Take advantage of security features - Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if used appropriately (see Choosing and Protecting Passwords and Supplementing Passwords for more information).

Check privacy policies - Take precautions when providing information, and make sure to check published privacy policies to see how a company will use or distribute your information (see Protecting Your Privacy and How Anonymous Are You? for more information).

Many companies allow customers to request that their information not be shared with other companies; you should be able to locate the details in your account literature or by contacting the company directly.

Be careful what information you publicize - Attackers may be able to piece together information from a variety of sources. Avoid posting personal data in public forums (see Guidelines for Publishing Information Online for more information).

Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall - Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your own computer and leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall (see Understanding Anti-Virus Software and Understanding Firewalls for more information). Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date.

Be aware of your account activity - Pay attention to your statements, and check your credit report yearly. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the main credit reporting companies once every twelve months (see AnnualCreditReport.com for more information).

How do you know if your identity has been stolen?

Companies have different policies for notifying customers when they discover that someone has accessed a customer database. However, you should be aware of changes in your normal account activity. The following are examples of changes that could indicate that someone has accessed your information:

• unusual or unexplainable charges on your bills
• phone calls or bills for accounts, products, or services that you do not have
• failure to receive regular bills or mail
• new, strange accounts appearing on your credit report
• unexpected denial of your credit card