Stay Alert: Key Fraud and Data Security Watchouts for 2024

About 1 Billion people were affected by a data breach in the first half of 2024. CrowdStrike and the social security number breach we're the most mainstream, but over 1,500+ breaches occurred during the first six months of the year.

In an increasingly digital world, the risks of fraud and data breaches continue to evolve at an alarming pace. As we navigate through 2024, protecting your personal and business information has never been more critical. At TradeWinds , we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest threats and strategies to safeguard your assets.

In this edition of Money Courage, we highlight key fraud trends and data security vulnerabilities to watch out for, helping you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect what matters most.

Read on for tips to spy cyber-scammers and keep your financial data safe and secure.

With all the added internet action increasing during the holidays it’s no wonder October is Cybersecurity Month. Of course, protecting your data is a round-the-calendar job, but now is a great time to keep an extra eye on your finances, become more aware of the latest scams and take precautions to prevent criminals from getting access to your info.

We created this helpful checklist to help you ensure you’re cybersecure. Bookmark this newsletter to revisit every year, and make cybersecurity an annual event just like Black Friday and CyberMonday!

Store passwords & PINS safely: Writing your passwords on a piece of paper or keeping them on a note in your phone is not the safest solution!

1. Use an encrypted password manager app to securely store your passwords in the cloud. You just need to remember one “master password” to access your vault.? Here at TradeWinds , we use Lastpass.
2. Choose strong passwords that are hard to guess. The current industry standard is a complex 16 character phrase, but the longer the better, with many moving towards 32 characters.

Protect your computer’s privacy: Your best defense against hackers starts with safeguarding your computer!

1. Use a personal firewall to prevent and be alerted of intrusion attempts.
2. Install antivirus software that detects real-time threats to your data.
3. Install an anti-spyware package. Some spyware records every keystroke to gain access to passwords and other financial information. Anti-spyware works to block this.

Practice safe surfing: Criminals work overtime to exploit internet weaknesses. Behave mindfully and vigilantly when online so they can’t find a way in.

1. Set up two factor authentication for your online accounts whenever this extra step is offered.
2. Make sure the websites you visit are secure. Look for a secure symbol like a closed padlock on your status bar.
3. Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-fi and hotspots. Do online banking from the privacy of your home network, and never from a shared or public computer.
4. Always take the time to log out of your banking and brokerage accounts when you’re done, and close your browser.
5. Think before opening links in emails or texts. Unknown senders could be phishing or smishing attempts.

Stay on top of finances: Always read monthly account statements to double check that you authorized each transaction

1. Check your credit report once a year for free by visiting annualcreditreport.com to make sure there’s no unknown activity like someone opening up a credit card in your name or taking out a car loan.
2. You can even go a step further, freezing your credit report so no one can open anything without your approval. It’s easier than ever to unfreeze as needed.

Spy the scammers: If it sounds too good to be true, it’s often a scam. Watch out for these red flags…

1. Emails with typos or misspelled words
2. Offers requesting gift cards as payment
3. Urgent requests – any need to act quickly
4. Being asked to send money to claim a gift or prize

By taking the proper precautions, you can own your role in cybersecurity. But financial criminals are social engineering pros and getting ever more sophisticated in their attempts to catch people off guard. If you’re ever unsure about an email, message or other request for payment or your information, don’t be afraid to run it past a professional you trust first.

• 66% of organizations were hit by ransomware in the past year, making it a persistent and widespread threat
• Ransomware payments have skyrocketed, with the total exceeding $1 billion in 2023. The average ransom payment reached over $1.5 million, more than doubling from the previous year
• 29% of victims in the last quarter of 2023 paid the ransom, marking a significant decline from 85% in 2019. This suggests that organizations are increasingly refusing to meet ransom demands, opting for other recovery strategies

At TradeWinds , we have processes and software in place to help combat any malicious data attacks.

• We have a 2-factor authentication for our TradeWinds portal
• We are constantly updating our data security protocols and recently adopted to the new passphrase guideline which includes the use of long passphrases
• We use encrypted software to communicate with our clients

In addition to the financial losses, it can be time-consuming and costly to clean up the mess or clear your name. We’re always here to help and make sure your financial interactions are legit.

Cybersecurity best practices are always evolving to keep up with the criminals. Here are a few ways you can stay up to speed...

? Check AARP’s Scam tracking map to be aware of scams reported in your area in real time.

? Try this password tester to see if any of your passwords need changing.

? Have a question our advisors can answer?. Get in touch here.

Onward with Optimism,

The TradeWinds team

Disclosure: Tradewinds, LLC is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information presented in the material is general in nature and is not designed to address your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Prior to making any investment decision, you should assess, or seek advice from a professional regarding whether any particular transaction is relevant or appropriate to your individual circumstances. Although taken from reliable sources, Tradewinds cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information received from third parties. The opinions expressed herein are those of Tradewinds and may not actually come to pass.