Have you heard about identity theft? If you are literate there is no doubt that you have. It is a very real problem across the globe. So, just how well prepared are you?

With the rapid growth of technology prompting consumers to embrace online and mobile banking, shopping, and other activity that involves personally identifiable information, identity theft and fraud has consistently grown over the past few years. As reported in www.dailyfinance.com.

Credit card data theft increased 50% from 2005 to 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission estimates that 9 million Americans (about 3% of the population) suffer some level of identity theft each year.

So, just how secure is your information?

Safe Online Shopping

When you're online shopping, make sure that your browser displays a lock icon (often in the lower right corner, but it can vary by browser) and that the "http" has an "s" on the end of it. These two factors indicate that the website is secure. Try to always use credit cards instead of debit cards, which can often be harder to adjust when it comes to issues of fraud. After you've made your purchase, clear your cache and website data so that your credit card information isn't saved.

Personal Financial Accounts

This sounds like a no-brainer but you need to regularly track all of your financial accounts so you're aware of any fraudulent charges. Your credit card companies and banks will usually alert you when there seems to be a suspicious charge, but it's smart to still check frequently in the event that your financial institution isn't able to alert you immediately or doesn't notice the error.

Your Credit Report

Freecreditreport.com gives you one free credit report each year. Take advantage of this. Check your credit report once a year to ensure there are no errors or issues of fraud. Doing so will not only help you protect your identity, but it will also help you avoid an unnecessary drop in your credit score.

Passwords are Important

As irritating as it might be to create passwords you may not be able to remember, choosing complicated passwords means that hackers won't be able to figure them out. Mix up letters, numbers, and symbols to create secure, complex passwords. Avoid kids' names, pets' names, birthdays, or anything else that may be easily guessable.

Social Security number

By this point there is no doubt you are wary of sharing your social security number. Your Social Security number is the true key to your identity, and it's probably already found a home with your doctor, lawyer, health-insurance company, or accountant. Sometimes giving it out is absolutely necessary. Do not give out this number easily.

Shred Your Old Documents

There is no reason not keep old documents with any of your personal information lying around. Shredders are inexpensive – especially relative to the damage that can be done if your information gets into the hands of the wrong people. Avoid keeping bills, statements, medical documents, and other sensitive documents lying around, especially if you don't need them.

Have you stored backup copies of your card info, usernames, and passwords?

In the event that your credit cards are stolen or you lose access to your stored passwords online, make sure to keep backup paper copies of your card information, usernames, and passwords.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please let me know if you have any other thoughts or suggestions.