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Any time a "form" is submitted in your browser, data is sent across the Internet. More times then not this data contains sensitive information such as an email address, password, credit card number, etc. Unless the data is being sent over a secure connection, it is possible for that data to be stolen.
It is easier for identity theft to take place in locations where Internet access is publicly available (cafe's, motels). In these situations, a thief can perform what is called a "man-in-the-middle" attack and watch all the data that is being sent back and forth over the Internet. It is possible to remain unharmed in these situations as long as you know what to look for.
The easiest way to know if you're transmitting data over a secure connection is to look for the padlock icon in your browsers status bar (bottom of the window). To be sure, or to double check, you can also look at the URL in the address bar. Most addresses will start with "http". However, when the address starts with "https", you are on a secure website.
Sometimes a browser will warn that some items on the page are not secure and will ask if you still want to view them. In order to be 100% sure your data is being transmitted securely, you should choose not to view those items.
To complete your learning about securing your data, you should be familiar with SSL certificates. An SSL certificate is ultimately what makes a website/connection secure. There are three elements that work together when using these certificates:
- Domain Name
- Issuer
- Expiration
If any one of these three elements are invalid, you will be warned by your browser.
Identity theives can generate fake certificates that would allow them to interpret the data you are attempting to send to a legitimate website. In this case, the "issuer" field of the certificate would be invalid. If you chose to ignore this warning, then you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Sometimes SSL certificate warnings can be ignored, so how can you know when it's for real? The best way to know is to pay attention to the normal behavior of the website you are frequently on. If you never get warnings about the security of a website when you are at home but you get a warning when you are in a public area as described earlier, you should definitely think twice about accepting the state of the connection.
The best way to eliminate the chance of identity theft is to refrain from doing online banking and other sensitive related activities online.
To tie everything together, here is a small checklist that may help you:
- Do you trust the website you are on? (double check the address)
- Does a padlock icon appear in the bottom status of your browser?
- Does the website address start with "https"?
- Are there any warnings about the SSL certificate being invalid?
- Are you on a public connection? (Wi-Fi hotspot, etc)
Now that you know how to keep yourself safe online, want to know how to keep your computer safe?
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