First, it’s best to go to the park when there’s a good crowd of people. In the mid morning and early afternoon, you’re probably not going to find many people at the park. Many people will be tied up at work, unless it’s the weekend.

If you’re determined to go during a quieter time, it’s best to have a friend or loved one accompany you. There’s always strength in numbers, so should you pass an odd person or find that someone is following you, at least you have a buddy to help you get out of the situation.

Whether you go to the park with someone or alone, it’s important to carry your cell phone on you. Keep it close to you in a handy pocket and make sure an emergency number is on speed dial. Also, ensure that the phone is charged before you head out. It’s a good idea to text or call someone to let them know where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.

Unfortunately, there are thieves and sexual predators hanging around public places, so you have to watch your back. You could potentially be the target, which is why it’s essential to follow as many safety precautions that you can when walking in the park.

1. Forget anything that means something to you. Dates of birth, pet’s names, children’s names, etc. are out of the question. Generating a password off of information that most people know about you isn’t a good idea. This just gives people a chance to hack your accounts.
2. Use letters and numbers as well as capitals and lowercase letters. This makes a password more challenging to figure out if hackers are abound. Feel free to be creative – for example, substitute the letter ‘e’ with the number ‘3’.
3. Consult a random password generator. This can help give you ideas for a strong password. Or, take your current passwords and try to strengthen them by incorporating the tips above.
4. Type your password ideas into a password strength checker. Find out how well you designed your passcode.
5. Change your passwords at least once a year. Although it will be a pain to commit a different password to memory, it’s important to change up your habits. You don’t want someone to catch on, do you?

As soon as you arrive to the office or your desk space, you should store your wallet or purse, keys, cell phone and any other things you brought with you in a locked cabinet or drawer. This reduces the chances of anyone getting into your stuff. If you work in a large office space, you might not know everyone in the building. Or, if you see clients on a regular basis, you never know whether one of them might steal something while you’re away from your desk.

It might be strange for you to be so cautious at your work, but you never really know people unless you work close with them every day. Plus, when your workspace is accessible to the public, you need to consider the potential for theft. People just walking through can swipe something right off of your station – even work badges should be kept in a concealed place instead of right out in the open.

Along with storing your personal belongings in a locked cabinet or drawer, you should have a login and password for your computer. Any time you leave your computer, you should have it set to automatically lock – this prevents people from viewing your files and any other confidential information. Depending on what type of information you’re accessing (a patient’s or a client’s address, social security number, etc.), it’s your responsibility to keep this data private.

Now when you’re at work you might consider the opportunities for theft so rectify these weak areas to ensure that your personal security as well as others is protected.

Of course, everyone makes mistakes. People carrying your information don’t always intend for it to get into the wrong hands, but it can be easily stolen or accessed if it’s not protected well. Do you really think the Gulf Coast residents ever imagined their addresses and names being used against them? They were probably eager to provide BP with their information so they could gain some relief and help.  A similar scenario can happen to you.

Just think…how many times have you seen agencies requesting monetary funds to help the relief efforts in Japan? This is a hot topic and while there are valid organizations out there trying to collect money to rebuild Japan, there are just as many frauds. To protect yourself from these donation and charity scams, request that the organization send you a printed financial statement – by law, this documentation should be provided if asked.

You probably also receive emails and paper mail saying that you’ve won a sweepstakes or the lottery. Don’t let the sensationalism of the documentation cloud your better judgment. If you read the finer print, you might find that you have to pay money for a processing fee – FYI, you should never have to put out money to win money in the U.S.

It’s important to be cautious of who you give your personal information to. It’s your right to find out how your data will be protected and who will be viewing it. Get answers to these questions and research groups as much as you can before writing out money or providing your name, address, phone, etc.

So what would you do if you lost your iPhone? After having a panic attack and almost going into cardiac arrest, you would probably call your cell phone provider to get a new one activated. However, if your contract isn’t up, you will have to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for a new one. Fortunately, you do have another option.

Before you download any other application, you need to put Find My iPhone onto your cell phone. This application is free for iPhone 4 users, but if you have a 3G or 3Gs, you will be charged a $99 annual fee. While this seems like a pricey endeavor, it can be your savior. In case you lost your iPhone, you would be able to log into the application from any computer, and it would display your phone’s round about location on a map. It’s not magic; it works with the iPhone’s built-in GPS system.

In addition to finding your cell phone, Find My iPhone can also send a message to your phone, which can alert the person who in now in possession of it. Also, it can override the vibrate setting and set off the alarm, which can come in handy when your phone is lost somewhere within ear range. Finally, the application can remotely clear all of the data from your phone to prevent identity theft.

Losing your iPhone might feel like the end of the world, but it’s more important that you reduce the changes of a stranger getting a hold of your personal data — you can always replace the phone.

Below are some points that you should discuss with your child, in case there is an emergency or incident with a stranger.

• Sometimes it’s okay to say no to an adult, especially a stranger. If someone is asking them something that makes them uncomfortable, it’s not rude to say no.

• Remind you child that everyone should keep their hands to oneself and that no one has the right to touch them.

• Always keep open communication with your child and make sure that your child feels comfortable telling you everything including secrets another adult has asked them to keep.

