Are you sure that’s all you’re doing online? Most home computer users do some Internet banking or shopping, which requires you to give out credit card or financial account numbers. 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 information stored on your computer, or capture information as you type it into websites, documents or emails. For instance, once criminals have this data, they can use it to steal your identity or money. So to play it safe, always install a reputable and current antispyware and antivirus program to safeguard your computer from hackers.