Over 9 million North Americans have their identities stolen each year, and at least 534 million personal records have been compromised since 2005 through database attacks.

Here are some tips to help you protect your online identity.

1. Install and use robust, up-to-date security software for your computer and smartphone. Update your operating system regularly. Preventing your phone or computer from becoming infected with malicious software is critical. It is generally too late after a breach, as you have already given criminals the key to your online actions.
2. “If it’s too good to be true, it’s not true” it’s probably a scam. Beware of offers for free products, claims you won a contest you did not enter or get-rich-quick Learn to pick out scams, spam and phishing sites. Some phishing scams can be easily identified. Other phishing attempts in an email, Instant Messaging, on social networking sites, or websites can look very legitimate.
   To ensure you never fall for a phishing scam, don’t click on a link that has been sent to you by someone you don’t know, looks suspicious or from a third party that you didn’t request the information from.
3. Use strong passwords. Weak passwords are an identity criminal’s dream. This is especially true if you use the same password Passwords should have a minimum of 12 Characters that includes numbers, symbols, capital Letters, and lower-case letters: Use a mix of different types of characters to make the password harder to crack. Ensure your passwords have nothing to do with your personal information (like a pet, birth dates, pet or age).  If your accounts are hacked, having multiple passwords for your online accounts will reduce the overall impact. Multiple passwords make it much more difficult for criminals having the ability to gain access to all your private data at once.
4. Freeze your credit. Be aware; criminals use stolen ID’s to open new lines of credit. A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a free tool that lets you restrict access to your credit report.  A credit freeze makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. This is because creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account. There are three main credit reporting agencies you can freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and
5. Monitor & review all bank data and credit scores. Look for unknown, or suspicious charges on your credit card and bank statements. Also monitor for new loans, credit cards, and suspicious transactions on your account. Take immediate steps to have these terminated and investigated.
6. Be smart with your online purchases. Only use reputable websites. Check search engines for reviews. Research retailers online to make sure they’re legitimate. Make sure the website is secure. Dig deep into the site and review. Look for a secure, encrypted connection when asking for your personal and financial information. Look for HTTPS and the lock icon in the address bar of your favorite browser. When making purchases do not use public Wi-Fi. Pay by using a credit card.
7. Understand your default privacy settings on social networking sites. Know how to change them to increase your security preferences.
8. Limit location settings. Limit or disable the location settings on videos and photos you post to social networking sites.

Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information

Bank withdrawals that you can’t explain.

Missing mail and bills.

Credit approval denied or subjected to high interest rates for no apparent reason.

You are receiving new credit cards sent to you that you did not apply for.

Debt collectors calling about unknown debts

Unusual or unknown accounts or charges on your credit report.

Bills for services you didn’t use.

Your health plan contacts you for issues you know nothing about

Government Revenue Services notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.

When you receive notice that your information has been compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.