The Internet can be a dangerous place these days.

Malicious software apps (“malware”), viruses, and phishing scams are growing in number and sophistication. Data breaches and identity theft are becoming commonplace.

Even among “reputable” sites, there are ever-multiplying ways that your personal data is being tracked, collected, and stored. The use of your personal data, and the manner in which it is saved and secured can create real risks to your privacy and even to your finances.

Here are seven ways you can protect your personal information and privacy online:

#1 Study the Privacy Policies

Many people were upset when they learned that some big name social media sites basically sell their information to advertisers and monitor their web activity. If you read through most privacy policies, it is clearly outlined what the site’s intentions are.

#2 Don’t Reply to Spammers!

Some of those spam e-mails are getting pretty convincing, so be careful about who you’re responding to. If it seems too vague, chances are that something is wrong. If it seems too good to be true, chances are that it is.

#3 Make a Junk E-mail

We all have one of those. Sometimes you find your way to a site that nags you for an e-mail in order to read an entire article or get full access to the site. It’s a hassle to get these e-mails sent to your personal e-mail.

#4 Know You’re Being Watched at Work

Think that just because your name is on your desk that everything in your office is private? Think again. Your computer usage at work is likely being monitored to ensure you’re all not just watching Youtube videos all day when you’re supposed to be working.

#5 Clear Browsing History

Clearing your history reduces the amount you are tracked online. It also keeps people from visiting the sites you’ve been to on a shared computer.

#6 Friends Only

Switch your Facebook out to the “friends only” view. This way only approved people on your friends list can see your interests and what you’ve posted.

#7 Use an IP Masker

If you don’t want to leave a footprint on every website you visit, use an IP masker that would make it harder for a hacker to access your computer.