Increase Your Online Security Efforts - Updated
Last April, we shared a similar email to this one regarding a significant increase in large-scale cyberattacks and security threats to governments and consumers. Since then, we’ve seen cyberattacks and ransomware events strike the Colonial Pipeline, and the meat processor JBS, which reportedly paid $11 million to gain access to the decryption of their data. As recently as July 2, Reuters reported that up to 1,500 businesses worldwide were hit with coordinated ransomware activities targeting governments and small businesses, with payment demands reaching $70 million. These events are making small- and large-scale attacks more commonplace – and lucrative.
As we all spend more time conducting business online, the need to be diligent on protecting our data, our identity, and our money has never been more urgent.
A recent documentary series puts a face to global criminal operations trying to scam older Americans of their accumulated wealth. Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller has an episode on international scams that is worth watching (National Geographic channel, Disney+), as it shows how lucrative and relentless scamming has become at our expense. It’s an eye-opening perspective given that none of us see ourselves as falling victim to such activity, and yet it is thriving.
I want to remind you of a few things you should be mindful of to keep yourself safe online, and these precautions can help stave off things such as ransomware attacks and identity theft. In addition to the points below, as a standard rule for protecting yourself online, do not share names, birthdates, social security numbers, addresses, emails or other data on any websites. You also do not want to divulge this information over the phone to unknown telemarketers who appear to be selling goods and services.
We have attached an overview of the steps Charles Schwab takes to protect your accounts as well as an in depth checklist that is helpful across all of your online activity.
Monitor your local checking and credit card activity regularly. Be mindful of suspicious account activity and look closely at withdrawals from your account to ensure they are legitimate and authorized by you. If something looks suspicious, call your bank or credit card company and report it.
Search and click on reliable sources only. Take extra caution when choosing where you get your news and what you’re searching for online. Go beyond the tempting headlines to see if the website is one you recognize. Stick with expert and recognizable sources of information for news. Thousands of websites with enticing information about current events exist – and not all of them have your interests in mind.
Beware of phishing and avoid clicking email marketing offers. Cyber criminals can mask emails to look just like your favorite retailer and divert you to a malicious site. Instead of clicking any embedded links in marketing emails and putting yourself at risk, go directly to the retailer’s website and search for the same offers of interest. If you don’t know the sender and the email address doesn’t align with the organization it says it’s coming from, don’t click.
Be cautious with public networks. Free WiFi networks may not keep you secure and can allow others to see your online activity. If you use a public network, make sure it is secure and password protected. Consider using a personal WiFi hotspot instead.
Activate online security software. If you don’t already have it, or if it’s not fully activated, deploying security software such as Norton and McAfee can protect against malicious attacks, unsafe email and fraudulent websites. Most computers come pre-loaded with some form of antivirus protection that can be activated.
If you have any additional questions regarding online engagement with us or other financial institutions, please don’t hesitate to ask.