Interview for TVP INFO, 25 March 2010

The best way not to become a victim of identity fraud is to observe the basic security principles – advised GIODO in the interview given to TVP Info.

Journalist Anna Szumańska asked Michał Serzycki, the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection how to protect oneself against identity fraud.

- Only high awareness and prudent behaviour can protect us against risks – explained GIODO. He said that currently the easiest way to lose our identity is when using the Internet. As an example of imprudent behaviour he indicated the use of the same security passwords in many situations. – It is a great risk – he warned us. – If we use only one password, then in case of theft a thief can not only easily log in to a networking site instead of us, but also - pretending to be us - withdraw money from our banking account – explained Michał Serzycki. He advised Internet users to use diversified, properly built passwords and to change them once a month. He found it necessary to use anti-virus programmes.

He also warned us not to give our personal data too recklessly. He advised us to first of all analyse the scope of data required from us. – Data are always collected for some purpose – clarified GIODO – and no one shall collect more data related to us than necessary for achievement of the indicated purpose.