Brian Thompson, Author at defend-id

DON’T BE THE WEAK LINK

by Brian Thompson | Jun 1, 2022 | Uncategorized

Do not let your guard down. Always be cautious in revealing information about yourself or your employer. “Stop, look and think” about emails, texts, and phone calls. Slow down, be aware, be safe, and don’t be the weak link to identity theft.

Nearly eight years ago I wrote a December 2014 article for the Arizona Republic titled Read the fine print when buying ID-theft protection services.

The premise of my article was that the core product offered to most identity theft protection service providers is credit bureau monitoring and that credit bureau monitoring offers a false sense of security.

Credit bureau monitoring cannot monitor non-financial identity theft events. Events like:

taxpayer ID theft and refund fraud,
unemployment ID theft, benefits fraud,
medical ID theft and fraud,
or credential (e.g. driver’s license and passport) ID theft and fraud.

The identity theft protection community is largely reputable and trustworthy. It is not uncommon, however, for identity theft marketing campaigns to include deception, exaggerated threats, and flawed offers.

In addition, I encourage consumers to read the fine print for hidden “exclusions” when selecting an identity theft service provider. Hidden exclusions are commonly found in the “terms and conditions,” where marketing meets reality.

Marketing versus reality.

I find it interesting how more consumers are paying for ID theft protection services than ever before and yet there are more victims of ID theft than ever before. (The bad guys getting better? Are there more PII records our there? The ID Theft Protection Providers Failing or are they just marketing beyond their ability?)

For example and according to the March 2022 Javelin Strategy Annual Identity Fraud Study, identity theft and fraud losses totaled $52 billion affecting 42 million U.S. adults in 2021.

Here are a few ways consumers lower their risk of being a weak link to identity theft.

First, consumers need to stay up to date on the most recent data breach and identity theft trends such as Phishing (fraudulent emails), Vishing (fraudulent phone calls and voice mail messages) and Smishing (fraudulent text messages) tactics.
Second, consumers should be taking advantage of risk mitigation tools such as fraud alerts, credit freezes, credit/debit card alerts, and yes – even credit bureau monitoring – as long as you understand the limitations of credit bureau monitoring.
Third, consumers should consider using new and strong passwords every 90 days or use a password manager that can help create new and strong passwords along with scanning existing passwords to flag reused and weak passwords.
Lastly, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) as VPN software scrambles your IP address, encrypts data sent between your computer and the websites you visit, and masks your true location and service provider. Masking your data is very important while using public WIFI

To conclude, I would like to reference Kevin Mitnick, the Chief Hacking Officer and part owner of security awareness training company KnowBe4 and convicted hacker turned paid security consultant, public speaker, and author.

Mr. Mitnick is best known for his high-profile 1995 arrest and five years in prison for various computer and communications-related crimes. He has said many times that “the weakest link in the security chain is the human element.”

To add to Mr. Mitnick’s comments about the human element, I always say that hackers, social engineers and ID theft criminals depend on human nature, psychology and “trusting” consumers to let their guards down.

Sincerely,

Mark

I use a VPN whenever I work remotely

by Brian Thompson | May 4, 2022 | General, Identity Theft

On my work laptop, I use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) whenever I work remotely including in my home, my hotel room, or any other location away from the office. (be sure to watch the video below)

However, I realized that I do not use a VPN on either my smartphone or personal computer. That said, I enlisted the assistance of Kent Lawson, President, and CEO of Private Communications Corporation to learn more about VPNs in general and Private WiFi (Private WiFi – Protect your Identity and Sensitive Information on any Public WiFi Network with a Personal VPN) in particular.

Private WiFi

Private WiFi is the flagship product of Private Communications Corporation, founded by Kent Lawson in 2010. After reading a series of articles in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The New York Times about the security vulnerabilities of WiFi hotspots, Lawson (a 40 year computer industry executive) was inspired to come out of retirement and work to resolve the problem.

According to Lawson, “your private information is an easy target on a public WiFi network such as hotels, coffee shops, and airports that are not secure. Anyone using the same hotspot can intercept and hack your communications. Your usernames, passwords, and other private information can be stolen out of the thin air.”

“We created Private WiFi to protect your identity and personal information by encrypting your WiFi signal. Everything you do online is protected with bank-level security, so you can surf, share, shop, and bank with confidence.”

A way of life

Think about it, connecting to public WiFi hotspots has become a way of life. Millions of people connect to public WiFi every day without thinking – at coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, or airports. It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s convenient. But this convenience can come at a cost.

