Social media and mobile users take extra precautions to deter identity theft

Identity theft has increased in recent years, as more information is shared over the internet and stored on mobile devices, making it easier for criminals to access personal information such as bank accounts and Social Security numbers.

There are a few steps individuals can take to keep their information safe and thieves at bay. A good place to begin is by reviewing account passwords and making sure to change them on a regular basis. Additionally, avoid using commonly found information for these account protections, such as a mother's maiden name or birthday.

Individuals will also want to be careful of what they are sharing on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Personal information including addresses and phone numbers, can be used to authenticate a person's identity, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Applicationss can be insecure as well, the news source explains. Users will want to ensure the apps being downloaded are from reputable, well-known sources. They can do this by reading comments and searching out ratings.

Teens who use social media networks should also be careful, as a recent study from All Clear ID found the occurrence of identity theft among minors is 35 times greater than adults.