Identity theft and financial fraud can happen in seconds and take years to remediate. The best cure is prevention. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Secure your digital footprint
Use the following tips to protect yourself online.
- Protect your laptops and desktop computers using encryption. There is a product called Secure Boot which makes sure that if someone steals your computer, they cannot log on and gain access to your private information.
- Don’t share passwords.
- Use multi-factor authentication.
- Use a different password for each financial account.
- Store passwords securely (no sticky notes) using an app such as Google Password Manager.
Exercise caution with sensitive information
Shred sensitive documents, and keep any file cabinets locked. If transporting information in your car, make sure you lock your car and conceal files so they are out of plain sight.
Avoid email phishing scams
Phishing scams are cyberattacks that prompt a user to click on a link or open an attachment that allows a cyberthief to misappropriate your information.
Beware of these signs:
- Generic greeting (i.e. “Hello” or “To whom it may concern”)
- Distorted formatting
- Misspellings in the email
- A strange or disguised sender email address
- Random emails marked as “urgent”, saying your account is on hold due to billing issues, offering a coupon, promising a government refund, etc.
It may seem overwhelming, but the time taken to protect yourself from financial fraud is never in vain. Email us with any questions.
-Judd
Source: Osaic Wealth Cybersecurity Team