When it comes down to it, the best defence against identity theft is common sense.

Throughout this website the point is constantly made that when it comes to combating criminals, you have to use common sense. It’s maybe a little old fashioned to say it, but it’s true.

The basic problem is that computers and the internet are, in terms of mankind, extremely new. We are not familiar with a system that to many feels alien. The idea that the internet is just a network of millions of computers that communicate with each other is a concept that stumps many who thought that the fax machine was a major breakthrough. It might be that the younger generation will find it easier, but many suspect that its certain factions within the IT industry that deliberately keep the whole industry as complex as possible, making sure that the average punter continually buys software they don’t need and hardware that never seems to work as suggested on the box. It may not be a conspiracy, but whoever invented the phrase plug-and-play must have had a sense of humour.

And lets take a computer’s operating system. You could argue that they should not be released until they are fully secure. Who really should launch a product which is so fundamentally flawed that countless bugs exist which takes literally hundreds of patches and updates to repair? The example often quoted is car recalls. But if a car had to go back the same amount of times that an update is released, there would be an outcry.

But, all those things notwithstanding, the flaws exist and there’s nothing we can do about it. So, we have to protect ourselves.

Now, when it comes to walking along a street, we all know how to behave. You don’t flash your valuables around, you keep an eye on your wallet, or handbag, and when it comes to the cash machine, you’re careful not to tap in your pin number whilst others are watching.

So, most people are instinctively savvy when it comes to traditional means of keeping safe, but when it comes to the internet, they seem to throw caution to the wind. In reality though, when you’re on your computer, you have to exercise the same restraint as when you’re using the cash machine in a dodgy area.

If you follow the basic rules, then there is a high probability that you won’t get robbed:

1. before you surf, or email, always purchase the best, and most credible anti-virus software suite you can afford. A suite is recommended, because it should offer you a number of protection tools, including a good, two-way firewall. And never, ever, switch if off. If your computer noticeably slows down, then get a new computer. Remember, having no anti-virus is like running outside on a very cold winter’s day with no clothes on; you’re going to catch something, so don’t do it.
2. upload operating updates and new drivers whenever possible. If your operating system has an auto update function, use it. It may be a little tiresome, or boring, but get those updates. They are very necessary security patches and without them, you are extremely exposed;
3. if you get an email asking you to do anything, unless you are absolutely sure about its source, leave it a few minutes. There’s no need for instant responses. Then, read it again. Does it look right; does it sound right? And if they are asking you to click through to a website, ask yourself why? If it’s a site you recognise, search for the url and get there under your own steam;
4. never give out your personal, or credit card details, unless you are completely sure of a website’s origins.
5. and finally, be carefully out there, its not only a jungle, but also a swamp.