and request that the account be closed or frozen to prevent any new charges. 
• Report the identity theft to the authorities. 
• File a police report with local law enforcement. Be sure to keep a copy of the police report, as this document can be helpful when dealing with credit reporting agencies and companies where fraudulent accounts were opened.  
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create a personalized recovery plan for you and give you an identity theft report that you can use when contacting creditors and credit bureaus.   
• Regularly check your credit report for any unauthorized accounts or high balances. If you find any unfamiliar items, dispute them with the credit reporting agency.  

How to Protect Yourself from Future Fraud 

• Place a fraud alert and a security freeze on your credit report.  
• A fraud alert will require creditors to verify your identity before opening any new accounts or loans in your name.   
• A security freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for new creditors to check your credit history. A security freeze can be set up with all three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  
• You can learn how to freeze your credit and monitor your credit from the Federal Trade Commission.