Online procedures, real impersonation: the challenge of digital government

Online procedures are becoming more common, so using identity validation tools will be essential to prevent fraud and personal data theft.

The digitalization of government, financial, and other procedures is a reality we've already reached. This simplifies our lives by saving us time and avoiding lines. However, it can also become a risky activity if the information isn't handled carefully and validated correctly.

Identity theft in online transactions is currently a growing problem, with criminals often using identities that don't belong to them to commit all kinds of fraud after stealing personal data such as ID numbers, addresses, and banking information.

The threat of spoofing and its consequences

He spoofing, también conocido como la práctica de suplantar la identidad de una entidad legítima ya sea una persona, empresa, o dispositivo para engañar a otros y obtener información confidencial o realizar acciones maliciosas, es una práctica común ante la cual hay que mantenerse alerta.

This can affect victims not only financially, but can also have serious consequences, such as the dissemination of false information or damage to their reputation. It is precisely for these reasons that security measures must be taken when carrying out these types of procedures.

How to protect yourself from identity theft?

Among the main recommendations to prevent the theft of your information is the use of secure passwords that are unique to each account, complex, and can be changed regularly.

Also noteworthy is the implementation of two-step authentication, which adds protection by requiring a verification code in addition to a password.

Likewise, paying attention to suspicious emails and links is essential to avoid falling prey to this type of fraud. Always ensure that the websites where you complete transactions are secure, that their links begin with https://, and that they belong to legitimate entities.

Tools and regulations for digital security

Remember that if you suspect any of the above, it's best not to share your personal information and to constantly check your bank transactions.

Sin embargo, quizá la mejor forma de minimizar riesgos y asegurarte a ti o a tu empresa es a través de herramientas de validación KYC (Know Your Costumer/ conozca a su cliente) como las que ofrece Tu Identidad, las cuales se aseguren del cumplimiento normativo y protegen tu negocio, evalúan listas negras, correos, IP y teléfonos sospechosos con tecnología anti-spoofing.

Specialized agencies for data protection and digital fraud prevention already exist in various parts of the world. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets a strict standard for how personal data should be handled. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates and sanctions cases of identity theft and online fraud. In countries like Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) plays a similar role, while in Asia, Singapore has established the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) to oversee and address these issues.

However, the digitalization of procedures is a path of no return that brings with it efficiency, but also increasing risks. While governments and international organizations strengthen their data protection frameworks, the true first line of defense remains the user: adopting good digital practices and relying on reliable validation tools can make the difference between security and fraud.