You are minding your own business surfing the net and decide now is a good time to check your online bank account. No big deal only this time around you notice your account is in the red.

That’s a shock since you made a hefty deposit into the account only yesterday. You didn’t make any major purchases and even if you did you are always careful to leave plenty of money in the kitty for rainy day emergencies.

In the offline world, identity theft happens when your personal information is stolen by someone and used to commit a fraudulent act or other forms of crime. But how does it work in the online world? One of the most prominent and toughest to guard against is called web spoofing.

Web spoofing is a dummy site set up and controlled by identity thieves designed to replicate an actual legitimate site. When the victim arrives at the web page (believing they are at the real site) thieves garner their personal information.

Some of the forms the victim fills out are quite extensive and personal so they can easily start sharing their life’s history without realizing what’s going on.

There are four basic components to web spoofing:

1. Domain name- This serves as the primary identity of the website. Usually, domain names can be bought from several online sources for a minimal amount.

2. Actual content- This is the second main component in order to publish a site. The very important factor to consider here is the HTML and the streaming media.

3. Web Hosting- On this part, the thief will not only claim the website but also the company’s principals and employees.

4. Legitimacy

It looks like the real deal site that you have been to on countless occasions. Or at least so close in look that you don’t really pay attention to the imperfections.

Online identity theft is not only a menace to individuals but business owners who have had potential revenue stolen right out from under them.

What are some of the best ways to protect against online identity theft?

1. Purchase anti-virus programs.

One of the tactics hackers and identity thieves utilize is to set up and release internet viruses. If you will keep your computers protected from said virus, there is a lesser chance for your computer to be hacked.

2. Secure Servers

Very important for transmitting over the web with a solid degree of protection. Be sure that you are also well informed about the company that you are doing business with. If you making any kind of financial transaction make certain that they offer a secure server.

For a rundown of  identity theft techniques check out Count The Ways