Technology makes it easier to manage our finances, connect with family, and access information. A few good cybersecurity habits can help us use it with confidence.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can make suspicious emails, calls, and videos look or sound more convincing, which makes knowing how to verify requests especially useful. You don’t need to be a technology expert to stay safer online.
Start with these six practical steps.
1. Strengthen Your Passwords and Online Accounts
Use a different password for email, banking, investments, and social media. Choose long passwords (ideally at least 16 characters) or let a password manager, such as Apple Passwords or Google Password Manager, create and store them. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever available. This extra sign-in step helps protect your accounts even if someone learns your password.
Secure your primary email first, since it is often used to reset passwords for other accounts.
2. Recognize Phishing Emails and Suspicious Messages
An email saying your bank account is locked or a package cannot be delivered may be a phishing attempt. AI can make these messages polished and personal, so good grammar or a familiar logo is not proof that a message is genuine.
Before responding:
- Check the sender’s full email address, not just the displayed name.
- Pause when a message demands immediate action.
- Open official websites or apps directly instead of following unexpected links.
- Never share passwords or one-time verification codes with unexpected callers or message senders.
If unsure, call the organization using a number you already trust.
3. Beware of AI Voice Cloning and Fake Videos
An unexpected call may sound just like a family member asking for urgent help. AI can sometimes imitate familiar voices. Videos and recordings can also be altered, including clips that appear to endorse an investment.
Hang up and call the person using a saved number. A private family verification phrase can also be helpful.
Be extra careful with requests involving money, secrecy, or immediate action.
4. Review Your Facebook and Social Media Security
Facebook and other social media accounts may reveal details you would rather keep private.
A few helpful settings to check:
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Limit who can see your personal information and posts.
- Review unfamiliar devices logged into your accounts.
- Check unexpected friend requests and messages asking for money.
On Facebook, look under Settings → Accounts Center → Password and security to enable 2FA. Menus may vary by device.
If a friend sends an unusual request, check with them another way.
5. Protect Your Financial Accounts and Personal Documents
Investment statements, tax returns, and identification documents deserve careful handling.
- Turn on available alerts for withdrawals, transactions, and password changes.
- Check bank and investment accounts for unfamiliar activity.
- Share sensitive documents through secure portals.
- Avoid sending complete account or Social Security numbers by ordinary email.
- Confirm unexpected transfer instructions with your advisor or institution using a known number.
When using AI tools, avoid uploading confidential statements or identification documents to unfamiliar services.
6. Keep Your Devices Secure and Know When to Act
Enable automatic updates, use device passcodes, and protect your home Wi-Fi with a strong password.
Do not give an unexpected caller remote access to your computer, even if they claim to offer technical support.
If an account seems compromised, contact the institution promptly, change affected passwords, and review recent activity.
Helpful reporting resources include:
- IdentityTheft.gov: Identity theft assistance and recovery.
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov: Reporting scams and fraudulent activity.
- IC3.gov: Reporting internet-related crimes to the FBI.
Stay Alert. Stay Protected.
Use unique passwords, turn on 2FA, keep devices updated, and verify unexpected requests.
At Concord Wealth Partners, we encourage clients to make these simple precautions part of their routine.
If a message about your investments or Concord Wealth Partners seems unusual, contact your advisory team using a verified number.
If you have any questions, reach out.