Internet Security – Take Care!

Last week, we presented you with how and why to freeze your credit. It’s a means to protect your identity from bad actors who have gotten enough of your information to attempt to open accounts in your name. But now, let’s explore how you can help stop these shady characters from getting your information in the first place.

Before we start, please note that these are common sense tips anyone can employ, but this is, in no way, a comprehensive or exhaustive list. If you have further concerns, please seek the advice of a qualified professional who can address your specific situation.

First, you need to be aware of your surroundings. If you’re at home, that shouldn’t be much of a concern, but if you find yourself out and about and using public Wi-Fi, you need to not only be aware of who may be physically looking over your shoulder, but you should also acknowledge that public internet connections are convenient, but they are NOT secure. So, while using public Wi-Fi, always assume that someone is hovering about watching everything you are doing online. Be careful. Avoid doing anything that can expose your personal information.

Also, when at work, you may want to follow the same guidelines because many employers monitor your usage. While they may be more interested in making sure you are working while on the clock, there’s no guarantee that anyone monitoring such usage won’t take advantage.

There are times when we need to send confidential information in the form of personal or payment information. Make sure your data is encrypted! You can verify this by looking at your address bar. If you see http, you know it is NOT SECURE. But if you see https, it IS SECURE. Here is an example:

Or in the bottom right of your browser, if you see a little padlock in the locked position, then you know it’s secure. It looks like this:

Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Over the last several years, you may have noticed that when you set up a password, you must have specific types of characters, like a capital letter, number, or special character. That’s because they are harder to crack by would-be hackers. You can also improve your password security by replacing letters with something else. For example, greatkid can become Gre@tk1d.

Two-factor verification creates an additional step when logging into your accounts. Often if you are using a computer that isn’t recognized as yours, then when you put in your password, you will also have to put in a verification code you would likely get through your cell phone or email. This prevents unauthorized access since someone who isn’t you, probably won’t have your phone or email too.

VPNs

A VPN or virtual private network is a service that adds security and privacy while using the internet, even while using a public Wi-Fi. It helps to shield you by replacing your location data with some other place, like Kansas or Amsterdam, provided by a VPN service and many corporations have used them for years to protect sensitive data. Also, they are pretty easy to establish and use.

Email

The use of email has sped up our correspondence and has saved us some stamp money, but you should know that email is NOT SECURE. If you get anything that asks you to reply with personal or payment information, don’t do it. Instead, verify the requester by calling them or asking them to send you a bill or statement to you by snail mail.

Another thing you can do is look at the email, where it came from, it’s content, or even the grammar and usage. Here is an example:

Kansas or Amsterdam, provided by a VPN service and many corporations have used them for years to protect sensitive data. Also, they are pretty easy to establish and use.

Email

This email was sent to Carrie, who is our Operations Associate. She knew right away that it was a fraud. How? It appears that Microsoft sent an email that requires a response because of some request, or her account will be disabled. First, Carrie did not put in a request.

Second, look at the first line. It says, “Due to the request that you created.” And so? It’s not a complete thought. You read or hear that, you expect more before the sentence ends. And look at the note near the bottom: “Failure to validate will result to account disabled.” If you try to say it aloud, you’ll probably stumble over it because the usage is awkward.

Third, the address from where it came is monsonwealthmanagement.onaccount@heise.de. What is “heise.de?” A Microsoft email would likely come from and end in microsoft.com. Had Carrie clicked on the “VALIDATE NOW” link, it could have led to a virus or worse. Fortunately, she exercised vigilance.

Even if you get a link from a source you know, you should still be cautious. Sometimes our friends’ or family’s email can be compromised, and the link could be trouble. So, verify it with the sender. Likewise, be cautious of attachments too for the same reasons. Many attempts to exploit your data can be avoided if you pay attention.

Not to mention, it can save you money and headaches later. So, stay watchful and try not to get complacent!

Monson Wealth Management Flat-Fee Program

Most Registered Investment Advisors charge a percentage of assets under management, which translates into the more money you have, the more you are charged, even though the servicing time may be the same as someone who has one-quarter of what you do.
Our Flat-Fee program is designed with these clients in mind. We don’t charge you more just because you have more.

Give us a call and in 15 minutes we can assess your situation to see if this makes sense for you.

“The MWM Flat-Fee Program is designed to give clients that have over $500k invested a fair shake.”

Eldon Monson CFP®, RICP®
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Live Life On Your Terms

Whether you want to travel more, do things you’ve always wanted to do, or just spend more time with the grandkids, we want to be your guide to help you get there.

Live Life On Your Terms

Whether you want to travel more, do things you’ve always wanted to do, or just spend more time with the grandkids, we want to be your guide to help you get there.