While the internet has brought almost unlimited access to information at our fingertips, it’s also opened up the potential for people to have their personal information stolen.

Protecting your information online can help to reduce the risk of identity theft and other cybercrimes.

Leelou suggests the following tips to keep your personal information private:

• Be alert to impersonators and fake accounts.

• Don’t give out personal information online, through the mail or online unless you’ve initiated the contact or personally know the contact.

• Wipe personal devices, like cell phones and computers, clean of personal information before trading them in, selling or disposing of the devices.

• Use encryption software while online that will scramble your information.

• Use strong passwords on your devices and any online accounts. Try to be creative and use a mixture of numbers and letters. Do not share your passwords.

• Don’t overshare on social media. Online thieves can use that information to challenge security questions and get access to your accounts and personal information.

• Don’t post your full name, Social Security number, address or phone number on publicly accessible websites.

• Be careful about using public wireless networks while sending personal information over the internet. Use a secure wireless network instead, which will help keep your information safe.

• Read privacy policies. While often long, the policies reveal how the website or app maintains accuracy, access, security, and control of the personal information collected.

• Don’t open emails, click on links or download items sent by strangers.

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