Radio Eska asks how to protect personal data on the Web, 22 October 2009

Identity theft on the Internet is a real threat – warned GIODO during the interview given to Adrian Kubicki from Radio Eska.

- If we do not observe the basic security principles when using the Internet, we will be threatened with loss of our personal data – said Michał Serzycki, the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection. Therefore, we have to pay attention as to whom and how much data we give, and we need to read the information on security principles.

GIODO informed that one of the typical methods of data extraction by hackers is faking websites of companies or institutions and sending e-mail requests for signing in to these websites and giving specific data. He emphasised that for example a bank would never act that way. – We need to remember that no bank will ever ask us to give our login or PIN number on the Internet or by e-mail – he stated.

The consequences of reckless conduct online can be serious. If someone steals our data, s/he can even take a credit in a bank on our behalf.