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Today’s world has a new peril called cyber-attacks; they happen every day. Don’t let it happen to you! Below are a few tips to help Protect Yourself and become tech-savvy. We believe it’s important that you are tech savvy to be financially savvy. Be sure to take our quiz below and see how well you score.
P – Proceed with caution when using personal checks or giving out personal information on any forms.
R – Require Strong Passcodes – Do not use easily guessable information (dog names, address, date of birth, etc.) and never use the same password twice.
O – Open only emails that you recognize-be sure to look behind the email address, and do not click on a link in an email
T – Think about what you post – criminals are watching. By advertising your current location, you are letting them know that you are out of town with an empty house.
E – Expect phishing, so slow down when you are responding to emails and read the fine print.
C – Check security settings on social media accounts, email accounts, phones, etc., to make sure sensitive information is protected, especially after updates.
T – Trust your instincts—Use your common sense. You do not have to respond to everything if it doesn’t feel right
Y – Don’t say yes or your name on the phone – they can be recording your voice.
O – Opt out- do not fill out surveys just because they ask.
U – Uber Protection – If you are leaving from home, set your pickup down the street and walk. Do not give them your home address.
R – Read app(lication) agreements – nothing is for free. Be smart about providing as little information as possible.
S – Never give out your Social Security Number (just because they ask for it).
E – Explore safely- Prepare ahead of traveling to ensure your home and finances are protected. Set alerts set for credit cards and bank accounts when traveling.
L – Lock your cellphone—always use a VPN on your phone and computer.
F – Fingerprints – Be cautious of providing this information. Disney uses them for your Magic Band but try to protect their use of them.
Ann Zuraw, Founder, and Fearless Leader/President of Zuraw Financial Advisors, a financial planning and investment management firm based in Greensboro, North Carolina serving families in all stages of life.
“Never Give Up, and it is Never Too Late to Learn.” —this is Ann Zuraw’s (AZ) mantra.
Our goal at ZFA is to encourage women to take responsibility for their finances. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA ®, Certified Financial Planner, CFP ® and MBA- and entrepreneur, Ann built www.ZurawFinancialAdvisors.com as a Registered Investment Advisor with assets under management of $190 million.
Ann served for 25 years as the only female on the board of her family’s real estate company. She witnessed firsthand the difficulties of running and expanding a business, along with the hardships of balancing family dynamics through economic ups and downs. At ZFA we believe that everyone can and should understand their finances and investment opportunities whether you have $5000 or $5 million.
Ann utilizes her blog www.ChicksChatandChange.com to educate women about improving their financial life whether dealing with aging parents, kids, partners or just controlling their spending.
Born in New Orleans and currently living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ann lived in NYC, San Francisco & Oakland, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My family includes 3 young adult kids who like it or not are always learning about money and—2 English Bulldogs who refuse to listen…
