New York City’s Prospect Park Picnic House and Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park are two parks currently receiving free Wi-Fi from AT&T. The third park as the first group of this innovative service is Manhattan’s Marcus Garvey Park. The plan is to provide free Wi-Fi access to 26 different locations in 20 parks in New York City within five years.

This digital initiative was planned by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg along with the city of New York. The city partnered with AT&T due to their excellent coverage in the area and innovative ideas. Literally millions of people visit Prospect Park alone. Providing free Wi-Fi attracts even more visitors and tourists. It is also the perfect way to give back to the community.

Unlike many other supposedly “free” services that depend upon whether a user is a customer or not, users do not have to be AT&T customers to access the free Wi-Fi. AT&T gains respect from customers and draws in new business by showcasing the quality of their service for free to everyone in the area.

As a benefit to AT&T customers, they can save on data usage by switching to the free Wi-Fi seamlessly. In a way, it is truly giving back to the customers who have helped make AT&T what the company is today. As the largest provider of Wi-Fi hotspots, AT&T is taking major steps towards ensuring the entire country has access to the Internet, wherever they may be.

With most devices, data service is required. Free Wi-Fi spots, like those in New York, enable users to save themselves from overages charges simply for using the Internet as it was meant to be used, for free. Any Wi-Fi enabled device can use these hotspots and enjoy Internet without limits or restrictions.

With AT&T leading the charge, others may start to realize the importance and even benefits of providing the country with something for free. Free Wi-Fi may even lead to data usage limits being lifted so users can enjoy amazing service for less, even outside Wi-Fi spots.

For its customers, AT&T provides Basic and Premium Wi-Fi services. Basic Wi-Fi is included with all AT&T high speed Internet services, like AT&T DSL and Uverse Internet.

So, how can parents ensure their children get their schoolwork done while making sure their online time is safe? Here are some tips to enable both working and surfing in an safer environment:

• Monitor all online activity personally – Try to make sure a child’s computer – even a teenager’s – is placed in a location where parents can keep their eyes on activity. Many families place computers in their dens or create a family office where everyone can work and play.
• Use an online protection program – Programs like Norton 360 offer parental controls so parents can easily set what websites a child can visit and ban others from a particular machine. This is an excellent way to help protect children – and a computer – from the dangers that lurk online.
• Consider keyloggers – There are some programs parents can access that will enable them to see and read everything their children say in chat rooms and other potentially dangerous locations.
• Demand access to all user names and passwords – Do not allow children to create online accounts without permission – even for school. This includes email addresses, social media accounts and so on. Be sure to keep a list of all user names and passwords and check a child’s account frequently for any worrisome correspondence.
• Lay ground rules – Parents can and should lay ground rules for online use. Children should be made aware of those rules and they should adhere to them. The rules might include limiting online time for schoolwork only, setting a certain amount of “play” time and so on.
• Talk to children about the dangers – Children need to be made aware of the kinds of dangers that lurk online. For example, they should know that not everyone on a social media website or in a chat room might be who they say they are. Be frank and straightforward when discussing the potential dangers.

The internet is becoming a necessary tool for daily life, even for children. Parents can take measures to ensure kids are safe when they’re online. When the right moves are enacted, the benefits of the internet can be enjoyed without opening the door to the potential perils.

AT&T DSL service is a Digital Subscriber Line solution that offers high speeds without the fuss and muss cable installations can involve. Since it offers broadband access using telephone lines, most consumers already have the basic equipment they need to enjoy DSL service.

