Hackers steal personal information through various methods like entering social media accounts, infecting websites with viruses, and sending spam emails. They do this to access privileges like bank accounts, or sell the information to other sites. Identity theft is a common way information is stolen since users are unaware of how to protect what's inside their computers. To prevent data theft, people should create strong passwords, regularly change them, avoid leaving accounts open in public, and use antivirus software with firewalls that are kept up to date. Identity theft can occur without noticing, so being vigilant is important.

1. DATA THEFTLaura Lopez Alpizar

2. What is data theft?Data theft happens when someone tries to get your personal information illegally through the internet. These people are often known as hackers, and their main goal is to damage or destroy your information or place it on the internet for everyone to use.Hackers use several methods to steal your information, for instance, enter your social network account, place virus on certain websites, through spam E-mail, and the list goes on.

3. Why steal this information?Your information is valuable to hackers as it is for you for they can have access to important privileges as accessing your bank account.Others just steal your information to sell it to other sites.

4. Is it a common thing to commit identity theft?Yes, I believe identity theft is the most common way to steal other’s confidential information, for normal users are not aware that they also need to protect what is inside their computers.

5. What can people do to protect themselves against data theft?Create passwords at least twelve digits long.Make sure it is an alphanumeric (numbers and characters) password to make it hard to decode.Replace password every two or three months if necessary. Never leave your email accounts or bank account information open in public areas while away from the computer.Never check your bank balances from a public place.

6. Other ways to prevent identity theft.Use antivirus with firewall.Scan your computer at least once a month.Delete temporary files and cookies from the browser after using the internet or after each session.

7. What are some other interesting facts about data theft?Identity theft happens even without you noticing.Always try block your computer when leaving the workstation.When checking banking information, check the address bar and make sure it is the correct site.Don't use birthdates, license plate numbers or pet names as passwords.