While managing finances can be complex, protecting your finances is proving to be even more difficult in 2024. This year, a social security breach exposed 2.9 billion records of personal data posing financial vulnerabilities for Americans. Many citizens are scrambling to ensure their data is protected. Let’s review a few tactics seniors can use to protect yourself from a cyberattack.
Freeze Credit
One way to prevent a criminal from using your Social Security number to open credit accounts is by freezing your credit with major agencies. This way, your credit cannot be checked preventing most organizations from allowing credit accounts to be opened. If you end up needing to use your credit there are ways to personally access it when needed. Some even freeze their children’s credit to prevent them from being a victim of identity fraud. This could be one effective way to ensure financial protection.
Be Wary of Pressure Tactics
Stay vigilant and skeptical as you encounter emails, texts, calls or mail that utilize pressure tactics. If you feel rushed through one of these mediums, it is important to pause and evaluate before taking action. Many cybercrimes and scams rely on applying pressure to make a decision quickly.
Stay Informed + Educate Others
Keep up to date on financial and identity scams in the news and through organizations like the IRS. Knowing when and how to identify a potential scam is a vital step in protecting yourself.
Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against cybercrime. By sharing your understanding of cybersecurity with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, you play a critical role in creating a more informed community. When you pass along information about common cyber threats, such as phishing scams and identity theft, you help others recognize and avoid these dangers. Stopping cybercriminals begins with shared knowledge and prevention.
Protect Devices and Use Technology
Protecting your devices is another way to protect your finances from cyber criminals. Many apps, websites and devices offer security measures that can be used for protection. Ensure your apps are up to date, using strong passwords and using multi-factor authentication.
Using technological protection services can also be beneficial. Identity theft protection is another way to ensure your identity and financial assets are under close watch.
Use Security Features from Bank
Most banks offer extra security features to help protect you from unwanted activity. Review your bank’s security features and enable features like two-factor authentication and security alerts. Two-factor authentication ensures a second method is needed to log in and security alerts allow the bank to contact you if something appears to be suspicious. Lastly, keep your contact info up to date so communication is seamless in an emergency situation.
Whether you are new to cybersecurity protection measures or have been a victim in the past, it is important to educate yourself on the dangers associated with cybercrimes. Keep your identity and financial assets protected with these tips.
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