As an experienced business intelligence software professional with a masters degree in computer engineering and a strong online presence (including Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest), Swathi Dinnae is one to know about staying secure while browsing online. In order to keep your personal information private, here are some tips Swathi Dinnae recommends to always follow:

• Educate yourself on the risks. As Sun Tzu says, know your enemy. Swathi Dinnae recommends educating yourself on the various ways hackers and phishers try to get access to your private info. Knowing what they are looking for and how they typically go about getting it will help you be on your guard to preventing or fending off attacks, should one happen to you.

• Browse smart. Do not leave personal information on a shared computer. Always log off completely and close browsers when finished. Swathi Dinnae even recommends disconnecting your computer from the Internet when it is not in use, either by unplugging the network cable or turning off your wireless signal. The less access window you leave, the harder it is for anyone to sneak in.

• Check your privacy and security settings. Many websites take advantage of relaxed security or privacy settings on your browser, says Swathi Dinnae. Consider getting a firewall and virus-scan program, if your browser does not include them. Pay special attention to your browsers cookies setting. Cookies are a very common way for information thieves to steal your personal data; if you are unsure how to proceed, Swathi Dinnae advises talking with a professional to determine what works best for your browsing and security needs.

• Make sure you are browsing securely. Many trusted websites use security encryption to help protect your valuable data. These sites will begin with https: instead of http: and will often have a closed lock symbol somewhere on the browser window.

If you believe your privacy has been compromised, Swathi Dinnae says, dont wait: ACT. Contact your financial institutions immediately and report possible identity theft. Close any bank accounts or credit cards that may have been compromised. Report the situation to the proper authorities and the damage will be minimized. The quicker you act, the more likely you are to minimize the damage. No method is foolproof, and there is some danger inherent in any type of browsing, even the most benign-seeming; but taking a few simple steps will go a long way to keeping your precious data secure and private.