In a perfect world the Internet would be a safe place and our computers wouldn't put any of our financial information at risk.
Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world.
If you want to reduce your risk of becoming the next victim of computer identity theft there are some things you have to know - things the identity thieves don't want you to find out about.
First and foremost, make sure your computer has comprehensive anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed on it.
The anti-virus programs of yesteryear just don't cut it anymore.
You need a full security suite running on your system if you want to protect yourself from the latest Internet threats.
Also make sure you put your email's spam folder to use.
Hackers love people who open every email they receive.
Unfortunately the messages can contain malicious programs like keyloggers and Trojans.
Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know and do not click on email links that direct you to websites that require log-in information.
Another tool hackers use to commit computer identity theft is unsecured wireless networks.
If you connect your computer to a wireless network make sure it is a secure one and that a network key and password are required.
If you don't anyone who is close enough to access the network can also access the information on your computer's hard drive.
If you sell your old computer make sure you completely wipe the hard drive.
It isn't unheard of for criminals to purchase used computers just to get the information contained on them.
Remember, erasing your files isn't enough.
You actually have to destroy all of the information on there with a file-erasing program.
While computer identity theft is a growing crime, you are by no means helpless.
Take the above advice and you will be able to protect yourself from the attacks of Internet criminals.