Try these tips to keep your finances safe on the internet. (Photo illustration by Matt Cardy)
Criminals are getting smarter by the minute and it can be hard to get ahead of them when it comes to keeping your money safe. As the online world evolves, criminals are finding new ways to obtain your personal information and access your identity and compromise your financial security. It is important to stay on top of new technology to protect yourself. Here are a few tips you can use to secure your finances in cyberspace as you move in: pension†
Secure your passwords
Do you use the same password for everything you log in to? That’s not a good idea because if that password is compromised and sold, a person with bad intentions can access multiple accounts at once. Create passwords that are unique to each login or website, and if you have the option to select two-factor authentication, use it. When using two-factor authentication, you are prompted to enter a code that you received from another source (your phone, text message, or an app) that provides an extra layer of security. Think you might have trouble remembering all those unique passwords?
Use a password manager
Password managers are designed so that you only need to remember one password (for the password manager), which then gives you access to the password vault, where all the other unique passwords for each website and login are stored. A password manager can even design unique, hard-to-hack passwords for you so you don’t have to come up with them yourself.
Credit monitoring
There are several credit monitoring services available for purchase, and it’s worth comparing them to see which one is best for you. Credit monitoring systems monitor your creditworthiness and notify you when there is an investigation on your credit so that you are aware if something unusual is going on and you can investigate and stop it before it starts. They are usually a nominal fee.
Visit secure sites
When visiting websites, make sure you visit safely. Make sure you typed the address correctly, as phishing schemes can lead to incorrect URLs. It’s also a good idea to check the front end of the URL or website address to make sure the site is using https instead of http, which means the site is secure.
Be careful with personal information
Do not enter your personal information on the website when using a public computer, if you can avoid doing so. If you engage in social media, be wary of posting personal information or filling out forms, polls or games that capture your personal information unless you trust the source. If you’re using an unsecured public Wi-Fi, don’t check your personal accounts, such as your bank account, until you’re on a secured and protected network.
Look after
Keep an eye on your bank account and credit cards at a rhythm that makes sense to you – daily, weekly, etc. Not only will you have an idea that something is not right, but it’s also a good way to keep an eye on your finances. You should also be careful when checking your email. Emails with strange subject lines can be phishing emails. Do not click on links if you are not sure what they are or who sent them. Destroy your physical documents containing personal information and delete any emails you no longer need to keep your inbox clean.
Update software
Keep your software up to date, both on your computer and on your phone, so you have the latest updates and protection. Install antivirus software on all the devices you own to protect against cyber-attacks. When you use your browser, you should periodically clear your cache and cookies to keep your personal information clear.
If your personal information has been compromised, please contact your banks and credit bureaus and freeze your credit while dealing with the issue.