1. Internet Transactions-Today the internet is a useful tool that unites people together; unfortunately, this tool also possesses viruses and spyware. To prevent yourself from being a "hacked" victim, update your virus protection daily, scan for Spyware, and make sure a firewall is installed. An antivirus program will disallow any downloaded software from affecting personal files. If a virus has entered through your protection, Spyware maybe a problem. Spyware allows hackers to rummage through your computer and access any information that is not encoded. Setting up a firewall as well can protect you from receiving uninvited guests. While surfing the web and purchasing items, the security of your protection package must be in action. When purchasing items online use companies that are popular and possess a significant amount of loyal users. Companies which have loyal users are satisfied and most likely not infected by the site. These companies should be more secure and private. When purchasing items look for a privacy mark on the page and a contact number. Theses sites are more secure than unfamiliar because of the quality of technology and software used.

2. Loss of I.D.-Tangible personal identification take many forms, the most common are social security cards, issued photo I.D.'s and credit or bank cards. If your social security card has been stolen, place a fraud alert on your credit report. If any new accounts or job titles are used under your social security number it is red flagged and halted. If a personal identification card has been stolen, notify the department that registered it, most likely the DMV. Cancel this card and open up a new one, ask the department to flag this identification card.

3. Minimizing Company Use of Your Personal Information- telephone marketing companies starting December 5, 2006, cannot print your credit or debit card expiration date or more than the final 5 digits of your card number on your card receipt; however, cards which are ran by hand or non machine may still show your numbers, even after December 5, 2006. To prevent telemarketers from Using your personal information you may ask them to "opt out" your information. Call 1-800-5-OPTOUT to notify the Credit Bearuoe to eliminate your name from pre-screened credit approvals.

4. Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Rituals: Daily-You should carry your wallet or purse in a secure personal position. Most people carry bank cards, credit cards, and personal identification in these items. Daily, people perform transactions and use these items. Keep your wallet or purse in a familiar position, once misplaced the subconscious recognizes a flaw. Weekly- When taking trash out to the curb, make sure personal information has not wondered. If Information is overloaded, use a shredder or cut up papers in fine pieces. This minimizes a thieves chance of obtaining your personal information. Monthly when paying bills or sending out information thought the mail, send your mail out at the local post office. The post office is a secure place compared to post stands. When receiving checks or mail send them to personal post boxes. The transaction process is simplified and the chance of anyone rummaging through your mail is minimized. Yearly, a credit report should be obtained to address the fact of used personal information. Compare your credit score to last year, and address opened accounts; for example, loans, open credit cards and bank accounts.