But it’s not secure. Everything transmitted on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet over WiFi hotspots can be grabbed out of thin air – and many users don’t understand hotspot security risks. Roughly 39% have accessed sensitive information while on WiFi hotspots, according to a Nielsen/Harris Poll. That means their privacy and security are in danger every time they connect.

According to Lawson, “Private WiFi encrypts Internet traffic and protects hotspot users from hackers and identity thieves, creating a secure tunnel that is invisible to hackers.”

“In a world full of wireless security risks, Private WiFi puts the power to protect hotspot users’ information in their own hands,” said Lawson.

The New York Times calls Private WiFi the “VPN for the masses.” PC Magazine featured Private WiFi as one of the “Ten VPN Services You Should Know About” and it has been featured on CNN, and Good Morning America among other news outlets.

VPNs are easier to use than ever. My recommendation is to use a VPN on all your devices to search, shop, bank, read, and connect. This will give you the confidence your personal privacy is secure. Think before you connect, don’t make it easy for the bad guys.

Mark Pribish – Identity Theft Practice Leader

ID Theft Protection for Your Clients

by Brian Thompson | Apr 20, 2022 | Breach, Identity Theft

Are you taking advantage of the opportunity by offering ID Theft Protection for your Clients and their employees?

Your clients are relying on you to provide the most comprehensive, relevant, value-adding benefits that their employees want and need. With the addition of identity theft protection to your portfolio, you will be stepping out in front of your competition with this high-demand benefit.

Strengthen Your Client Relationship

You are the advisor and your clients trust you to offer the best employee benefit programs. Offering defend-id will demonstrate your professionalism and your thoughtfulness regarding current market trends and demands. As their agent, you will be offering a timely, valuable and relevant benefit.

Don’t Blend in with the Rest

Differentiate yourself from your competition, the ones you are fighting with to get that new account, and the ones you are fighting off to keep your current ones. Offering defend-id differentiates you! Employers need increasingly robust benefits options and employees are looking for it. Chances are if you are not including id theft in your proposals, your competition is.

Tax Benefit for Employers

Employer-paid Identity Theft Protection is a non-taxable, and non-reportable benefit. Not only is employer-paid the most cost-effective but it also has tax benefits as well as overhead advantages.

GROW and Maintain

Grow your business with a new offering, re-engage with your clients and target new prospects. Strengthen your book of business by adding another line of business, identity theft is a sticky product with a long life cycle!

Simplicity

The market continuously floods with new and trendy benefits. The challenge of working with increases and tight budgets makes your job hard! It is difficult to find a benefit that you can add that provides high value at a low cost.

We understand! It can be overwhelming and frustrating. The good news is that defend-id defend-id is designed with the broker in mind! We have worked hard to minimize the sales cycle and simplify an overly complex process. defend-id puts the power in your hands, giving you a co-branded website, a portal to conduct and keep track of your business, marketing material, and communications, and a dedicated training team to help you at all times. We are here to make ID Theft Protection for your Clients an easy solution.

Become a Partner Today!: https://www.defend-id.com/forpartners/

Service Level Standards and Testimonials

by Brian Thompson | Apr 14, 2022 | Identity Theft

Fully Managed Recovery is the most important pillar of what we do here at defend-id. We take Service Level Standards and Client testimonials very seriously. It is important to ensure that everyone we cover has peace of mind, knowing they have someone who will take care of any identity issue they encounter. All the credit goes to our team of recovery experts who are getting amazing results.