AT&T DSL High Speed Internet is considered among the best for a few very good reasons. Here are four reasons why it pays to consider this particular service provider:

• Speed – AT&T DSL Internet is by its very nature a high-speed, broadband solution. Consumers will find, however, that they do have their choice of speeds. AT&T has gone to great lengths to ensure its DSL customers have options meant to support standard use, business-grade service and more. Even those who need rapid fire connections for demanding online games will discover AT&T DSL has an option that suits them. The download speeds for this service ranges from 768 Kbps to 6.0 Mbps. For speed higher than 6.0 Mbps, AT&T offers Uverse Internet which goes up to 24 Mbps for download speeds. Uverse Internet is also used for AT&T Uverse TV service.
• Reliability – AT&T DSL is considered among the most reliable in the industry. This is because AT&T has gone to great lengths to ensure its users enjoy the best in service at the homes and at their businesses. AT&T backs its DSL service with robust technology meant to ensure reliability and performance.
• Bundle options – AT&T DSL service is available on its own or as part of a number of different pricing/service bundles. Customers can enjoy this service along with home phone coverage, television packages and more. AT&T DSL subscribers, in fact, can wrap up all of their communication and entertainment needs with this single company. The options make AT&T DSL a smart and an affordable choice.
• Dedicated lines – AT&T DSL understands that neighborhood traffic on phone lines can impede the speed at which service is delivered. That’s why the company has ensured that its customers enjoy dedicated digital lines that are always available. Subscribers don’t have to worry about switching out in between phone and computer use either. Simultaneous phone and data use is a part of the plan. AT&T’s dedicated lines are also directly connected from a home or business right to the DSL gateway. This means users won’t have to worry about slowdowns.

AT&T DSL is considered one of the best choices going for high-speed internet connections. Courtesy of its reliability and the programming options available to go with it, consumers will find that AT&T delivers a solid choice to meet just about anyone’s specific requirements. AT&T DSL High Speed Internet is available as combined with home phone service, or as a standalone service known as AT&T DSL Direct. This means a customer can use a phone line provided by another company.

Fortunately, there are many things computer owners can do to protect their machines and personal data from attack. To close the loopholes for computer vulnerabilities, consider doing these things:

• Keeping the operating system updated – No matter what operating system is used, it’s important to make sure the latest updates are always installed. Companies like Windows constantly upgrade their systems to ensure the latest protections are in place. They also remain vigilant for vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit and their updates can provide the means to close those vulnerabilities.
• Use a firewall – A firewall is a first line of defense against incoming hackers. When one is enabled on a machine, it can help prevent others from accessing data while the owner is online. This is a critical form of protection that can help close down vulnerabilities and keep computer users and their files safe.
• Have an antivirus program installed – Programs such as Norton Internet Security or Norton 360 can serve as valuable features on any computer. These are designed to scan files, incoming emails, instant messages and more for pieces of malware. When detected, they alert users so definitive action can be taken. Above mentioned Norton programs, in fact, come with an onboard firewall, so this base is covered, as well (Norton AntiVirus does not come with the firewall). Whether a person chooses to use a Norton product, McAfee, ESET or even some of a free antivirus programs like Free Avast or Free Avira, it’s important to keep the protection running at all times and also to keep the programming updated.
• Be wary – Vigilance can be one of the most important safety tips a computer user can employ. Simple be wary of activities while online. Avoid unknown websites and never click on direct links in emails. If a site isn’t known and/or secured, don’t share personal information over it. The truth is there are many bogus websites on the Internet that are designed to help bad guys spread malware or directly steal personal information. Be careful when surfing.

Computers are vulnerable to attack, but they can be safeguarded. By keeping the right programs loaded and updated, it is possible to avoid cyber theft. Being vigilant is also a critical measure to take when it’s time to lock down a machine and the data is stores.

The program enables would-be buyers to try on Norton 360 Version 6.0 before they buy it. In addition, they can also provide Norton with valuable feedback about the program’s operation, usefulness, user friendliness and more. In exchange for feedback, users are given an opportunity to buy the final release version at a discount.

