October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and it’s a time to remind us of the steps we can take to protect our critical information in today’s digital age.

The internet has increased convenience for consumers and enhanced our ability to communicate with friends around the world. Unfortunately, it also has expanded the reach of criminals looking to take your money or steal your identity.

Identity theft wreaks havoc on millions of lives every year, impacting victims with legal fees and hours of their time spent trying to clear their name.

I was proud that my legislation was signed in 2013 to require all three major credit reporting agencies to allow Michigan residents to place a security freeze on their credit information.

This summer’s Equifax security breach is an example of criminals targeting our personal information. The breach exposed social security numbers, birth dates and addresses of more than 145 million Americans, including more than 4.6 million Michigan residents. In some cases, credit card and personal identifying information were also stolen.

Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued a consumer alert about the Equifax breach with information that residents need to know and steps that consumers can take to protect their identity, including free services that Equifax is offering.

The attorney general’s alert, “Credit Freeze; Fraud Alert; & Credit Monitoring,” can help Michigan consumers understand the different protection measures they can take after a security breach.

Both alerts can be viewed at michigan.gov/ag under the “Consumer Protection” tab.

To help make the internet safer and more secure for everyone, the National Cyber Security Alliance offers easy-to-use resources at StaySafeOnline.org. The mobile-friendly site is designed to be a one-stop shop for online safety awareness and education.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also offers the Stop. Think. Connect. toolkit featuring simple, actionable advice for everyone from students and parents to small business owners and older Americans. Learn more about the national public awareness campaign at dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Cybercriminals are becoming more bold and clever. I urge all southwest Michigan families to look out for identity thieves and to take steps to protect your personal information online.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.