Here are a few of my security steps. So far, so good:
1) Minimize use of Social Security Numbers. Other than a few cases (banks, IRS, job applications, credit applications, DMV) they’re really not needed. For example, it never hurts to ‘make a small mistake’ when putting down an SS number in a doctor’s office, as they’re only used to track down deadbeats, so if you plan to pay, you’re fine.
2) Minimize credit card applications - the less you toss out your number, the better.
3) Go through old hard copies of things with an SS Number, like tax returns. Do you REALLY need to see your SS Number on your old tax returns? I went through them all with an Exacto Knife and cut them out, and then flushed them down the toilet. Same for any other document with that number...or than something original, like a birth certificate or marriage license. No need to have that number everywhere.
4) Enable hard drive encryption on your computer. For Windows it costs $99 ,one time, and means that whoever is trying to read it needs your password (called Bit Locker, and is part of Windows - you just need to pay to enable it). Otherwise no dice. Works with portable drives too (thumb, SD, Hard Drives, etc.). Everything that I have with data is encrypted and no, they won’t get in, even with possession of my computer.
Lots more stuff too.
Thanks.