Creating a more secure environment online

Cybercrime transcends national borders. Instances of phishing, fraud, and other forms of online attacks are becoming more common and increasingly sophisticated. And since the perpetrators are often manipulating actions from afar, their invisibility can compound the challenge of detection and deterrence.

Our Cybersecurity Guide dives deeper into the precautions Westmount takes to protect client data, as well as steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones online.

Get the Guide (PDF)

How Westmount protects its clients

At Westmount, we appreciate the gravity of this threat. Behind the scenes, our Operations Team dedicates considerable resources to pre-emptively protect the integrity of client accounts and data. Our investment in digital security includes human capital—both our own team members and external experts—as well as technology, training, and education.

Here are a few of the measures we have put in place to create a more secure environment:

1. Investment: We commit substantial resources—both human and financial—to maintain a secure environment and stay current on the latest threats.
2. Training: We conduct periodic training sessions for employees, led by one of the nation’s pre-eminent cybersecurity experts.
3. Testing: We conduct annual due diligence on our vendors to ensure their technology, systems, and protocols are as robust as our own.
4. Policy & process: We work extensively with staff to educate them about potential threats and the disciplined processes to observe when such attacks are suspected.

How you can protect yourself

Of course, as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to cybercrime, this maxim proves its worth. Fortunately, there are some positive steps you can take to help reduce your exposure to potential risks online:

1. Use unique, rigorous passwords for each of your online accounts. Do not reuse passwords from other accounts or across other sites.
2. Employ 2-factor authentication (2FA) to verify your identity and gain access to your accounts. Westmount clients already use 2FA to access their online statements and send/receive documents securely.
3. Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. Viruses can be malicious, no matter what operating system you use. Antivirus software is your best line of defense.
4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and only open those links and attachments that you are expecting, and only from sources you know and trust.

If you suspect a breach

Quick, decisive action is key. If you notice any suspicious activity with your account, please reach out to your Westmount Advisor right away. Give us a call at 310-556-2502, email info@westmount.com, or contact your advisor directly.