The Internet has opened up amazing new worlds of communication and commerce. It's also created new opportunities for criminals, particularly in the realm of identity theft. You need to take essential steps to keep yourself protected.

What's a superhero to do in this new digital world? In the past, it was easy for a Superman or Spider-man to dive out of the sky and foil a robbery or a mugging. Today, however, the bad guys operate on the Internet, doing bad deeds in cyberspace, and thwarting the efforts of vigilant superheroes.

Since you can no longer rely on a costumed crusader to help you, consider taking some protective measures to avoid the serious and rampant crime of identity theft.

Know your credit report

The modus operandi for most identity thieves is fairly standard. They uncover some of your personal financial information, and use it to apply for credit or to make a large purchase. Because the thieves are creating new accounts instead of hitting up your current sources of credit, this type of crime may go unnoticed by you for months.

To protect yourself, keep close tabs on your credit report. You're entitled to one free report every year from each of the three credit bureaus-Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Pull a report once every four months to see if any new accounts have been opened in your name.

Watch your world offline

You'll also need to protect your identity in the real world. Buy a paper shredder, and routinely destroy any documents that might contain personal information. Have your name removed from mailing lists or placed on a "Do Not Call" list.

Keep tabs on all of your account numbers. Make photocopies of your crucial account information, and then store it in a fireproof safe. In the event that you discover you're a victim of identity theft, you can quickly access the information and cancel your credit cards.

Don't wait to react

If you discover that your personal data has been compromised, act quickly. Immediately contact the credit bureaus and your credit card companies. Then, report the theft to local law enforcement agencies. The sooner you act, the less damage the thief can do.

Another option is to buy identity theft insurance. People have lost hundreds and thousands of dollars as a result of this crime. Identity theft insurance can help mitigate the damage.

The Internet harbors a world of opportunity, but it has also opened the door for a wave of identity thieves. To protect yourself in these vulnerable times, keep careful tabs on your credit and be sure to act early if you spot a problem. You may not be able to stop ID theft, but you can do a lot to minimize any potential damage.