Terrorism, computer hacking, identity theft, consumer privacy rights and legislation directly affect the way all businesses gather, store and access data. As a responsible business person and consumer, are you doing everything possible to conspicuously safeguard one of your most valuable assets- your clients' and your personally identifiable information?

Here are a few tips:

Don't keep your files, checkbook, or laptop locked up in your car. Identity thieves are out scanning for cars that have briefcases and computers to steal. In today's criminal world, personal information is often worth more than the vehicle itself. It's not just about your information either; I was speaking at a trade show recently to an agent who casually said that he kept client files in the trunk of his car and wondered if he would be responsible for the loss of the information if the car were stolen. Of course the answer is YES.

Secure your laptop. No matter where you are (at a trade show, at the office, at an open house or any public event) insure that your computer will stay where you put it with a laptop security cable. Also, make sure your system is password protected.

Do a complete virus and spyware scan on your computer weekly. Most software products have a scheduling feature which allows you to set a scan to automatically run at the same time each week. Spyware can wreck havoc with your computer.

Never give out confidential information by email or cell phone. Call any company or bank that requests personal financial information to confirm who they are and what they need the information for. Don't use the links provided in an email to give them your confidential information.

Do not volunteer personal information to merchants. No retail store needs your Social Security Number, phone number, address, or email address to transact a sale. If the cashier asks you for that information, you can simply decline. Also, make sure that your electronically printed credit card receipts show only the last 5 digits of your card number...it's the law.

Darity Wesley is CEO and Legal Counsel for Privacy Solutions, Inc. a San Diego based consulting firm. Her team of Privacy Gurus® work with you to create policies and procedures to establish the expectation of privacy for your members, clients, customers, prospects, affiliates, associates, employees and vendors. You can reach her at (619)670-9462 or Darity@privacygurus.com