What can individuals do to minimize the risk of identity theft online?

Using strong and unique passwords for different accounts is essential in minimizing the risk of identity theft online. Strong passwords typically contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making them more difficult for potential identity thieves to guess or crack. Furthermore, having unique passwords for each account ensures that if one password is compromised, the others remain secure. This practice significantly reduces the risk of a data breach affecting multiple accounts, which can often happen if weak or reused passwords are used.

In contrast, sharing passwords can lead to unauthorized access to personal information, while reusing the same passwords across different platforms creates vulnerabilities; if one service is breached, other accounts with the same password are at risk. Avoiding antivirus software also heightens the risk of identity theft, as such tools help protect against malware that can steal sensitive information. Therefore, adopting strong and unique passwords is a crucial step in protecting one's digital identity.