by Katherine Russell, IACCP®
Senior Vice President
What are you doing to protect your personal assets from cybersecurity breaches? Each individual has different vulnerabilities based upon their computer equipment, usage and computer aptitude. Regardless of your relationship with technology, here are five easy cybersecurity tips anyone can and should attempt to implement:
Keep your software up-to-date
Choose automatic updates on your operating system
Select web browsers that automatically update your computer on a frequent basis, such as Chrome and Firefox
Set up a reminder to fully shut down your computer at least once per month
Use antivirus protection and firewalls
A firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic while an antivirus program protects your device from malicious software
Due to the importance of this protection, you should only install a firewall and antivirus protection from a known and trusted source
Select strong passwords and a password management tool
A strong password should contain at least eight characters with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
A password management tool, such as LastPass, will allow you to generate strong, secure and unique passwords. This management tool also remembers your password so you don’t have to
Establish two-factor or multifactor authentication
Dual factor authentication (DFA) is an extra layer of protection over-and-above your username and password. It is one of the most beneficial security measures to implement
Most financial institutions, such Schwab, our primary custodian, require DFA
Avoid phishing scams
Phishing attacks are an email or message sent to induce an individual to reveal personal or sensitive information for fraudulent means
Be careful what you click in an email and what information you provide online without first confirming the origins of the message
It is very easy and common to fall for a malicious attack if you are not consistently vigilant
Be very suspicious of emails and phone calls requesting you to provide personal information, especially those that are “urgent” and “require immediate action”
These tips are just a start and certainly not an exhaustive list for cybersecurity protection. While no one can guarantee that security practices are enough to prevent an attack, these tips may provide a basic level of protection.
Our firm also recognizes that individuals may not have the time, energy nor interest in reviewing and updating their personal security measures. That is one of the reasons Ferguson Wellman established Octavia Group for clients. The firm is continually seeking ways to enhance client service offerings, either through investment management, wealth management or personal financial services with Octavia Group.
Our new division provides an array of services to help clients have peace of mind, control and clarity. Octavia Group’s technology support services can provide clients with a configured computer for their personal use that includes protection and future scanning for viruses and malware, continual software updating and the ability to remotely troubleshoot computer problems. Clients also receive a subscription to LastPass, a password management tool, to assist client’s with upgrading their password practices.
To learn more about Octavia Group’s offering, visit, www.fergusonwellman.com/octaviagroup
Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing do not provide tax, legal, insurance or medical advice. Services offered through Octavia Group are delivered in partnership with third-party professionals. Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing are not technology providers for clients. This material has been prepared for general educational and informational purposes only and not as a substitute for qualified counsel. You should consult qualified professionals to understand how this information may, or may not, apply specifically to you.