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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1176476
7 - Flag It or Freeze It Sometimes, despite all our precautions, the worst can happen. So what should you do if you have reason to believe that your information or identity may have been stolen, or that a fraudulent attempt to open a credit account in your name is imminent? Tip: Federal law provides two methods of protecting yourself in this situation. Your first option is to flag your own credit file by requesting a "fraud alert" with one of the three main credit bureaus. This will notify any business or financial institution that a request to open a line of credit in your name may be fraudulent. If they receive such a request, they will take additional steps to verify the identity of the requester and make sure it's really you. The second, more severe measure is to ask for a "credit freeze". Credit freezes make it impossible for anyone to access your credit record (even you). This means that no one can open a new account in your name for any reason. It is possible to unfreeze and then refreeze your credit file, but it takes a bit of work—so a credit freeze should only be used if absolutely necessary. It's not possible to eliminate all risk, especially when it comes to something like identity theft: We're simply not in complete control of how our information is protected. The companies which collect and store our data will, hopefully, continue to improve their security. But in the meantime, you can greatly reduce your risk of identity theft by taking the steps outlined above. About SecureMac Founded in 1999, SecureMac (www. securemac.com) has been a leading contributor to Apple security since the 2005 release of the original MacScan anti-malware tool. In the years since, SecureMac has continued to play an essential role in providing macOS users with straightforward options for better security. From the development of the faster and more powerful MacScan 3 to the company's ongoing development of online privacy tool PrivacyScan, users can easily equip themselves for protection. With the addition of The Checklist, SecureMac continues to showcase a deep commitment to accessible security and the importance of digital awareness for all Mac users. For more info visit https://www.securemac.com/