So, what is offered in Norton 360 Version 6.0 Beta that makes it worth the look? Here are the four focal points of this software package:

• PC Security – Like other products created by this PC security software leader, Norton 360 Version 6.0 Beta offers a robust system of protections against viruses, Trojans, worms, bots and other potential threats. The program includes a smart, two-way firewall and a host of other features that are designed to lock a machine against threats. In addition, it provides continuous updates to ensure users have the latest antivirus protocols installed on their machines.
• Identity Protection – With cybercrime on the rise, protecting personal identity is critical for anyone with a computer. Norton 360 Version 6.0 Beta does this by offering a variety of features that are mean to safeguard users online. Some of the features include stored passwords, alerts against fraudulent websites and more.
• Backup protection – No matter how secure a machine is, data can be lost. Norton recognizes this and responds. The Norton 360 Version 6.0 Beta program offers a variety of backup options, including facilitation of backups to other devices. In addition, users will find offsite storage is also available in limited capacity. Upgrades are feasible as is the case with other Norton backup packages.
• PC Tuneup – Making sure Norton 360 Version 6.0 Beta continues to offer the holistic coverage that previous versions of the program provided was important to programmers. With this in mind, this particular version still offers the same tune up tools that are designed to speed up PC performance and enhance user experience.

Now, what is new for this software is this:

• Norton Identity Safe in the Cloud,
• Norton Management,
• Download Insight Stability Ratings, and
• Bandwidth Management.

Norton 360 Version 6.0 provides computer users with a well-rounded suite of protections. This program is designed not only to put a lock on security, but also to help users enjoy their online and offline experiences more. Beta testing is available for a limited time. After that, computer owners will be able to purchase the full version at standard retail rates.

The AT&T U-verse Mobile Video app has been available for a while, but it keeps getting better. It was recently expanded to enable customers to download more than 700 different television episodes from more than 100 different television series. The app is available to AT&T U-verse TV subscribers at no addition charge. Customers must have U200 programming or higher. The app is available on more than 20 smartphones and is constantly being expanded.

At the most recent count, the AT&T U-verse app was available for iPhone users and a wide variety of Android phones. Some of those supported include the LG Thrive, LG Phoenix, Samsung Infuse 4G and the Windows Phone HTC and HD7S. The app has been available for iPhone users since last August.

Television shows now available on the AT&T U-verse Mobile Video app come from a variety of networks. The lineup includes shows from ABC, ABC Family, Animal Planet, Discovery, Disney Channel, ESPN, A&E, Bio, PBS, TLC, the Cartoon Network, History, HGTV and more. The app also gives subscribers the ability to browse their U-verse television programming guide so they can schedule and manage their DVR recordings from where ever they happen to be.

To make sure its customers can get the best in service on the road, AT&T Uverse also launched a Service & Support Tool app recently. This new tool lets customers get self-support information and tools for their U-verse phone, email, Internet and television service right from their smartphone. The new app is available at no extra charge for AT&T U-verse customers. It works on BlackBerry, Android and iPhone devices.

The Troubleshoot & Resolve app is another feature that AT&T U-verse provides for its subscribers. This tool provides self-support information directly on the television screen for cable subscribers.

AT&T U-verse customers will find that their service provider is working hard to stay on the cutting edge. Customers can literally enjoy U-verse services at home and on the road, no matter where they are. From mobile phone viewing to Multiscreen capabilities on their home television, AT&T U-verse service is designed to give customers the greatest options and the most control over their services. New programming is constantly being added to ensure that customers get the services and support they want.

So let’s see what going on with Vonage lately.

Earlier this year, Vonage has made changes to its offer by removing Vonage Lite plan, and introducing a new one, so the calling plan list looks as follows:

