By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — As technology continues to advance, our society has become one of extreme connectivity with more and more people utilizing the Internet to manage finances, conduct business or just stay in touch.

As increasing numbers of people are drawn to the World Wide Web, more and more personal information becomes passed from Web site to Web site, and this opens the door for the possibility of theft of that information. LaPlace resident Frank Fagot says he is a recent victim of such a theft.

Fagot, a former LaPlace fire chief and owner and operator of Allied Express, said while he was out of town on vacation in Boston last month someone logged into his personal e-mail account and forwarded a message that contained an off color joke that he had received in his e-mail box a few days before. Fagot claims that on the date and time the message was sent, he was attending a Boston Red Sox baseball game and had no access to a computer or cellular device capable of sending e-mail. Fagot provided a stub from the game.

Although it has become easier for thieves to obtain personal information from the Internet, there are several ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Various Web sites offer a wealth of tips to help keep private information private.

According to www.spamlaws.com, an online security resource, when using a password to protect files or information there are a few easy steps to take to keep people from gaining access to that password.

– Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, the name of a pet, or the last four digits of your social security number. Non-obvious passwords may be harder to create and remember, but your accounts will be more secure with their use. The best passwords use a combination of letters and numbers.

– Don’t use the same password for more than one account. Also, never use banking passwords for any other website. Never use your bank PIN number as a part of any other password you need to create.

– Try to avoid recording or storing your passwords altogether – memorize them. If you must do so, never record or store your passwords in a place that leaves them open to theft like your purse or wallet. Also, never jot Internet passwords down in a place for easy reference near your computer, especially if it’s a portable computer or a work computer.

– If someone else also uses your personal computer, do not use the auto-complete feature for passwords or other personal information.

– Never give your passwords and PINs out to anyone and change your passwords regularly. If you suspect someone may have stolen your password, change it immediately, and monitor your account for changes.

– Trust few e-mail contacts. Several online criminals target their victims via e-mail. It is never wise to respond to a message requesting personal information, such as a Social Security number, bank account details, or your mother’s maiden name.

– Report your suspicions. You should instantly react at the first sign of identity theft. Any suspicious activity you detect should be reported to your financial institution or local law enforcement.