Cybersecurity: Don't Take the Bait

Let's be honest—most of us have become pretty good at spotting the obvious scams. We all know that the "long-lost prince" offering us millions is probably not legitimate. Unfortunately, today's cybercriminals have become much more convincing.

Protecting your personal and financial information is one of our highest priorities. We invest in secure technology, follow industry best practices, and continuously monitor for potential threats to help keep your accounts safe. However, even the strongest security measures work best when paired with informed clients—because cybersecurity is a team effort, and your everyday decisions play an important role in protecting your information.

The good news? You don't have to be an IT expert to protect yourself. Developing a little "cyber sense" can go a long way toward keeping your personal and financial information safe.

Develop Your Cyber Sense

Think of your cyber sense as your ability to recognize when something just doesn't seem right.

Be on the lookout for common red flags, including:

• Urgent requests that demand immediate action

• Offers that seem too good to be true

• Messages that use fear or threats to pressure you into responding

• Unexpected requests for personal or financial information

Hackers count on catching people in a hurry. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Taking an extra minute to verify a request can save you lots of frustration.

Phishing: Don't Take the Bait

One of the most common cyber threats is phishing.

Phishing occurs when criminals pretend to be a trusted company or person in an attempt to steal your usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information. While email security continues to improve, no system catches every fraudulent message.

A good rule of thumb: Don't click links in unexpected emails.

Instead, open your web browser and type the company's website address yourself. It takes only a few extra seconds and greatly reduces your risk.

Build Stronger Passwords

Passwords like d0nutZ456! may seem secure—and years ago, it may have been. Today, cybercriminals use sophisticated software that can guess many complex-looking passwords surprisingly quickly.

Instead, consider using a passphrase made up of four unrelated words, such as:

callspecialnewsday

It's easier to remember and generally much harder for automated tools to crack. If a website requires additional complexity, simply add a number or special character.

Just as important, never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one website experiences a data breach, criminals often try the same username and password on banking, investment, email, and shopping accounts.

A password manager can also help you create and securely store unique passwords for every account.

Keep Your Devices Updated

When your computer, phone, or tablet asks you to install an update, it's not just trying to interrupt your day.

Software updates often include security patches that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them. Delaying updates may leave your devices exposed to risks that already have known solutions.

Whenever possible, enable automatic updates so your devices stay protected.

When in Doubt, Slow Down

Cybercriminals thrive on urgency. They want you to react before you have time to think.

If an email, text message, or phone call pressures you to act immediately, pause for a moment. Verify the request through a trusted source before clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing personal information.

Sometimes the safest response is simply taking a deep breath and asking, "Does this make sense?"

Final Thoughts

A healthy dose of skepticism, strong passwords, updated devices, password managers like Bitwarden, and a willingness to slow down can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

After all, the only phishing trip you want to come home from is the one where you actually catch dinner.

Disclosure: This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, cybersecurity, or other professional advice. The information is general in nature, may not address every circumstance, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to use any specific product or service. While reasonable efforts are made to provide accurate and current information, no representation or warranty is made as to its completeness or reliability. Cybersecurity risks are constantly evolving, and no security measure can guarantee protection against fraud, unauthorized access, data loss, or other cyber incidents. Clients should consult appropriate professionals regarding their specific circumstances and remain vigilant in protecting personal and financial information.