August is nearly here – time to enjoy longer days and maybe even a short vacation before schools are back in session. But did you know that while you’re relaxing, scammers are still hard at work? Here are some steps to help protect yourself from cybercrime.

Passwords

  • Give your accounts unique passwords. To help remember them, consider using a password management tool.
  • Don’t use common words. Use a misspelled word, such as Koats6 instead of Coats6.

Email

  • Look for malicious signs. Before clicking on links or opening an attachment, look for odd word choices, misspelled words, urgent requests or offers that seem too good to be true.
  • Guard your personal information. Don’t respond to requests for personal information in an email or a text message unless you initiated the conversation.

Computers

  • Keep your antivirus software updated. Set up automatic updates and service renewal, and regularly back up your data.
  • Watch what you install. Don’t install bootleg or unlicensed software. Also, don’t download peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, which can give other computer users access to your personal files.

Online accounts/E-commerce sites

  • Enable two-step authentication.
  • Opt for safety over convenience. Don’t select “remember my password” for the websites you visit or allow e-commerce sites to store your credit card information. Officially log out of sites instead of simply closing the window.
  • Use only secure sites for purchases. Look for https:// in the URL. The “s” stands for secure.

Social Media

  • Use strict privacy settings. Review your privacy settings regularly, and set them so only people you know or approve can view your information.
  • Limit what you share online. Keep your full name, address, birthday and even vacation plans private.

For assistance with your personal devices, contact your internet service provider or the device manufacturer.
Visit www.edwardjones.com/privacy for information on what Edward Jones does to protect your accounts from cyberthreats.

Working Together

As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Rob Rosen believes it’s important to invest your time to understand what you’re working toward before you invest your money. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, Rob Rosen can work with you to develop specific strategies to help you achieve your goals.

If you’d like to discuss any of these issues, or have questions pertaining to your financial goals, consider calling Rob at his Kissimmee Florida office at 407.870.5464.