Don't get "Phished"
Phishing is a term used to trick people into giving up their personal information online. The most common method is by getting an email that appears to be from your bank or credit card provider. They may mention that they need you to update your records, or need additional information from you before your recent transaction can be completed. These emails look just like the banks’ websites, including the same graphics, but the links do not go to the bank, they go to some off-shore server where they collect the information your enter and use it to either steal your identity, or make purchases with your account.

Never click on any link that appears to be from your bank in an email. Always visit bank or credit card websites by typing them manually. If you get an email that appears to be from your bank or credit card, call them and let them know. Many times they would like to your forward the email to a special email address for their investigation.

Run Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software
As well as cause system problems, some viruses can actually monitor your keystrokes as you type and send that information across the Internet where thieves collect it. Running anti-virus and anti-spyware sofware will search your computer for existing affected files as well as protecting you from getting new ones. Is it also important that you make sure your Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware software is up to date.

Get a firewall
A firewall is software or hardware that controls access to and from the Internet from your computer. This is very important if you have a high-speed connection, since you are online all the time, unlike a dial-up connection. A free program like ZoneAlarm, can tell you what programs are using the Internet as well as allow you to block certain programs from accessing the Internet. This can be your first indication that something has installed without your knowledge.

Switch to Firefox or run Windows updates
Most viruses, adware and spyware target the Internet Explorer browser since it is the most popular. My switching to Firefox, you can avoid most of the insecurities of the Internet Explorer browser. However, if you do not feel comfortable switching browsers, make sure that you are running Windows Updates on a regular bases.

Lastly, if you feel you have been a victim of Identity Theft, visit http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ for the most up to date information on what you should do.