Service Level Standards

2022 Q1 Fully Managed Recovery Testimonials

“I am so pleased as to how my call was handled, the knowledge the representative had and all that was done while I was on the initial phone call. As a victim of unemployment insurance fraud. I would not have known where to start with putting a stop to someone using my social security number and other info to commit identity theft. The Dark Web report is nothing less than Amazing as it let me know each of the dates and types of information was placed on the Dark Web. The report informed me what steps I should take with changing passwords on accounts etc. Thankfully no damage was done to my credit. I share my personal story so that other members are aware of a situation that occurred and how they (recovery advocates) are working on my behalf. Members need to hear that identity theft is real and could happen to anyone. This benefit is something I never thought I would have needed in the past but now I know how very valuable such a service is and I am grateful and proud to say that Partners offers this valuable type of protection to our membership”. Lois M. FCU
“I would like to acknowledge my fraud specialist and her professional help with my identity theft case. She is trusted, experienced, knowledgeable, helpful, patient, follows up in a timely way, calm, and well-spoken. I am a senior, fixed income, and have had ongoing issues with months of unrequested credit and debit cards, and continue to have fraud. As a result of my initial contact with my financial institution, I was directed to your services. My case was assigned to my advocate and she is OUTSTANDING and our communication continues. She has e-mailed, made phone calls helped with adding me to necessary account freezes, helped me, (a not-so-knowledgeable senior), speak with an agent for assistance help, with my latest financial stress! Always leaving me with the confidence and messages, “Do you have any other questions for me? Call me, when anything else occurs. Do not hesitate to call or contact, if I can be of any help.” My advocate continues to help. Please acknowledge this valued employee, in some way for me. I am grateful for her continued trusted help. I am so very grateful!” Penny Y. CU
“Our Advocate was superb. I can’t thank her enough. The process was extremely helpful and our advocate made it so easy to navigate. One of the best investments I have made – opting in to this service…” Steven G. CU
“My advocate was very helpful and made sure I understood everything about my account. She followed up the next day via email and personal phone call and is a very easy person to deal with. I appreciate all your help and it put me at ease to know my accounts are being watched out for me thank you very much!.” Terry S.
“My Recovery Advocate has been wonderful to work with. Thanks, again for all of the valuable information and services provided.” Kelly V.
“Thank you! My Fraud Specialist has been wonderfully helpful! You have all been great! Your knowledge and ability to provide assistance are amazing!” Steve M.
“I am writing to you because of the exceptional service I have received over a year period with my assigned Recovery Advocate. She has been extremely patient, skillful, and customer service oriented!. She is amazing. Please give her a raise! She calmed me down and skillfully navigated to what needed to be done. Thank you so much!!” Shane L.

IDENTITY THEFT LOSSES TOTALED $52 BILLION, AFFECTING 42 MILLION U.S. ADULTS

by Brian Thompson | Apr 6, 2022 | Identity Theft

The just-released 2022 Javelin Strategy Annual Identity Fraud Study found that identity theft losses totaled $52 billion and affecting 42 million U.S. adults in 2021.

The Javelin study also reported the following:

1 in 20 Americans were victims of fraud in 2021.
The average per-victim loss from traditional identity theft and fraud rose to $1,551.
The average per-victim loss from identity fraud scams was $1,029.
More than half (54%) of fraud victims want their financial institution to offer a fraud prevention resource center to help them resolve their identity theft and fraud event.
Consumers expressed an interest in receiving more fraud prevention education from their financial institutions as well as identity protection services.
The 2021 statistics show individuals and businesses are unprepared for the tactics criminals are deploying in our modern, digital-first world.

Since identity theft and fraud is constantly evolving, how does the 2022 Javelin Study reflecting 2021 statistics compare to the last two Javelin Studies in 2020 and 2019?

In 2020, identity theft and fraud losses totaled $56 billion and affected 49 million U.S. adults.
In 2019, identity theft and fraud losses totaled $16 billion and affected 14.4 million U.S. adults.

According to Javelin, “the trends observed were huge increases to account takeover fraud and new account fraud in which fraud operators deployed multiple tactics to steal victims’ personal information to drain them of billions of dollars” including:

New account fraud increased by 109% enabling criminals in possession of consumer information to, at times, open multiple unauthorized accounts ranging from merchant accounts to credit cards.
Account takeover losses increased 90% as criminals highjacked victims’ online lives.
Fraud affecting existing credit cards rose 69%, while fraud on existing non-card accounts, including checking, savings, insurance or utilities, jumped 73%.

Javelin defines identity fraud as “the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information to achieve illicit financial gain. Identity fraud can range from simply using a stolen payment card account, to making a fraudulent purchase, to taking control of existing accounts or opening new accounts.”

In addition, Javelin defines identity fraud scams as “relatively easy to orchestrate and present an opportunity for criminals to bypass the fraud detection barriers maintained by financial services providers because they directly target the consumer.”

For example, an element of identity fraud scams is that consumers often remember the moment they experienced contact with an ID theft criminal or cyber thief relating to Phishing (fraudulent emails), Vishing (fraudulent phone calls and voice mail messages), and Smishing (fraudulent text messages).

For years, I have written and publicly spoken to consumers and small businesses on how education and awareness will help mitigate a consumer’s exposure to an identity theft event and an organization’s exposure to a data breach incident.

Since identity theft and fraud are constantly evolving, consumers and small businesses need to stay up to date on identity theft and fraud trends, such as the 2022 Javelin study, to make sure their online life and digital identity are safe!

By Mark Pribish Vice President and ID Theft Practice Leader

March 2022