avast!

avast! antivirus is my personal favorite. I have used it for many years, and I know how strong a security-net it builds. It provides good protection. There are two versions of this antivirus—one is free for home users and other one is professional. It helps you protect your PC in real time.

Features: Antivirus and anti-spyware, e-mail scanner, avast! Sandbox, Silent Firewall, Antispam, Web Shield, IM / P2P Shield, Network Shield, Smart virus updates, etc.

Download link: Download avast! Free antivirus

Avira AntiVir Personal – FREE Antivirus

I have never tried this antivirus myself, but have heard lots of good words about this antivirus. Avira AntiVir Personal – FREE Antivirus is consistently among top free antivirus programs on the internet. It protects you from viruses, worms, deadly rootkit viruses, Trojans, spywares, etc.

Features: AntiVir protection against viruses, worms and Trojans, AntiAd/Spyware protection against spyware and adware, AntiRootkit protection against hidden rootkits, GenericRepair automatic repair of your PC, etc.

Download: Download Avira AntiVir Personal – FREE Antivirus

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Before switching to avast! I used AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. It is another rock solid antivirus free application. It keeps your PC safe from evil gaze of identity thieves. There are two more versions of this antivirus, but I will recommend trying the free version before going for the paid one. The free version provides only basic security.

Features: Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware

Download link: Download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

You can use any of the three antivirus programs to protect your personal information from identity thefts.

One of the most common methods is to use your old computer against you.  Many people don’t realize that even if you delete the files on your hard drive, most of the information can be recovered.  So when you throw away your old computer, or donate it to someone else, most of the info is till there.  That means stored information and passwords.  A thief can pick these up pretty easily.

You should always destroy an old hard drive, to keep yourself completely safe.  That’s really the only way to make sure the information is gone.  Otherwise you run the risk of someone else using your information against you.

Another mistake many make, is to just throw away documents.  Old bills, bank statements, etc.  They don’t realize that these provide all the information an identity thief needs to assume your identity.  Anything with your name and address needs to be shredded.  So a document shredder is an important addition to every home.  Or if you don’t have one, tear up the documents yourself.  But make sure to make the effort, or else an ID thief could have an easy pay day at your expense.

Pay attention to what information you freely give when people are in close proximity to you.  A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear.  You have to guard that information.  So make sure any personal forms you’re filling out in public are covered up as you complete them.  Don’t talk about your personal information when others are within earshot.  You can’t know who is listening.  Additionally, Clear browser cookies afterwards to avoid third party tracking. Reputation.com and similar services can automatically do this for you. A mistake many make is filling out forms publicly, or giving out social security numbers where others can see or hear. You have to guard all of your information.