Sereniti offers all of these essential lines of defense in a single and easy to use solution that also keeps everything up to date for protection against the latest online threats.

David: Is identity theft primarily an American problem? Elaborate.

Wade: Identity theft has reached epidemic proportions in the US, but in Europe and elsewhere it's a lesser problem. Social Security numbers are typically used there only for retirement benefits, not for other purposes. Credit agencies typically provide information only to banks, not to other third parties. Personal data is kept much more private and institutions are more strict about sharing information among themselves. Companies aren't allowed to create or sell databases of people's former addresses and phone numbers.

Notably, credit cards are used much less in Europe where the majority of the populace relies on debit cards. Cards are typically issued by a consumer's bank that is more familiar with that individual and their activity. Finally, cards in Europe typically have integrated computer chips that make them much more difficult to counterfeit.

David: I understand Sereniti is offering identity theft insurance. How does it work and how can it help.

Wade: Sereniti offers a zero deductible insurance policy for victims of identity theft that covers up to $25,000 in expenses for repairing credit records as well as lost wages. On average, identity theft victims suffer as many as 175 hours lost from work in their efforts to repair credit records.

In addition, Sereniti offers a zero deductible $1,000 policy that covers damage to computers and software as the result of viruses. Both policies are underwritten by AIG, the world's leading international insurance and financial services organization.

The policies are included at no additional cost with a subscription to Sereniti service, and provide coverage to all customers who install Sereniti's Security Software Suite (antivirus, antispyware, personal firewall and pop-up blocker).

David: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Wade: The causes of ID theft are numerous and varied, which requires individuals to be vigilant and alert to protect their identities. It's essential to cover as many bases as possible to reduce the possibility that they will be victim. Sereniti endeavors to maintain a multi-layered defense to assure consumers are protected to the greatest degree possible across all online fronts.

Dan Wolfson is a Project Manager for a southern California comunications technology company as well as a freelance writer and photographer in San Diego. His work has been published in Time, Life, USA Today and the South China Morning Post.