Thanks to modern technology, it’s more convenient than ever to bank, budget, and invest online. While security for these websites and phone apps is constantly improving, it’s still important to follow safety measures. Our financial planning advisors have a few suggestions to make your online experience secure:
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Stay on a Safe Connection.
Whenever possible, only access your online financial information on a known, private Internet connection. Open networks can be compromised by hackers, letting them get information from your device or put malware onto it.
If you must use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure you’re using an “official” source. Tapping into a free, open network is easy, but much less secure. If you’re at a coffee shop, for example, ask an employee to confirm the correct network name and password. Only go to secure sites (look for “https” in the URL), and be sure to log off the site and the network when you’re done.
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Always Verify a Call or Email.
You’ve just received an email from your bank – your account was compromised, and they need you to verify your information to return your money! Before you click the link, verify the issue through a different channel. Scammers have become very good at replicating emails and log-in pages that look just like your financial management app or website. Always call your bank’s official number (not one in a suspicious email) to verify.
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Stay Up to Date
Keep yourself and your devices up to date. Outdated browsers or operating systems are more vulnerable to hacking. Browsers especially receive security patches often – make sure you use the latest version. Two-factor authentication is another way to make sure you are up to date on who is accessing your accounts. And, in general, you should stay up to date on news surrounding scams. Awareness is key!
For more safety tips, check out resources our financial planners recommend, such as Save And Invest. Looking for general help on making smart choices about financial management? Our independent financial advisors are here to help! Contact us to find a financial planner and discuss your unique needs.