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Hacking Your Data to Steal Your Identity 
By: Aazdak Alisimo
The massive conversion to computers and the web has made our lives much easier. We can communicate and process information at unbelievable speeds. Such efficiency, however, comes with a price more and more of us are having to pay.
Data breach and identity theft are two things that tend to go together. Data breach occurs when a criminal element successfully breaks into a secured system that contains sensitive information regarding individuals.
The average identity theif is not looking for just any old information. They are focused on the holy grail of private information, your legal name, address, SS# and phone number. Bank and credit card info is also going to raise an eyebrow.
In many situations, it is next to impossible to get all this information. Hackers thus try to get the email address for the individuals. They then send emails tempting the individual to visit a site and provide the additional information they need.
So, how do these emails work? They are typically tailored to appear as though they are from a company you are readily aware of. They then offer to upsell you one something great if you click through and supply your financial information.
If you are unlikely, the theif will eventually get his or her hand on your information. The next result is to make money off of it through identity theft. There are a couple ways this typically occurs.
The primery way criminals make money using your information is pretty much what you expect. They either misuse your current credit card accounts or, alternatively, your sensitive financial information is used to open entirely new cards.
It is getting harder to use the misappropriated account scam, so theives are turning to new strategies. One that is growing in popularity is the sale of your full identity for use as an entirely new life.
Some people need to leave behind a torrid past. It might be criminal. It might be personal problems. Whatever the reason, some people will pay to get your identity and start living a second life under your name and profile.
Illegal immigrants are the second reason. Many parts of the country now require you to have a social security number to hold a job. Illegal immigrants do not. Guess what they are willing to buy?
Despite assurances from credit card companies and the government, identity theft is here to stay. It is a relatively small price we pay for the efficiency of modern life. Be careful with your information and monitor your credit report.
Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles
Aazdak Alisimo writes articles on identity theft for ArticlesonIdentityTheft.com.
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