Residential Domestic Calling Plans

• Vonage U.S. & Canada Unlimited – $14.99/mo. for 3 months then $24.99/mo. plus taxes & fees (some conditions apply)
• Unlimited local and long distance in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Unlimited readable voicemail transcriptions sent via text and email.
• Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
• Unlimited incoming phone calls AND Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• 411 Enhanced Directory Assistance included.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed Internet connection and use your service just like at home.
• Keep your existing phone number.
• Vonage U.S. & Canada 750 – $19.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• 750 minutes of outbound local and long distance home phone service across U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and just 3.9¢ for each additional minute.
• Special low rates to 10 countries including Philippines, Guatemala and Jamaica.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Unlimited incoming phone calls AND Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
• 411 Enhanced Directory Assistance included.
• Unlimited readable voicemail transcriptions sent via text and email with Vonage Visual Voicemail.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed Internet connection.
• Keep your existing phone number.
• Vonage U.S. & Canada 300 – $11.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• 300 minutes of outbound local and long distance home phone service across U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and just 5¢ for each additional minute.
• Special low rates to 10 countries including Philippines, Guatemala and Jamaica.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Unlimited incoming phone calls AND Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed Internet connection.
• Keep your existing phone number.
• Vonage Pro – $34.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• Unlimited local and long distance in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Includes calls to landlines in Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• International Rates as low as 1¢ per minute.
• Vonage Companion, which allows you to make and receive calls from any computer with a high-speed Internet connection.
• Unlimited readable voicemail transcriptions sent via text and email.
• 411 Enhanced Directory Assistance included.
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way Calling and tons of other standard features.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed internet connection.
• Keep your existing phone number.

 Residential Domestic/International Calling Plans

• Vonage World – $14.99/mo. for 3 months then $25.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• 60 countries with unlimited¹ calling to landlines included.
• More than 10 countries and territories with unlimited calling to mobile phones – even India.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Unlimited local and long distance home phone service across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Unlimited readable voicemail transcriptions sent via text and email.
• Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
• FREE Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed Internet connection and use your service just like at home.
• Keep your existing number.
• World Premium Unlimited – $54.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• 80 countries with unlimited calling to landlines included.
• More than 40 countries and territories with unlimited¹ calling to mobile phones – including UK, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia & Brazil.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Unlimited local and long distance home phone service across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Unlimited readable voicemail transcriptions sent via text and email.
• Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
• FREE Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• 411 Enhanced Directory Assistance included.
• Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter anywhere there’s a high-speed Internet connection and use your service just like at home.

Small Business Calling Plans

• Vonage Small Business Premium Unlimited – $49.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• Unlimited local and long distance in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Includes calls to landlines in Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Dedicated fax line with 500 minutes of outgoing fax service (3.9¢ for each additional minute), plus unlimited incoming faxes.
• Convenience. With Simul-Ring® you can choose up to five other numbers anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada to ring immediately when someone calls your Vonage number.
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
  Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter when you travel and use it wherever there’s a high-speed Internet connection.
• Vonage Small Business Basic 1500 – $39.99/mo. plus taxes & fees
• 1500 minutes of outbound local and long distance business phone service to anywhere in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and 3.9¢ for each additional minute.
• Vonage Extensions™ – extend this calling plan to any phone, even mobiles, at no extra charge.
• Dedicated fax line with 500 minutes of outgoing fax service (3.9¢ for each additional minute), plus unlimited incoming faxes.
• Unlimited incoming and Vonage-to-Vonage calls.
• Convenience. With Simul-Ring® you can choose up to five other numbers anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada to ring immediately when someone calls your Vonage number.
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Anonymous Call Block, 3-Way-Calling and tons of other standard features.
  Online Account Access to manage your features and service.
• Portability. Take your Vonage adapter when you travel and use it wherever there’s a high-speed Internet connection.

 Vonage Calling Features

Vonage offers probably the best VoIP features that are already included into the price of any of its calling plan than any other VoIP provider in any of the countries where Vonage serves its customers. Besides included Vonage features, there are also add-on features, depending on the plan selected.

Free Vonage Calling Features

I’m not sure why Vonage still states just over 25 included calling features when I actually see no more nor less than 37, as follows:

