Let’s Talk about Security

In today’s changing landscape, the threat of cybercrime looms larger than ever, placing risk at the feet of both individuals and companies alike. As we navigate through the realm of the internet our online presence becomes vulnerable to bad actors hiding in the shadows. At JBL Wealth Management, ensuring the safety and security of our clients is of parallel importance, prompting us to address one of the major concerns of the times; the growing threat posed by cybercrime.

Understanding the Danger

Cybercrime has morphed into a highly complex industry with hackers employing advanced techniques to breach data security. From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, cybercriminals possess an extensive array of tools and strategies. The financial sector is particularly exposed on this battlefield with banks and individual investors alike being targets.

The consequences of attacks go beyond financial loss; they also result in breaches of privacy and potential erosion of trust that can take years to rebuild. Therefore it is crucial that we remain informed and vigilant by reinforcing our defence against this scourge.

Protecting Personal Information

• The first step in this battle involves safeguarding personal information. Simple overlooked measures serve as the foundation for our defence;
• Creating and using passwords is crucial for online security. It’s important to avoid reusing the same password across platforms. To help manage your passwords consider using a password manager.
• Whenever possible, enable two factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security. This means you’ll need to provide a form of verification in addition to your password before logging on to your online accounts, before logging into your email on a website or making material changes to the online profile of your accounts. This is essential.
• Regularly updating your software is essential to protect against known vulnerabilities and keeps your devices secure.
• When it comes to your own financial transactions, taking extra precautions is necessary;
• Use secure networks when conducting any transaction or sensitive communication. Avoid connecting to free Wi-Fi networks anywhere when accessing information.
• Confirm transaction details through direct communication channels. If you receive a request via email or message make sure to verify it using a known phone number or meet in person.
• Stay vigilant by utilising transaction alerts and regularly monitoring account activity. Detecting activity online can help minimise potential damage.

In addition, to the security measures detailed earlier, here are a few more suggestions to enhance your online safety particularly when it comes to avoiding phishing attacks;

• Approach Unsolicited Communications with Caution; Treat unexpected emails or messages with scepticism, especially those urging immediate action, promising huge investment returns or asking for sensitive information.
• Verify the Senders Information; Before responding to or clicking on any links in emails double check the sender’s details. Keep an eye out for misspellings in email addresses or domain names that might indicate a phishing attempt.
• Inspect the Actual Email Address; Click on or hover over the senders name to reveal their actual email address. Cybercriminals often spoof display names to appear as someone you trust. Confirming the legitimacy of the email address can help you identify fraudulent emails.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links; Hover over links to preview their URLs before clicking. If you’re unsure it’s best to visit the website by typing its address into your browser instead of relying on a link in an email.
• Utilise Security Software; Install reputable antivirus and anti-phishing software on all your devices and make sure they are regularly updated.
• Don’t share everything; while engaging with people via social media may be fun, it’s important not to share too much personal information on the web. Before making their moves, hackers often gather valuable information from the victim’s social media accounts that help them pull off their scams.
• If you still work with paper / hardcopies, when discarding these, please ensure that you destroy documents that contain sensitive information. Simply throwing these documents in the trash does not qualify. These docs should be put through a shredder before being discarded.
• Stay Educated; Keep yourself informed about the latest phishing techniques. Cybercriminals continuously adapt their strategies so being aware of what signs to look out for can serve as a defence

JBL’s Secure email service

In order to keep important documents safe from hackers, we send sensitive information to clients via our secure mail service (and ask that you do the same). By utilising this service, any confidential documentation that we send you via email, will be encrypted and can only be accessed by you. We have found that some customers have found this service cumbersome (as it requires a username and password), but we implore you to please persevere as the implications of having personal information in the wrong hands can be catastrophic. Instructions on the use of this system were sent out when the system was implemented however if you have any queries related to its use or have not used it before you are welcome to call our offices for further assistance.

In summary

The digital era, despite its conveniences, presents us with challenges that require constant attention and adaptation. The very real threat of cybercrime necessitates a well-informed approach to safeguarding our assets and personal information. At JBL Wealth Management we are committed to ensuring that our clients can confidently navigate the landscape knowing that their well-being is our priority.

To conclude, let’s not just talk about security; lets live it. By staying informed, vigilant and taking protective measures, we can all protect ourselves from the scourge of cybercrime.

 

Charles Jorgensen CFP

JBL Wealth Management