Cyber Criminals aren’t resting

Quick call out that despite the COVID-19 pandemic cyber criminals are not resting! We have seen a recent spike in cyber security incidents. This spike has included: suspicious online login attempts to financial websites and “phishing" email attempts asking for phone numbers followed by a request to purchase gift cards or needing immediate and urgent funds. 
 
Here’s a few TIPS for protecting your security online:

• Passwords: use unique usernames and passwords for each and every online accounts. We recommend passwords of at least 10 characters in length (12 or more is even better). 

• Suspicious requests or emails asking you to click on a link: before clicking that link, ask yourself if you were expecting this email? Take a moment to check the email address of the sender, paying attention to the information after the @ sign ( ie ‘juliette@abcdnet.com’). Is the website address normal for the sender?

• Anti-virus software: for most of us this is already in place, but just in case take a moment to review your anti-virus software settings and ensure it is set to run regularly scheduled scans. 

We hate to say it, but if you’re not already you might want to consider treating every email as if it was a threat. Always be suspicious of any links or requests that you weren’t already expecting. Gone are the days, when we could automatically just click on the link. It’s only natural for this to be ones first reaction, but we challenge you to change that behavior. Stop and take a second before you react to any emails, social media and more. 

Interested in learning more about protecting your security online,  it’s likely your financial institutions provide helpful information online, in the mean time or for those of us with Charles Schwab, here’s somewhere to start - visit Schwab at www.schwab.com/schwabsafe.