Cyber security is one of the biggest problems in the United States. Individuals are experiencing data breaches, as they are having their accounts compromised. Everyone is scrambling to make sure that they’re accounts and information are secure. What is the best way to be more cyber secure? Many might not even know the small things they do daily may be placing their personal information at risk. What steps can you take to become more secure and where are you most at risk for an attack?
This week we’re going to do a series of blog posts to help our clients, potential clients and fellow blog readers stay secure and put up the best fight against these internet hackers!
One great method for a cyber- attack is phishing. Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers or bank account information.
To help protect yourself from phishing do not succumb to the pressure of emails requesting personal confidential information.
Banks and other companies such as credit card companies will never ask for account information via email. Utilities will also never ask for banking or account information via an email. Don’t get pressured into scare tactics and submit information that is confidential as well. Phishers will look to frighten you into submitting your account info.
-Never use links in an email to submit your personal bank or financial account information.
-You are safer to call the institution directly to submit your credentials.
-Phishing emails usually don’t look authentic and the hacker will try to mask themselves as a company. (For example- Docu-Sign or Drop Box)
-Never give out personal credentials thru an email.
-Always change your password for your email to a long combination of numbers, letters and characters as this will help prevent your email from becoming hacked.
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Many anti-virus companies have computer security programs that will help protect you against phishing. Remember, if the email doesn’t seem authentic or a request for personal information, your best choice is to delete the email. If a request is coming from a bank or financial institution, your best choice is to call and confirm with your financial advisor or bank representative about any account changes, money movement, personal information or account requests!
Schenley is very sensitive to data requests! We make sure to check URL links before clicking them, check that all requests from any client are correct by speaking directly to them. We make sure to delete all phishing emails as soon as they are received. We take extra precautions to make sure our info and clients information is always safe from phishing attacks.
Written by: ||cassandra hartman, office manager||