By StatePoint

Consumers today give out personal information all the time — from shopping online to signing up for special promotional offers to filling out job applications.

However, there are millions of identity theft victims each year, and when your information is stolen by a cyber-criminal, it will likely be sold on the dark web. Your social security number, for example, could be sold for as little as $1, according to Experian, one of the nation’s three credit bureaus. The end result is that criminals can open a credit card account in your name, steal your tax return, try to hack into your financial accounts and conduct other malicious activities.

The Dark What?

The dark web is a mystery to many. Only one in four people know what it is and what it’s used for, according to the Experian Cybersecurity Survey. It essentially allows criminals to conduct illegal activities in the deepest pockets of the Internet, undetected.

For identity thieves, the dark web is a marketplace for personal information, including phone numbers, email addresses, account passwords and social security numbers that can be used to commit identity theft and fraud.

While it’s doubtful that your local dry cleaner or gym will be targeted by an identity thief, any database is attractive to a cyber-criminal. Companies can also be victims of rogue employees, and smaller operations have less security. It’s best to err on the side of caution when giving out personal information.

Better Manage Personal Data

“Having your personal information exposed can be a threat to your identity and financial future, but there are ways to take control,” says Brian Stack, vice president of Dark Web Intelligence at Experian. “In a digital world, all of us are at some risk for identity theft and fraud. One step to get peace of mind is enrolling in an identity theft protection product so you are notified if credit is opened in your name or your personal data is on the dark web.”

To proactively protect your identity, take the following key steps:

• Only provide personal information when it’s required.

• Change online account passwords periodically and use a unique password for each account.

• Never access the Internet with unsecured public Wi-Fi. Only use secured public Wi-Fi with a password for browsing — don’t shop or access accounts, including social media and email.

• To log into accounts, enable authentication questions as well as two-factor authentication when available (and don’t use real answers such as your mother’s actual maiden name).

• Several times per year, check your credit reports from all three credit bureaus for possible fraudulent accounts.

Wondering if there’s already cause for concern? Experian offers a free Dark Web Triple Scan that searches thousands of dark web pages, networks and forums for your phone number, email address and social security number. This scan will inform you if any of this information is on the dark web. Learn more at experian.com/triplescan.

Your daily routine doesn’t have to lead to a darkened outlook. Taking proactive steps can help you stay vigilant and offer you better protection.

By StatePoint

Nutritious, delicious and low-calorie, vegetables should be the star player of all your meals. But sometimes providing veggies for your family can be time consuming and costly. Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to boost your veggie intake, and it all starts in your grocery store’s freezer aisle.

• Go frozen: Frozen vegetables are often one of the most affordable options and the quickest to prepare, reducing time spent slicing and dicing on busy weeknights. What’s more, by opting for frozen veggies, your family will likely reduce its food waste. Frozen vegetables are easy to store for long periods of time, and recent studies have found that freezing actually helps lock nutrients in.

• Swap it out: Little ones and even some adults can be resistant to certain vegetables at first. But there are ways to incorporate them into family meals with no one the wiser. Consider cooking with vegetables that offer the look, feel and taste of traditional starches such as rice, pasta and potatoes. For example, Green Giant’s frozen Veggie Swap-Ins line, which includes Green Giant Riced Veggies, Green Giant Veggie Spirals and Green Giant Mashed Cauliflower are easy go-to items in any kitchen for quick family meals. Indeed, 52 percent of American consumers who noted they had purchased Green Giant Swap-Ins products within three months of taking the survey, said they have introduced the product into their kids’ meals without their kids knowing they weren’t traditional potatoes, rice and/or pasta, and 49 percent admit to swapping these items for potatoes, rice and pasta 1-2 times per week.

• Be mindful: Dining out can be especially tricky territory for those looking to eat more vegetables. Be mindful of what you order. Read the menu carefully and ask questions. Many restaurants are happy to make substitutions to accommodate your preferences. For example, see if you can replace a side of fries with a garden salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables like green beans.

• Get creative: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck or simply making your family dinner, consider reducing calories in salads and sides by upping your vegetable intake in these dishes. Make an Italian pasta salad out of zucchini or carrot spirals. Swap out traditional rice with riced cauliflower to make a simple pilaf. Create a tasty alternative to traditional potato tots with such products as Green Giant Veggie Tots. The possibilities are endless.

Are you looking to simplify your family’s clean-eating routine and increase your vegetable intake? With a few tips and tricks, you can incorporate broccoli, beets, squash and more into your family’s diet while saving time and money in the process.