Helpful Tips for Effective Cybersecurity
Cultivating peace of mind is an important part of what we do as advisors. The strategies we employ are designed to help secure and optimize your wealth, so you can focus on enjoying your life. But as cyber threats grow more frequent and more sophisticated, that peace of mind doesn’t always come easy.
Today’s scammers aren’t just sending clumsy emails. They’re using artificial intelligence to imitate voices, craft convincing messages and impersonate the people and institutions you trust. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand the risks to your personal information and the simple steps you can take to protect it.
At Washington Wealth Group, we adhere to the highest standards of security and confidentiality and use technology designed to help keep your data protected. Here are some additional steps you can take to keep your personal information safe.
Why It Matters
$7.7B
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans age 60 and older reported more than $7.7 billion in losses to internet crime in 2025, a 59% increase over the prior year.
You’ve likely heard this before, but it’s still one of the most important habits you can build. Use long passwords or passphrases (a string of several random words works well), and never reuse the same password across accounts. If one account is compromised, a reused password can unlock others. To make it simple, consider a reputable password manager that creates and stores strong passwords for you.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) asks for a second form of verification, such as a code, an app approval or a fingerprint, before letting anyone into your account. Even if your password is stolen, MFA helps keep the door locked. Whenever it’s offered, especially on your email, bank and investment accounts, turn it on. An authenticator app or push notification is generally more secure than a code sent by text message.
Many banks, retailers and technology providers now offer passkeys, which let you sign in with your fingerprint, face or device PIN instead of a password. Because there’s no password to type, there’s nothing for a fake website to steal. If one of your accounts offers a passkey, it’s worth setting up.
Criminals who have your password may try to wear you down with repeated login prompts, hoping you’ll tap “Approve” just to make them stop. Never approve a sign-in request you didn’t initiate. Unexpected prompts are a sign someone may have your password, so change it right away.
Phishing messages are designed to look like they come from a trusted source, such as your bank, a delivery service or a government agency, and usually push you to act fast. Be cautious of unexpected links, attachments or requests for personal information. When in doubt, don’t click. Go directly to the company’s website or call a number you know is legitimate.
Scammers can now use a few seconds of audio, often pulled from social media videos, to clone the voice of someone you love. You might get a panicked call that sounds exactly like your child or grandchild, saying they’re in trouble and need money right away. To protect your family:
Be wary of any email or text, even one that appears to come from our office, asking you to send funds or change wire or payment instructions. Fraudsters can spoof email addresses and phone numbers. Before acting, call us directly at (202) 930-6000 to confirm.
Tech support and impersonation scams often start with a pop-up warning, a call or a text claiming your computer is infected or your account has been compromised. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not ask you to grant remote access to your computer, move money to a “safe” account or pay with gift cards.
Regularly update the apps and operating systems on your phone, tablet and computer, as these updates often fix security weaknesses. Turning on automatic updates makes this easy.
Use antivirus software and a firewall, which acts like a virtual security guard for your home network by allowing safe traffic while blocking suspicious or unauthorized access. Change the default password on your home Wi-Fi router and keep its software up to date.
Use a strong passcode along with face or fingerprint unlock, and turn on your phone’s built-in theft protection features, such as Stolen Device Protection on iPhone. These features add an extra layer of protection to your accounts and personal information if your phone is ever lost or stolen.
A ransomware attack locks you out of your files or device until a payment is made. These attacks often start with a click on an unsafe link or a downloaded file from a suspicious source. Verify the sender before clicking, and back up your important files regularly to an external drive or trusted cloud service so you’re never left without them.
Not all data breaches happen online. Some are as simple as someone going through your trash. Shred anything containing personal information, such as bank statements, investment account summaries, tax documents, utility bills, contracts or anything showing your Social Security number.
Not everyone online is your friend. Details like your birthday, hometown, pet’s name, travel plans or family members’ names can help criminals guess security questions or make a scam feel more convincing. Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and be mindful of what you post publicly.
AI tools can be helpful, but avoid entering account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords or other sensitive financial details into chatbots or online AI services. Information you share may be stored or used in ways you can’t control.
Public Wi-Fi networks are rarely secure. Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts, such as your bank, investment accounts, healthcare portals or email, while on public Wi-Fi. If you need to connect, use your phone’s personal hotspot or a reputable VPN, which encrypts your activity and makes it harder for others to see or steal your data.
Before entering sensitive information, make sure the website address begins with “https,” which means data sent to and from the site is encrypted. Keep in mind that “https” alone doesn’t guarantee a site is legitimate, as scammers can use it too. Double-check the spelling of the web address, and type it in yourself rather than clicking a link.
When traveling, keep your devices with you, avoid public charging stations and unsecured Wi-Fi when possible, and consider letting your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans.
Even with all these safeguards in place, it’s important to keep an eye on your accounts. Review your bank, credit card and investment statements regularly, and set up account alerts so you’re notified of withdrawals, large purchases or changes to your contact information. If something looks unfamiliar, act quickly and contact us.
Prefer a printable copy? Download these tips as a PDF.
Download the GuideCredit freezes, fraud alerts, warning signs and step-by-step recovery guidance are covered in our Identity Theft guide.
We at Washington Wealth Group care deeply about your privacy and peace of mind. We’re dedicated to prudent communication practices and secure account management procedures to help ensure your financial safety. If you ever receive a communication that seems out of character or have questions about protecting your information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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