Trades/Construction
arizona portland cement
maintenance electrician Health Care
Mountain View Retirement Village
LPN Health Care
Visiting Angels
Caregivers Trades/Construction
Paragon Electric
Electricians Driver/Transportation
Allied Building Products
Driver / Rooftop Loader General
Chapel Haven West
Program Staff Dental
Dr. John Carson, DDS, PC
Dental Asst/Treatment Coordinator

Even though a sense of routine and normalcy returns after weeks of holiday cheer, keep in mind you are not alone in cyberspace when you log on to the home or office computer. Cybercriminals are ready to zap your data as you get comfortable and start zipping through the Internet.

Last year was the worst ever for computer security breaches, USA Today reported last week. At least 130 security breaches put more than 55 million Americans at risk for ID theft last year.

Big companies suffered significant data losses last month that could have a big impact on individuals. Last week, the time-share unit of Marriott broke the news to 206,000 employees and customers that key personal data, such as Social Security numbers and credit card numbers, went missing after backup computer tapes disappeared from an Orlando office.

Similar personal data of 70,000 current and former Ford Motor Co. employees vanished when a computer was stolen. And about 600 credit card holders who purchased gas at Sam's Club fuel stations might have been affected by fraud. The Star recently reported that cell phones have been used to snap pictures of credit cards of unsuspecting shoppers as they stand in checkout lines.

We were surprised that several times during the holiday season, when cashiers asked for a Social Security number to confirm identity, they expected the numbers to be stated aloud in a crowded store.

Don't expect government to come to your immediate rescue. Cyber Security Industry Alliance, which represents high-tech companies, complains of a 7 percent cut in the Department of Homeland Security's research budget for cyber security programs, floundering ID theft-related bills and nonregulation of data brokers.

The Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Security Division officials said the department is working with the private sector and government to create a response system to detect and stop cybercrime, according to the USA Today story.

As government struggles with action that may limit identity theft, there is no better initial approach than to take personal responsibility for keeping your data out of the hands of unscrupulous snoops.

We've gathered a list of security suggestions — some of which have been around a long time — that may help protect you from cybercriminals.

First, protect your Social Security number. Never say your SSN aloud, because you don't know who is listening and jotting it down.

Keep track of your credit report and check your credit card statements. Double-check your post-holiday statements and make sure items you bought are the only items on the bills. Don't use an account? Close it.

One person's trash is another's treasure — shred bank and credit card statements. Also shred those credit card offers that often contain some usable personal information.

Limit what you carry in your wallet and purse — don't keep your Social Security card or too many credit cards with you. Do keep copies of your driver's license, credit cards and other critical information in your safe deposit box or another secure place.

Mail payments from the post office or other secure mail box —not your home. Give your credit-card number or personal information over the phone only when you have initiated the call.

Taking a few precautionary measures to protect your identity is not unlike locking your home or being alert to your surroundings — just simple steps to help prevent becoming a crime victim.