Most people store a lot of personal information on their home computer, laptop or PDA. This often includes data such as banking and credit card information along with the relevant passwords. The amount of damage that can be done to your credit can be devastating if a criminal is able to get his hands on your electronic data. Another way to grab the information he wants is to hack into your computer from a distance and dig out any useful information.

To keep yourself safe from this devastating crime, implement the following tips for identity theft protection immediately.

1) Block unauthorized access to your computer by requiring a password in order to log in. Do this for your PDA and laptop also.

2) Change your computer settings so it doesn’t automatically remember your passwords. It might be convenient to have your computer instantly enter passwords for all your accounts. However, identity thieves will find it just as convenient to access your financial accounts.

3) Change your passwords frequently.

4) Use antivirus software, and make sure it’s always running. These programs can keep hackers from infiltrating your system and stealing your information.

5) File sharing is another danger area. Your system is more open to being hacked if you have a wireless network that shares information between more than one computer.

6) Phishing is a very common means of gathering your personal information. This crime is most commonly in the form of an email that looks like it comes from a legitimate financial institution. When you follow the link, you’ll be requested to enter your password. This data is then used to steal your identity for fraudulent purposes.

In response to the increased problem of identity theft, many institutions now offer identity theft insurance. These policies typically cover any expenses you incur related to the theft of your identity. This can include legal fees, phone bills, and postage. It can also cover lost wages if you have to take time off work to deal with all the issues that will arise. It’s wise to take out a policy if you think you wouldn’t be able to handle these expenses otherwise.

These days, nobody is safe from identity theft. It is one of the fastest growing crimes internationally. And it can happen to you. Learn more about how to protect yourself at Identity Theft Facts.