Protect Your Mail

Your mail contains some of the most personal data, and it needs the of protection. It is ironic that some of the most secret personal data around sits in an unlocked compartment just inches away from a door that has two or more deadbolts and other types of locks. Get a locking mailbox or, even better, a post office box where the post office will hold your mail for you. Until you can have a lock box installed, follow a personal data tip: bring your mail inside as soon after delivery as possible. Don't let it sit for thieves to sift through. Be sure to have the post office hold your mail while you go on vacation. In fact, if you have ordered a lock box, you can have your mail held until it is installed. Protect your personal data by protecting your mail.

Protect Your Trash

I know a mother of teenage sons who, upon returning from a weekend away, headed immediately for the household trash can and lifted the lid. She was not surprised when she found empty liquor bottles and pizza boxes, evidence of unauthorized partying while she was away. Her teenagers were smart enough to have a party while she was gone, but not smart enough to hide the evidence.

Unfortunately, identity thieves are smarter than most teenage boys. They know that garbage cans contain valuable information, not about whether a party has taken place, but about a person's creditworthiness and identity. Personal data experts advise shredding anything that contains your name and address. You positively should shred any paper that contains your name, address and one other piece of information, such as a driver's license number, a social number, or even an account number. Never underestimate the innovation and creativity thieves will use to get to your personal data. should always be your number one priority.

Protect Your Computer

Use a personal password to protect against anyone gaining access to your computer's hard drive and files. Guard your passwords zealously at all times. Do not leave your computer on and unattended, even for a few minutes, not even at home. Don’t open or answer suspicious email; delete it without opening it.

Protecting Your Credit and Credit Rating

Monitor your credit rating with a vengeance. Get regular copies of your credit report, and subscribe to a credit monitoring service that will notify you when someone tries to get credit in your name or when your credit rating otherwise changes. Many services such as this can be found by searching the internet, which is always a good place to start.