• Go over public safety and remind them that it’s never okay to get into a stranger’s car without your permission. If someone would try to force them into a car, tell them to start screaming and to run away and find a police officer or telephone to call for help.

• Create a list with emergency phone numbers in case there is a fire, burglary, poisoning, etc. and keep it on the refrigerator for easy access.

• Explain the importance of keep the doors locked at all times.

• Teach them about Internet safety and that you never give out your name, address, telephone number or other private information such as pictures.

• Instruct them on how to answer the phone properly. They should never tell anyone that you’re not home, and it’s best if they only answer calls they recognize from the caller ID.

So many dangers exist, and it’s hard to tell what issues your child will face. It’s quite possible your child won’t have to deal with an emergency situation until they’re a little older, but it’s always in their best interest to teach them early.

Why a Bodyguard Might Be the Solution

When you have a high profile career (e.g. celebrity, city official, politician, etc.), hiring a bodyguard for events is a no brainer. A security guard is trained in safety tactics, and they should also have training in firearms, combat and first aid in case anyone attacks you. Some are ex-police or ex-military, and you definitely want the best if you have wild fans or enemies. You might even require a bodyguard at least 12 hours out of the day if you’re shopping, running other errands and attending public presentations.

For a person who isn’t a celebrity or public figure, the need for a bodyguard depends on your judgment. Has someone recently threatened your life? Did you notice that someone is stalking you? These are a couple reasons why you should make the investment, and if you have a gut feeling that you need someone to accompany you places, then put yourself at ease as long as you have the money.

Get the Best Bodyguards

Before hiring a bodyguard, you definitely want to research the company and/or person. They should have several years of experience and intensive training. In addition, they should be professional — no drinking while on the job or becoming distracted by striking up conversations. Last but not least, the individual should be well aware of the local streets and places that are safe and dangerous. It’s important for them to know how to get you out of a situation safely in case you have to make a quick exit.

You and only you can know whether or not you require a bodyguard, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have a public lifestyle or if you have been threatened.

Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices

It’s become common to recycle cell phones, especially when people know that the phones are going overseas to our brave military men and women. However, your cell phone can contain valuable information about you and your financial accounts. Do you surf the web and look up your bank information? Do you have personal contact numbers stored in your phone? Well, then you don’t want this material getting into someone else’s hands.

Before you take your phone to a recycling center, permanently remove any personal information your phone might have stored over the period of time that you have used it. If your phone has a SIM or memory card, make sure that you remove it. Also, feel free to inquire about whether the recycling organization erases data.

Financial Statements & Other Documents

Paper products quickly build up in any household, so it’s great to do your part and reduce this type of waste that can so easily be recycled. But you have to be cautious of any documents — obviously, financial statements will have your account information, but it will also contain your name and address.

To prevent garbage scavengers from obtaining your private information and records, make sure you thoroughly screen every document that you come across before placing it in the garbage. Use a black permanent marker to blackout your name, address, account numbers, etc. Then you can run all of your personal documents through a shredder before placing it in the recycling bin.

Taking the time to recycle is a worthy activity, but you have to be cautious and keep in mind that there are people out there who would steal your identity if given a chance.

User Account Control (UAC) is sold with Windows 7 and Vista, and this program will search for potential malware and viruses. Upon finding a threat, UAC will quarantine the affected area or repair it. It’s best to set this program to automatically update, because new malware and viruses are created all of the time so the UAC needs to be able to combat the next potential risk.

There is also a free antivirus program called Windows Defender, which aims to prevent malware, spyware and adware from breaching the system all together. As the computer’s administrator, you can choose which scans to run and when to run them.

In addition, you have the firewalls that block email traffic and risky websites. Through your Internet browser’s settings, you can adjust the security of your firewall.

Finally, you can have wireless network security. This is basically a log on that you use to access your wireless network, and it prevents hackers from retrieving your personal information including credit card numbers.

Antivirus protection can be an added cost, but there are effective options that cost you nothing. Then it’s just a matter of installing them and regularly running and updating them, which can be made easier through the setting controls. Even if you browse the web only a few hours a day, it’s in your best interest to be prepared for malicious threats.

You can most likely find a self-defense class through a local gym or karate center. Going to a few sessions will give you the basics tips and techniques for dealing with attackers. If you prefer not to go to classes designated as “self-defense,” it can be beneficial to attend kickboxing classes. This will help build your confidence and body strength. Even if you start exercising to tone up your muscles and improve your hand and eye coordination, you will be going in the right direction.

One of the most important things to do is to acknowledge the stranger and let them know that you’re watching them and aware of their presence. By ignoring them, you actually invite them to try and steal from you or attack you.

Another lesson you will probably learn from the classes is how to guard yourself when you’re on the ground. To prevent the attacker from kicking your stomach or getting a hold of you, until you can pop up and stand your ground, it’s important to guard them with your hands and feet. You push your feet on the attacker’s legs so he/she stays off balance, which can give you enough time to stand up and get away. Self-defense is mostly about learning how to get those few seconds where you can get away to safety.

Whether you’re walking through a dark parking lot or at home alone, basic self-defense techniques will give you more confidence and personal security.