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I know my credit card company allows me to set a password to prevent unauthorized access from someone who might have stolen this kind of data. Is there a similar system in place to make it harder for an identity thief to open accounts in my name or do other things that might damage my reputation?

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You can freeze your credit. I don't claim it to be a comprehensive solution to a complicated topic like identity theft, but it helps, and is fairly easy and inexpensive to do.

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/personal-financ...

I love that companies that I never agreed to have a business relationship with can charge me to preempt getting fucked by their shitty security.

"Fees for Identity Theft Victims: Free; Non-victims: $10"

If I wait to become a victim, I can save tens of dollars!

I am certainly not endorsing nor do I use it personally, but Lifelock does exactly this. There are a few others as well.

Lifelock doesn't catch everything though. Neil Boortz, a former syndicated radio talk show host, had someone open a bank account and take Social Security distributions for several months and Lifelock didn't catch it. http://www.wsbradio.com/weblogs/nealz-nuze/2014/sep/04/my-so...

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