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In today’s world, due to the vast network of technology and its advancements, data is something that is always at risk; consequently, it requires vigilant protection. One of the most prevalent forms of cybercrime is Identity theft. Identity theft can be simply put as a gateway wherein a criminal uses or steals personal information of people without their consent. Identity theft can take many forms; however, what many people have observed is that it often manifests in financial terms. It’s one of the most secure and protected yet the most prone to embezzlement. We have different kinds of antivirus software available in the market to prevent identity theft. 

Antiviruses protect and secure the data from online theft or unauthorized access with the help of different features by blocking and removing malware.

Different Types of Identity Theft

Identity theft can be multi-dimensional because of various internet channels which are present to steal personal information. Let’s look at them one by one. 

Financial identity theft

One of the most prevalent and common Identity theft is financial theft. In this, a fraudulent activity wherein the fraudster uses personal bank account details, passwords to get unauthorized access to accounts without consent. 

Medical identity theft

It’s unimaginable that one can get involved in medical theft too. Medical Identity theft is defined as when someone uses medical information without the knowledge of the authorized entity to get drugs, medical claims, insurance, etc. for personal gains. 

Criminal identity theft

Criminal identity theft is one of the heinous crimes that one does. A criminal uses the identity or information of some other person while doing a crime and gets the other person booked for a crime which they haven’t even committed. 

Methods to Prevent Identity Theft

In this inescapable world of technology, somehow, data is one thing that fraudsters try to exploit and breach the privacy. Given the seriousness of information diversity in cyber-crimes, users are getting aware about the measures to prevent identity theft. 

Role of Antivirus

The Antivirus software plays a crucial role in protecting and safeguarding the system from malwares, viruses, and other harmful activities. Let’s see how it contributes in securing the information: 

Detection and removal of malware

Antiviruses are there to identify various types of viruses, and malware which consist of spyware and keyloggers. Fraudsters use malicious software to get access to private information. This information is passwords, credit card information, credit card details, phone numbers, etc. By creating a channel for protection through detection of the threats and removing it, antiviruses help in preventing identity theft.

Email scanning 

Many cyber-crimes often involve phishing activities where fraudsters trick users to reveal personal details. Antivirus comes email-scanning feature to keep a check on the incoming messages, attachments, for malicious attempts which prevents identity theft. 

Web protection

Antiviruses comes with the feature of web protection wherein it warns the user about potential websites which contain malwares. They don’t give access to these websites through a pop-up message and usually block it. This helps in exposure to harmful phishing activities which are there to steal the information, thus preventing identity theft.

System vulnerability scan

Antiviruses come with a feature of complete vulnerability scan of the whole operating system where it keeps a check on the external as well as internal attacks through malware scan detection feature. It helps in preventing identity thefts by identifying outdated softwares or unmatched flaws in the security to block potential threats from exploiting. 

Regular updates

Antiviruses have a feature of updating the system regularly automatically. It’s a swift one-check solution for day-to-day threats which in future could jeopardize personal information of a user. It usually identifies the malwares and spywares and disables it or removes it permanently, thus safeguarding the private information.

Norton Antivirus: Preventing Identity Theft 

While cybercrimes are getting more active in this fast pace internet world,  antivirus software plays an important role in safeguarding every bit of information. Antivirus software in combination with other preventive measures like having a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and also by being cautious about your online activities can prevent Identity theft to a large extent. One of the most efficient antivirus in the cyber market is Norton antivirus which offers a comprehensive approach to safeguard important information, thus helps to prevent identity thefts. 

FAQs

What is identity protection in antivirus? 

Prevention of digital information of users with the help of Antivirus software for any malicious use.

What role does antivirus software play in protecting your device?

Antivirus scans the data, gives timely updates and alerts the user about potential threats and then deletes it permanently.

Is an antivirus necessary? 

The answer is YES. To make your system run efficiently one should have an antivirus to safeguard their system.

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