Wilson Financial Services Inc.

(859) 824-9422

Money

Data Thieves from Outer Space

Data Thieves from Outer SpaceIt was a dark and stormy night, when janet decided to log in to her email. When suddenly she recieved an email from Milky Way Mutual, Attention Earthling, urgent account action needed! Milky Way Mutual? Hmm...I don't have an account there. I do all my banking here on earth. Looks like attempted internet fraud! I'm not even going to open this. Send to Spam. Boom! Data theif failure. Meanwhile in the Depths of space...Curses! Foiled again. We'll be back!But what is internet fraud? Internet fraud, also called data theif, happens when hackers gain access to important financial information. Fortunately, I know a thing or two about preventing it. Follow along, and I'll show you how to keep your personal data safe and sound.Phishing. A phishing email falsely claims to be a legitimate business or individual, in an attempt to trick you into divulging passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information. A great example of this is the email that Janey smartly sent to spam. How Janet stays safe. Ha! Phishing? I know better than to take that bait. I never open emails I don't recognize. Instead, I delete any fishy-looking emails right away or send them to my spam folder, so future attempts won't reach my inbox.Malware! Malware is malicious software that is intended to damage, disable, or take over your computer. After it's been downloaded to the victim's computer, malware can be extremely difficult to remove. How Janet stays safe. Malware doesn't scare me. I use countermeasures like updated antivirus software, and the personal firewall that came pre-installed on my computer helps keep online thieves at bay.Ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that uses a fast-acting encryption to lock you out of your computer. The theif then demands a ransom in exchange for unlocking the encryption. How Janet stays safe. Ransomware sounds awful, but I'm not worried about it. Thanks to my combination of antivirus software, pre-installed firewalls, and unique passwords, I'm ready for anything.Always remember, when it comes to safeguarding your sensitive information, prevention is your best defense. Don't wait for thieves to strike! Follow Janet's example and start protecting your data today.
 

Related Content

Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement

Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement

It may help your business be better prepared in the event of the death of a principal or key employee.

Retiring Earlier Than Expected? What To Know

Retiring Earlier Than Expected? What To Know

Retiring earlier than expected can be disheartening. Learn steps that can help you smoothe the road ahead.

What Is My Life Expectancy?

What Is My Life Expectancy?

Estimate how many years you may need retirement assets or how long to provide income to a surviving spouse or children.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance Rates?

Your credit score may influence how much you pay for auto and home insurance.

Protecting Your Home Against Flood Loss

Protect yourself against the damage that your homeowners policy doesn’t cover.

Women on the Rise

Explore the growing influence women wield over the economy with this handy infographic.

View all articles

Can I Refinance My Mortgage?

This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?

Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.

View all calculators

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

View all presentations

Retirement Redefined

Around the country, attitudes about retirement are shifting.

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

Acres of Diamonds

In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.

View all videos