Identity theft is like any other threat that we might have i.e. auto accident, sickness, home theft, etc.  While the truth is that some people go through life without ever experiencing any of this or similar threats, we all know that they do happen.

We are now in a digital age.  This brings many benefits but it also brings us new risks.  Before most companies kept your personal information in files that were accessed by a limited number of people.  The main risk was fire or a natural disaster that could destroy the file.

Most companies now are looking to store their information digitally to save space, gain faster access to the information and be able to perform data mining and data analysis.  It is also easier to protect the data by using data centers that store and backup the data.

We are also living in the age of social media where we willingly publish personal information that can be used by and identity thief to assume our identity.  They know where we live, what schools we attended, our pet’s name, etc.

The end result is that it is becoming easier to steal someone’s identity these days.  Unless you are aware of the ways an identity thief can steal your identity and make the necessary changes, you are exposing yourself to becoming a victim of identity theft.