Don’t get played

If you’re lucky, you find out that your online account was hacked through an email telling you that someone has reset your password.

Sometimes, you can do a quick password reset before intruders can change anything. But what happens if you don’t know your account is compromised until it is too late, and they’ve taken you to the cleaners?

In cases of online identity theft, you can often contact the authorities, the bank, and anyone else involved to report it. It’s possible to reverse any charges after an investigation, but sometimes this is not possible.

That’s why I always say the best policy for avoiding online identity theft is to flat-out prevent it.

Using strong passwords, with a different one for every site, can make all the difference. Many people use the same password for everything, and that’s just asking for trouble!

If a hacker can gain one password, they will try it on other accounts of yours. You’re basically handing them your information on a silver platter. Password managers are also a proven security measure and provide multiple layers of security for your accounts. (LastPass and 1Password are two of the best.)

Exploits and holes in online security get discovered every day, and software companies patch them up just as quickly. You should update your software frequently to take advantage of the fixes. Skipping patches is like leaving your front door unlocked for anyone to waltz in and have a field day.

This one sounds like a given, but don’t click on suspicious-looking links in emails or on sites you are not 100% sure are legitimate. Identity thieves go to great lengths to trick others into falling for their traps, but there are often clues you can look for if you’re unsure.

Online security is akin to financial security, the kind of thing we like to take seriously. Keeping your assets safe and secure will ensure that your money stays where it belongs – with you.

Want to talk to a pro about creating a specific action plan to safeguard your financial future based on where you are, and where you want to be?

Book a 15 minute consultation by phone 330 836 7800 Ext. 1 or online (click here to see my online calendar).