3 ways to protect your financial information online

With cyber threats on the rise and hackers becoming more sophisticated, safeguarding sensitive data is more important than ever. Here are three strategies for keeping your data secure.

Stay Alert to Spoofs and Fakes

Cybercriminals commonly use a technique called “phishing” to obtain your personal information. Phishing involves sending fraudulent messages that have been engineered to look like they were sent from trustworthy sources, like banks, government agencies, financial institutions, or other familiar businesses. They often contain urgent requests to update information within online financial accounts, verify a transaction, send money, or click on a link.

If you receive such a message, always verify the sender’s authenticity before acting. Check for misspelled words or unusual sender names, as these are telltale phishing signs. If you’re suspicious, contact the organization from which the message is purportedly sent using information from their official website or past statements.

Think Before You Click

Cybercriminals often prey on urgency and fear to manipulate victims into taking hasty actions. For instance, you might receive a message claiming unauthorized access to your bank account or suspicious activity on your credit card. These alerts may prompt you to click or log in to resolve the issue immediately.

Instead of clicking, pause and verify the legitimacy of the message. When in doubt, call the sender or institution directly to resolve the issue.

Secure Your Passwords

Securing your passwords is fundamental to protecting your online accounts. A reputable password manager can help you create unique and store strong passwords securely. This helps you avoid the common pitfalls of using the same password across multiple sites.

Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be enabled whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification form, such as a code sent to your phone, along with your password. Having MFA in place makes it much harder for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is compromised. Never share your login credentials with anyone, even if a message claims or appears to be from a reputable source.

Keeping Yourself Protected in the Digital Age

If you receive suspicious messages or notice unusual activity on your accounts, don’t hesitate to contact your advisor at 310-556-2502. Prompt action can mitigate potential damage and help secure your online financial information.