Ways you can protect your identity:
At home: Keep you financial records, social security and credit cards in a safe place. Shred papers that have your personal information. Take mail out of your mailbox as soon as possible.
On the computer: Use passwords that are not easy to guess. Use numbers and symbols. Do not respond to emails or other messages that ask for personal information. Do not put personal information on a public computer.
In business: Do not give out personal information to someone who calls you on the phone. Only give your social security number to someone you are sure is legit.
It is a good idea to check your bank, credit card statements and credit report frequently. There are companies like credit karma and credit genie that will let you check your credit as much as you like without affecting your credit score.