At D.A. Davidson, we believe cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility to help protect information. While we recognize it may not be possible for you to keep your personal information completely out of the hands of bad actors, incorporating a few simple steps into your routine can provide additional ways for you to make yourself more secure — and a less likely target.
1. Keep your devices up to date.
Whether you use a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, always ensure your browsers, operating systems and software are up to date. Most providers offer automatic updates; consider leveraging these on all your devices where and whenever possible.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication where possible.
Passwords alone often aren’t enough to keep you safe online. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection by using a second factor, such as text message, email, code from an authentication app, etc., which can greatly reduce the likelihood of your account being successfully hacked.
3. Create unique passwords.
Let’s face it, it’s hard to create and remember unique yet strong passwords for every website you use. This is why we often fall back to reusing or repeating usernames and passwords that, if compromised on one site, can lead to the compromise of that username and password wherever else it’s used. Consider using a password manager protected with MFA that creates and securely stores unique passwords for every site and/or applications you use.
4. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails and texts.
Most successful cyber-attacks start with phishing, which is a non-legitimate email with the purpose of enticing the recipient to reveal sensitive information or click a malicious link that could give the bad actor access to the recipient’s computer. If you receive a suspicious email or text link, use your instincts and think before you click.
By following these tips, staying up-to-date on best practices, and practicing common sense, you can help keep yourself and your family cyber secure.
This material is being provided for educational and informational purposes only. D.A. Davidson & Co. is a registered broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that does not provide tax or legal advice. Information contained herein has been obtained by sources we consider reliable, but is not guaranteed and we are not soliciting any action based upon it. Any opinions expressed are based on our interpretation of the data available to us at the time of the original article. These opinions are subject to change at any time without notice. Copyright D.A. Davidson & Co., 2022. All rights reserved. Member FINRA and SIPC.