Photo by CC user devdsp on Flickr

While dad may oftentimes be the muscle of the family, few would doubt that mom is no one to mess with either.

For many moms, they are the true caretakers in the family, the ones who not only protect their children, but also got out of their way to make sure family life is as good as it can be.

That said many moms also play lookout when it comes to fending off online criminals.

With so many American homes sporting one or more computers, it comes as no big surprise that online criminals (including identity theft thieves) see many families as soft targets.

So, what can families (and especially moms) do to reduce the odds of being struck by those wishing to cause online havoc and even financial distress?

Realize the Threats Ahead of Time

It can be easy in hindsight for moms to say that they should have seen the warning signs.

As it turns out, families can do just about everything possible to protect their online footprints, yet still fall victim to crimes. Much of that is due to the fact that online criminals are always trying to stay one step ahead of technology, giving them the upper-hand against consumers.

In order for you to best protect your family when it is online, start by having the right security software system in place.

Given there are a number of different software programs out there, you may have difficulty deciding which one is best suited to protect you and yours when online.

The best way to go about it is by reviewing several of them, even trying them out on a trial basis. By doing so, you can see which one best meets the requirements you want in place for online protection. Whether you try LifeLock or another such brand, look at as many options as possible.

Another important aspect in protecting your family’s online activities is being cognizant of not putting personal details out there for the entire world to see.

Stop for a moment and think about what might happen if you listed where you banked, which company or companies provided insurance for you, where your retirement fund was located etc. The potential for trouble would certainly increase; especially given all some online criminals need is a slight opening into your personal world.

Keep the Kids Safe Too

When you have kids, you know how innocent they can be, especially when it comes to saying or doing just about anything.

As a result of that, instill in your children the importance of not giving out any personal details on the computer.

Along with potentially opening your family up to identity theft fraud, your children could make themselves targets for online predators.

Remind your children each and every time they go online with a desktop, laptop, and even a mobile device to not only avoid divulging personal information, but steering clear of talking to strangers (just as they would not and should not do that out in public).

In the event you feel like (or even have the evidence to prove so) someone is stalking your child online, do your best to gather whatever information you can, and then report them to law enforcement. Even if it might seem like you are over-reacting a bit, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, never underestimate the negative fallout that can come with being the victim or victims of online criminals.

Given the fact that many American households are just getting by financially in this day and age, being struck by an identity theft thief could cause significant harm to you and your family.

While some may look at you as being a little anxious or putting too much time and thought into a possible strike, you will sleep better at night knowing you are doing everything in your power to keep your family safe whenever they are online.

One only has to look at some of the individuals and families that have fallen victim to online criminals in recent years to know the implications.

Are online criminals a threat to your family? They certainly are, so do everything you can to neutralize that threat today.