3.6 million South Carolina social security numbers breached by international hacker

1. Security needs to be multi-layered so that numerous obstacles will be in the way of the intruder.
2. Ensure security is installed at every possible entry point. Identify all machines connected to the Internet and assess the defense that's engaged.
3. Identify whether your servers are utilizing any ports that have been known to represent insecurities.
4. Ensure you are utilizing the most up-to-date patches for your software.

1. Before you bid, contact the seller with any questions you have.
2. Review the seller's feedback.

3. Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
4. Ensure you understand refund, return, and warranty policies.
5. Determine the shipping charges before you buy.

6. Be wary if the seller only accepts wire transfers or cash.
7. If an escrow service is used, ensure it is legitimate.
8. Consider insuring your item.
9. Be cautious of unsolicited offers.

Source: IC3.gov

1. If the "opportunity" appears too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Do not reply to emails asking for personal banking information.
3. Be wary of individuals representing themselves as foreign government officials.
4. Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.
Beware when asked to assist in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.
5. Do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your cooperation.
6. Guard your account information carefully.
7. Be cautious when additional fees are requested to further the transaction.

Source: IC3.gov

1. Be suspicious of any unsolicited email requesting personal information. Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal information.
2. Always compare the link in the email to the link that you are actually directed to.
3. Log on to the official website, instead of "linking" to it from an unsolicited email.
4. Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify if the email is genuine.

1. Ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing your credit card number online.
2. Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
3. If purchasing merchandise, ensure it is from a reputable source.
4. Promptly reconcile credit card statements to avoid unauthorized charges.
5. Do your research to ensure legitimacy of the individual or company.
6. Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.

1. Do not agree to accept and wire payments for auctions that you did not post.
2. Be leery if the individual states that his country makes receiving these type of funds difficult.
3. Be cautious when the job posting claims "no experience necessary".
4. Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your own country.