1. Vonage Extensions™
2. Vonage Visual Voicemail ®
3. Caller ID with Name
4. Call Waiting
5. Vonage Voicemail Plus ®
6. Call Transfer
7. Call Waiting with Caller ID
8. Vonage Online Account
9. Network Availability Number ®
10. Enhanced Call Forwarding
11. SimulRing ®
12. 3-Way Calling
13. Caller ID Block
14. Call Return
15. Do Not Disturb
16. Anonymous Call Block
17. Repeat Dialing
18. International & Directory Assistance Block
19. Moving with Vonage
20. Call Hunt
21. Ring Lists
22. Vonage Access Number
23. Bandwidth Saver ®
24. Click-2-Call ®
25. 211 Calling
26. 311 Calling
27. 411 Calling
28. 511 Calling
29. 711 Calling
30. 811 Calling
31. 1-700-WEATHER
32. 1-700-GREETINGS
33. Refer-A-Friend ®
34. Move Your Number
35. Number for Life
36. In-Network Calling
37. 24/7 Customer Support

Of all of the features above, the Vonage Extensions is a new one which allows you to extend your Vonage plan to the any phone you want. This means, any additional phone, including a mobile, can work with an Extension at no extra charge so you can start saving money on international calls.

Add-On Vonage Calling Features

The calling features below are if you want to enhance your Vonage plan, based on your needs:

• Annual Prepay – Saves money if you pay your Vonage service annually. As of today, it says that the annual cost for Vonage World would be $269.99, for Vonage Pro $335.99, and for Business 1500 $$399.99. This makes the savings for Vonage World to be 10%, while it’s 20% for Vonage Pro and Business plans. Not bad.
• Fax Line – If you have a residential plan, and need a fax line, you can get it for $9.99 per month. For that Price you get 250 minutes of outgoing fax service, plus unlimited incoming faxes. Business plans already include more than that.
• Virtual Number – A very cool feature which allows you to have a number of another geo location. For example, you live where the area code is 412, and most of your family lives where the area code is 563. You get a virtual number with area code 563, and none of your family has to pay long distance fees when they call you. It’s a local call for them. The price varies from $4.99 to $9.99 per month, as this is not available just for U.S. numbers, but of some other countries as well like Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Africa, Spain, and United Kingdom. I’m sure that we can expect other countries to be added over the time.
• Add A Line – Simple as that, if you need more than one number, you can add it from within your account online. You get questioned about if you would use your existing or new phone adapter, and what plan you would use.
• Vonage Softphone ® – For $9.99 per month, you can add Softphone Plan which allows you to download software onto your computer (PC or Mac) which you can use when on the road. The plan includes 500 minutes of U.S. nationwide long distance and calls to Canada every month. There is one time activation fee of $9.99 plus applicable taxes and fees.
• Toll Free Plus ® – This is another way of enabling free calls to your residence. With this feature a caller simply calls your Tool Free Number just like any else and does not pay anything. A Toll Free Number costs $4.99 a month (plus taxes and fees) for 100 minutes. If you exceed the 100 minutes, the cost is 4.9 cents for each additional minute. There is a one time activation fee of $9.99 plus applicable taxes and fees. This is great when you have kids or other family members away from home. The calls to Tool Free Plus number can be made from U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the US Virgin Islands.

Vonage Phone Service – Round Up

After digesting all of the Vonage calling plans and features listed above, I would say that there should be something for almost any type of a caller, being that local, domestic, or international. Plus, there is something for small business, too. And like with any other service, the best is to get well informed before making the final decision.

These new Norton 2012 security products emphasize identity protection as well as reputation, file, behavior and network based protection.

This would include:

• Norton Identity Safe in the Cloud – Protects personal and financial information from cybercriminals and keeps users safe from fraudulent websites. New streamlined interface, simplified login experience, and ability to store passwords in the cloud makes accessibility easy from any computer with Norton Internet Security 2012 installed.
• Norton Management – New web-based functionality lets users manage their Norton products from anywhere in the world. Users can remotely add Norton products, manage security settings and update subscriptions, making it simple to check on the health of their devices or fix issues without needing to be there in person.
• Norton Insight – Norton’s exclusive reputation-based security technology leverages the anonymous software adoption patterns of millions of contributing Symantec users to automatically identify and block never before seen malicious software.
• Download Insight – Checks every downloaded file for safety before installation and now provides users with additional data about the predicted stability of the application in their environment based on the stability experiences of millions of other Symantec users.
• SONAR – Improved SONAR technology monitors running applications for suspicious behavior to quickly detect and disable previously unknown threats. The latest version is SONAR 4.
• Norton User Experience – From the streamlined main user interface, Norton 2012 offers quick access to Norton Mobile Security Lite, Norton Cybercrime Index, Norton Online Family and website ratings service Norton Safe Web.

