Here are a few easy steps you can take to immediately protect your computer.

1. Don’t run programs that you are unfamiliar with.

Use common sense, and beware of spyware! Don't download things from people you don't know! I rarely will touch an attachment.

2. Don’t allow unrestricted access to your computer.
If you have sensitive information on your computer, keep your computer's security safe, and that means keeping other people off of it.

3. Don’t use lame or soft passwords.
Use passwords which are difficult to figure out. That means letters and numbers, and not your name or commonly known information about you. Don't use your birthday, anniversary or other dates either.

4. Don’t forget to check for software updates...things change.
Keeping your programs updated with patches can save you a lot of headaches. Often we let this slide, but it can save you from virusues and other problems that are being passed around.

5. Don’t forget to make regular backups.

Have you ever crashed? I have...and it sucks. Backup, backup, backup!

Now that you've protected your computer, let's look at your identity!

Identity Theft is a Scary Thing, and Tons of Info is on Your Computer

Your computer can be a gold mine of information, and that means you need to protect it.

· Don't use outdated virus protection software. Consider setting your virus protection software to update automatically.

· Beware of phishing emails asking you to click a link because your "account" may have a problem. Your bank isn't going to send you an email, and your online companies aren't going to call you "Dear XXX member".

· Using a firewall program. There's no excuse not to have one up and running!

· Is that website secure? Look for the small lock icon n the browser bar. You can also look for things like https:// which is different from the traditional http://...that "s" means secure

· Don't store personal financial information on your laptop

· Deleting all of your personal information on a your computer before getting rid of it.

Take steps to minimize your risk, and you'll know you did everything you could. to protect your personal information.

Who's Phishing For Your Information?

I've been getting daily phishing emails, and it just keeps coming. I went from getting maybe one every week or so, to getting them almost daily. More people are trying to grab your identity, and more people are hoping you'll willingly give it to them.

When an email is sent to you asking for your information, passwords and credit card information, just stop. Don't click on those links, and don't believe it. Big companies like Ebay, Amazon and PayPal are not going to email you and ask you for your credit card information. It's somebody who is trying to get you to give them your information, so they can use it. Don't click on the link. If you are really concerned, go to the site in question (not through the link), and check your account. Some of these emails can be very convincing, and it's scary how real they look. I can guarantee you that PayPal isn't going to email you and call you "Dear Member".

You can forward these emails to the security departments of these companies, and they can then follow the trail. Remember....don't click that link.