privacy online

I know many people still don't like doing banking online or buying things online as they fear their personal information won't be safe. However, as recent events such as hackers getting information from stores and banks alike directly from the businesses computers, even if you don't put information over the web it is still stored in many locations by web-accessible computers. Therefore, even though I don't like the idea of my information going into cyberspace, I realize that its never 100% safe even if I don't. Personally I am willing to risk somewhat higher exposure in order to have the benefits associated with operating in an online world. I like being able to shop online, find information, bank etc etc from the comfort of my living room. If that means a risk of people learning more about my habits, more about me then so be it. I do however have spyware, ad-aware and virus protection software running on my computer and my Nerd-OnSite husband makes sure I delete cookies regularly to limit my exposure to the best of my ability. Its that or head back to the dark-ages before the internet! A world I hardly even remember anymore!