GIODO advised the listeners on the Polish Radio how to prevent identity fraud, 15 September 2009

To avoid identity fraud we have to comply with the basic security principles – recommended GIODO during the interview given to the 1st Programme of the Polish Radio.

Michał Serzycki said that currently identity could be most easily lost while using the Internet. – Only high awareness can protect us against risks – he added. As an example of reckless conduct he gave the use of the same passwords in many situations.– It has been estimated that currently each Internet user needs to remember about 650 characters. So, it’s no surprise that we are trying to make our life easier and use the same passwords in many situations – he continued. However, it is a big risk, because if someone learns such a password, s/he can not only easily sign in to the networking site, but also - pretending to be you - withdraw money from your banking account. Michał Serzycki recommended to use different, properly built passwords and to change them monthly. He found it necessary to use antivirus programmes. He advised parents to ensure proper use of the Internet by their children, who are very credulous and see the world less critically and thus can more easily become a victim of frauds. The interview was conducted Henryk Szrubarz and Wojciech Molak.