Are you sure that's all you're doing while online? Most home
computer users do some Internet banking or shopping, which requires you to give
out credit card or financial account numbers online. Or you might have
forgotten that you have emails on your computer with attachments that have tax
information, mortgage papers or personnel documents that could include your
social security number. And when it comes to your kids, they could be giving
out more personal information online than you think, such as your home address.
These days, spyware or virus programs make it possible for hackers to secretly
steal sensitive data stored on your computer, or capture information as you
type it into web sites, documents or emails. Once criminals have this data,
they can use it to steal your identity or money, for instance. So to play it
safe, always install a reputable and current anti-spyware and anti-virus
program and safeguard your computer from hackers.