There is so much you can do on a mobile phone these days! Many tasks you would do on a computer can now be done while on the go with a Smartphone. The dark side of this convenience is the risk users may have when the security of the mobile applications are taken for granted.

Ever thought of how well you know the functions of your phone? Ever thought of how much your phone knows about you? Your Smartphone’s knowledge, if not protected, is a potential risk to your security and privacy. The ultimate question to ask: Is my privacy and security at risk?

Unfortunately, the IRS is able to criminally investigate only a small percentage of tax-related identity theft cases due to its limited resources. In 2010, its Criminal Investigations Division investigated only 4,700 cases of all kinds, not just identity thefts.

If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, he might revise his often-repeated quote to reflect a current threat: “...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and identity theft.”

By Chuck Whitlock, Identity Theft Author and Investigative Reporter An old adage warns, “Trust no one.” Sadly, when it comes to protecting your identity, these words should become your mantra. While faceless scammers on the Internet or other strangers are often the main suspects in identity thefts, the biggest threat to your identity may be posed by someone who is close to you, even someone you love.

To help consumers “DEFEND” themselves against cyberthieves, Experian’s ProtectMyID and Identity Theft Expert Chuck Whitlock offer the following tips:

By the National Cyber Security Alliance National Cyber Security Awareness Month is here and we want you to get involved! You don’t have to be a technology expert to do your part in securing cyberspace – it’s as simple as STOP. THINK. CONNECT. (www.stopthinkconnect.org) The Internet is a shared resource and securing it is Our Shared Responsibility. Here are some tips and advice to get you started.

Identity theft — it is a crime that can be devastating and take countless hours to resolve. According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year. Joining “The Balancing Act” on its “myMoney” series is Experian to introduce its leading identity theft detection, protection and resolution product, ProtectMyID™.

A recent newscast about online pictures and the threat they can pose to privacy (geotagging) was the topic of conversation at a dinner party the other night. Some of my friends happen to have tweens who are very active online. Many of the parents did not know that when their kids post pictures of themselves online, they can inadvertently post their location and leave themselves at risk. Other friends hadn’t thought about the risks of posting pictures real-time, thus revealing that their home was empty.