10 Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself From Cyber Attacks

In today’s digital age, preserving your wealth means more than making smart investments. It also includes shielding yourself from cyber attacks which target your personal and financial information. As your financial advisor, I’m committed to helping you not only grow your assets but also defend them against evolving online threats. Cybersecurity is now a vital part of wealth management, and I’ll walk you through effective ways to safeguard your information. Adopting the following 10 practices helps you reduce risks and keep your financial future stable.

1. Password Manager 

Having a password manager helps to securely store and organize all your passwords, allowing you to create strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. This reduces the risk of having your accounts compromised due to weak or reused passwords. Additionally, a password manager helps streamline the login process and eliminate the need to remember multiple passwords. Sites like LastPass and 1Password are two options to consider.

2. VPN 

Using a VPN enhances online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This helps to protect sensitive personal and financial information, such as login credentials and online banking transactions, from being intercepted by cybercriminals. A VPN should be used all the time on your iPhone, iPads, laptops, and other devices. Some good options for a VPN service include ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

3. Encryption 

Encrypting storage devices, such as laptops and external hard drives, helps protect the confidentiality and integrity of stored data. If the device is lost or stolen, encrypted data will be unreadable without the proper decryption key, reducing the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

Most modern operating systems offer built-in encryption tools. For Windows users, BitLocker is a reliable solution that encrypts the entire drive and helps protect your files from unauthorized access—even if someone removes your hard drive and installs it in another computer. BitLocker is available on most Windows Pro and Enterprise editions and can be turned on through your system’s settings. To enable BitLocker, follow these steps.

Apple users can take advantage of FileVault, which encrypts the entire contents of your Mac. It’s built into macOS and easy to enable. To enable FireVault, follow these steps.

Whichever type of computer you use, turning on encryption adds a powerful layer of protection for your personal and financial information.

4. Firewalls

Using a firewall helps increase overall network security and reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber threats. Essentially, they help prevent unauthorized applications, programs, and services from accepting incoming connections.

5. Anti-Malware

Anti-malware programs help protect against a range of threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and other forms of malware which can cause harm to your computer or steal sensitive information. Regular use of anti-malware programs helps prevent system slowdowns, crashes, and other issues caused by malware infections, providing a critical layer of security for any computer or device. Some options for anti-malware protection include Malwarebytes and Avast.

6. Update Software 

Regularly updating software programs ensures security vulnerabilities and bugs are fixed, protecting the software and any sensitive data it may handle. To increase your computer’s performance and lower the risk of attacks, keep your operating systems, software, and anti-malware programs updated.

7. Update Hardware

Using modern hardware can also help provide the best security advancements against cyber threats. Hardware includes routers, Wi-Fi, computers, phones, laptops, etc. 

8. Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene refers to basic practices and habits to maintain the security and privacy of personal and sensitive information when using technology. To protect yourself, be more cautious about clicking on links in your email, which can be “phishing” attempts to get you to click on a fake link so the hacker can obtain your username and password. 

These scams don’t just show up in your inbox; they also appear in text messages. Known as “smishing,” text phishing tricks you into clicking a malicious link or replying with sensitive information by pretending to be from a trusted source (e.g., your bank or a delivery service). If a message feels suspicious, don’t click and delete it immediately.

9. Public Wi-Fi and Cell Signals

Using public Wi-Fi networks can be risky because they often lack encryption and proper security measures, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to interception and theft by cybercriminals. Cell signals can also be spoofed by creating a fake cell tower, allowing an attacker to intercept voice and data communications, steal sensitive information, and even manipulate GPS data. To lower these risks, if you need to use public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a VPN.

10. Choosing the Right Devices 

Next time you’re in the market to buy a new laptop, cell phone, or tablet, take the time to learn about the security and protection features your new device offers. The biggest weak spot in terms of security is human error! Many hacks rely on people making careless mistakes and revealing usernames, passwords, or other access to personal information.

Shield Your Wealth From Cyber Attacks

We understand many of the topics above may feel unfamiliar, but in today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever to shield yourself from cyber attacks. 

At The Rosamond Financial Group, our team works to shield your personal data and financial accounts with confidence. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. 

Call my office at 830-798-9400 or email solutions@rosamondfinancialgroup.com to take your first step toward stronger protection.

About Preston

Preston Rosamond is a financial advisor and the founder of The Rosamond Financial Group Wealth Management, LLC with over two decades of industry experience. He provides comprehensive wealth management and financial services to successful business owners, corporate executives, and affluent retirees who enjoy simplicity and seek a professional to help them pursue their goals. Preston personally serves his clients with an individual touch, a sincere heart, and his servant’s attitude is evident from the moment you meet him. Learn more about Preston or start the conversation about your finances with him by emailing solutions@rosamondfinancialgroup.com or schedule a call on his online calendar.