• Never save your password to your desktop.

Saving your password to your desktop may seem like a timesaver but it allows others to access your personal information without your permission.

• How personal is your password?

Avoid using passwords that are relevant to your personal situation. Passwords with your phone number, date of birth, or social security number are often gateways to disaster. Create passwords that contain letters and numbers that cannot be easily attributable to you. Change your password every 60 days or as often as you feel comfortable. Remember: The longer the password the harder it is to break it. Use plenty of upper and lower case letters and numbers too.

• Use the best virus and firewall protection that you can afford.

Virus protection and firewalls provide additional layers of protection that you need to insulate your risk exposure to viruses that can rob your computer hard drive of valuable personal information. Virus protection packages and firewalls can be purchased online or at reputable computer software stores nationwide. Remember that after you install virus protection you will still need to regularly update the software to ensure maximum protection. Most software updates are free once you pay for the annual fee for virus protection software.

• Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.

Literally "unplugging" the PC and disabling your wireless router may play key elements in protecting your information when the computer is not being used. Dial up connections can be unplugged from the telephone outlet while wireless routing devices can simply be unplugged from their electrical source or "powered down" during periods when the PC is idle.

• Everyone makes mistakes.

It is always better to obtain guidance from your financial institution when you suspect that you have inadvertently entered your personal information on a bogus website. Do not delay in contacting your financial institution. There are many resources and solutions available to preserve your piece of mind as well as your financial well being. When in doubt, make the phone call!