Nothing is private anymore, especially online. It's important to protect yourself online, but many people don't know how. So here are eight starters.

1. Password protect everything -- your email, computer, tablet, everything. I got a new computer last fall, and for the first time ever I password protected it. Even though I live alone. Even though I don't have 10 nosey cousins coming over to my home, I still password protect it. For someone may decide to "borrow" it when I'm not around. Ditto for my tablet.

2. Which leads to the next point -- not leaving personal files on your computer's desktop. Consider storing all your files on the cloud. I've been doing this for the past few years. My favourite cloud storage system is Dropbox. It is also good for when your computer suddenly goes "poof!" You lose no files as they are all backed up.

3. Use a password management system, such as LastPass. You can even keep copies of private documents in the system; such as, a copy of your passport page when travelling.

4. Put Google Alerts on your name and the name of your company, all with quotation marks around it and variations on the name.

5. Sign out of all your social networks and email accounts when done, especially when using public computers. This is even more important when doing online banking. Once you sign out, clear your cache and then exit the browser.

6. Encrypt your computer. On a PC, use BitLocker, and on a Mac, turn on FileVault.

7. Enable two-step authentication in Gmail. You may see it as a bit of trouble, but it's worth it.

8. Mask your IP iformation. If you do not want your location or service provider showing up on someone's blog, use an IP blocker. This also reduces the likelihood of hacking and online identity theft.

How do you protect yourself online? Do share with us!