Cybercrime and fraud continue to be serious threats, and constant vigilance is key. Cyber criminals exploit our increasing reliance on technology. Methods used to compromise a victim’s identity or login credentials — such as malware, phishing, and social engineering — are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. A fraudster’s goal is to obtain information to access your account and assets or to sell your information for this purpose. Following best practices and exercising caution when sharing information or executing transactions can help make a big difference.

What Can You Do?

• Be aware of suspicious phone calls, emails, and texts asking you to send money or disclose personal information. If a service rep calls you, hang up and call back using a known phone number.
• Beware of phishing and malicious links. Urgent-sounding, legitimate-looking emails are intended to tempt you into accidentally disclosing personal information or installing malware. Look closely at the email address and not just the “From” name. Phishing emails will attempt to use a “From” name that you recognize but, when you look at the email address, you may notice it is not legitimate.
• Don’t open links or attachments from unknown sources. Instead, type the known web address in your browser.
• Check your email and account statements regularly for suspicious activity.
• Never enter confidential information in public areas. Assume someone is always watching.

Adhere To Strong Password Principles

• Don’t use personal information as part of your login ID or password and don’t share login credentials or “password formulas” via email. A password formula example would be “my password is my zip code and dog’s name.”
• Create a unique, complex password for each website and change it every six months. Consider using a password manager to simplify this process.
• Use “two-factor,” “dual-factor,” or “multi-factor” authentication if it is available. This type of authentication should be used with your password manager, email (most major email services now offer dual-factor authentication options), bank account, and investment account sites.
• Do not use security questions that are easily searchable by fraudsters, such as your elementary school or mother’s maiden name.

Maintain Updated Technology

• Keep your web browser, operating system, antivirus, and anti-spyware updated, and activate the firewall.
• Do not use free/found USB devices. They may be infected with malware.
• Check security settings on your applications and web browser. Make sure they’re strong.
• Turn off Bluetooth when it’s not needed.
• Dispose of old hardware safely by performing a factory reset or removing and destroying all data storage devices.

Use Caution on Websites, Email, and Social Media

• Do not visit websites you don’t know (e.g., advertised on pop-up ads and banners). A best practice is to never respond to pop-up ads, as even those from reputable websites can be compromised.
• Log out completely to terminate access when exiting all websites.
• Don’t use public computers or free Wi-Fi. Use a personal Wi-Fi hotspot or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Hover over questionable links to reveal the URL before clicking. Do not click on any email links to access any of your online accounts.
• Instead, use your browser and type the web address of the company to log in and view messages, etc. Remember that secure websites start with “https,” not “http.”
• Delete any emails that contain personal or account information from both your Inbox and Sent folders. And then be sure to delete them from your Trash folder.
• Be wary of “Unsubscribe” links in emails unless you know it is coming from a valid source. A better practice is to block the sender.
• Be cautious when accepting “friend” requests on social media, liking posts, or following links.
• Limit sharing information on social media sites. Assume fraudsters can see everything, even if you have safeguards.
• Consider what you’re disclosing before sharing or posting your résumé.

Learn More

• Visit these sites for more information and best practices:
• StaySafeOnline.org: Review the STOP. THINK. CONNECT™ cybersecurity educational campaign.
• OnGuardOnline.gov: Focused on online security for kids, it includes a blog on current cyber trends.
• FDIC Consumer Assistance & Information
• FBI Scams and Safety

Jennifer Specter is the COO and CCO with Schultz Financial Group Inc.

Schultz Financial Group Inc. (SFG) is a wealth management firm located in Reno, NV. Our approach to wealth management is different from many other wealth managers, financial advisors, and financial planners. Our team of fee-only fiduciaries strives to help our clients build their wealth across four capitals: Financial Matters, Physical Well-being, Psychological Space, and Intellectual Engagement. We provide family office and wealth management services to clients located in Nevada, California, and other states. If you’d like more information, please check out our website or reach out to us via our contact page.