In addition to the above, Norton has come out with a new feature called Bandwidth Management which limits non-critical Norton updates when you connect to 3G networks so it won’t eat up your monthly data allotment or cause overage fees. This feature is available in both Norton AntiVirus 2012 and Norton Internet Security 2012. Norton AntiVirus download and Norton Internet Security download versions are available through Norton online store.

AT&T U-verse high speed Internet packages vary from the Pro account that offers up to 3 Mbps of download speed to the Max Turbo that provides 24 Mbps. Other packages – Elite, Max and Max Plus – fall in between on the spectrum to provide more tailored service.
A look at the Max Turbo package will give those considering AT&T U-verse a good idea of what the internet service can really provide. This package – AT&T’s best – provides customers the power to email, download music, take part in social networking, share photos, game online, conference, watch television, upload files, download movies, stream video and even video conference.

AT&T U-verse customers also enjoy several features that go above and beyond typical service packages. They include:

Better Connects at Home, on the Road

AT&T U-verse internet offers a built-in wireless home networking system. The Residential Gateway is designed to eliminate dead spots and prevents outside access to an internet connection. AT&T Wi-Fi also offers customers the ability to email, stream video, listen to music and more while they’re on the go using the national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network. This feature is available at no extra charge.
U-verse customers also enjoy an unlimited national dial-up Internet access unlimited if they are away from home and a Wi-Fi Hot Spot isn’t available.

Enhanced Communication

AT&T U-verse internet customers also enjoy access to the company’s email system. Mail Plus, for example, offers near unlimited storage, POP access and 10 additional email accounts.

Security

This is a big concern for AT&T and it has taken steps to safeguard its customers. AT&T U-verse internet comes with an Internet Security Suite that’s powered by McAfee. It provides a firewall, anti-spyware and antivirus protections. In addition, users also enjoy access to parental controls, a pop-up catcher, Spam Guard and more.

AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet is designed to offer customers the level of service they really need. From the powerful Max Turbo package to the more scaled down Pro package, AT&T customers enjoy unlimited access, tight security and a host of other features.

Unfortunately, some people falsely believe that identity theft only occurs on the Internet. With this in mind, they don’t enact protections for themselves or others in their lives. To better understand just who needs identity theft protection, it helps to have a clear picture of what these thieves do and what information they go after.

Just What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves the unauthorized access and use of a person’s personal information. The information may include Social Security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers and more. Identity thieves seek to use their information for their own personal financial gain. Even in the case of a newborn, there is a potential vulnerability. A Social Security number, for example, can be stolen and then used to establish an “identity” and set up accounts under a fabricated persona.

Identity thieves use the information they gather in a variety of ways. They include:

• Straight theft – Capture a credit card number and other identifying information and a thief can easily use these things to make purchases that are charged to another. They can also take bank account information and use it to drain accounts to their own advantage.
• Elaborate theft – That newborn’s Social Security number is a good example of a more elaborate scheme. In this type of case, the thief might use the information to create a whole persona that can be used to establish new accounts that can be used for financial gain. The parents of the newborn might not even know the theft is going on until years later.

The Dangers

While most banking institutions and credit card companies have mechanisms in place to protect their clients from undue losses related to identity theft, victims often find their good names, credit and lives have been violated and even ruined. It can take a great deal of time to straighten out theft when it happens. In the meantime, victims might have trouble gaining credit, landing employment and more.

Identity theft is a concern for everyone. Since attacks and be high-tech and low-tech alike, the reality is no one is immune to the need for protection. Programs such as Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, and LifeLock identity theft protection and others are potentially valuable tools that can help protect against this type of crime.