These days, the majority of people have sensitive financial information online. In fact, 72% of Americans mostly access their banking accounts online or through mobile apps, continuing a growing trend.[1]
As our lives become increasingly digital, so does our personal and sensitive information. If we don’t take precautions to protect our data, then we risk becoming victims of breaches and cyberattacks, which are on the rise. During the three months ending in June 2018, there were 765 million cyberattacks, affecting billions of people worldwide.[2]
From your investment accounts to your tax details and beyond, these three tips may help better protect your electronic data:
1. Strengthen your passwords.
An easily hackable password is like leaving a door locked with your key in it: You’re inviting someone to take advantage. To create a secure password, avoid using personal details (like your child’s name), words found in any dictionary, or the same password across various accounts.[3]
2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
VPNs help shield your identity, location, and data by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted, virtual tunnel. You can choose from a number of VPN apps for your computers and mobile phones. As a quickly growing method to safeguard data, VPNs are an easy way to help provide powerful protection.[4]
3. Encrypt browsing sessions.
Whenever you visit a URL that uses “HTTP,” you aren’t on a secure site. As another layer of protection, you can install browser plugins that turn unsecure websites into secure, encrypted connections via “HTTPS.”[5]
The Takeaway
While no one can completely remove the threats from storing electronic data, you can take steps to help better safeguard your sensitive information. These tips are a starting point for protecting your and your family’s security with minimal effort.
Disclosures
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
Resource
We have not independently verified the information available through the following links. The links are provided to you as a matter of interest. We make no claim as to their accuracy or reliability.
[1] www.aba.com/Press/Pages/101618MCResults.aspx
[2] www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/12/28/data-breaches-2018-billions-hit-growing-number-cyberattacks/2413411002/
[3] www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2018/03/27/Creating-and-Managing-Strong-Passwords
[4] www.pcmag.com/article/352757/you-need-a-vpn-and-heres-why
[5] www.wired.com/story/google-chrome-https-not-secure-label/
www.techworld.com/security/best-8-secure-browsers-3246550/ </small>