Staying Cyber Aware: Simple Steps to Better Protect Your Financial Life

Cybercrime is becoming smarter every day. While technology has made managing our finances more convenient than ever, it has also created new opportunities for scammers and cybercriminals. The good news? A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk and help keep your personal and financial information safe.

At Amplify Wealth, protecting your information is our priority. We encourage all clients to remain cyber aware and take proactive steps to strengthen their online security.

Use Secure Client Portals Instead of Email

One of the easiest ways to improve your cybersecurity is to avoid sending sensitive information through email whenever possible. Email can be intercepted, compromised, or accessed by someone who has gained control of an account.

That's why we encourage clients to use our secure client portal when sharing financial documents or personal information. The portal provides an encrypted environment designed to protect your data and ensures important information remains in a secure location.

If you're unsure how to access or use the portal, our team is always happy to help.

Regularly Update Your Passwords

Many people continue using the same password for years or use similar passwords across multiple accounts. Unfortunately, this creates a significant vulnerability.

If one website experiences a data breach, cybercriminals often try those same login details across banking, email, social media, and other accounts.

A good rule of thumb is to:

• Change important passwords regularly.

• Use unique passwords for each account.

• Avoid obvious passwords such as birthdays, pet names, or common phrases.

  
  

Your email account should be a particular focus. If a cybercriminal gains access to your email, they may be able to reset passwords for many of your other online accounts.

Consider a Password Manager

I know I talk about this all the time but remembering dozens of strong, unique passwords can feel impossible (or maybe it’s only my struggle??). That's where a password manager can help.

Password managers securely store your passwords and generate strong, random passwords for new accounts. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords, you only need to remember one master password (and you can be clever with this one – as a hint I use a line in a song that I like).

Some of the well-known password managers available today include  LastPass, Keeper and Dashlane. Finding a solution that suits your needs can greatly improve your overall online security.

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second verification step when logging in. This might involve entering a code sent to your phone or approving a login through an authentication app.

Even if someone discovers your password, MFA makes it much harder for them to gain access to your accounts.

Stay Alert to Scams

Cybercriminals are experts at creating convincing emails, text messages, and phone calls. If something feels unusual, take a moment to verify it before clicking a link, opening an attachment, or providing personal information.

Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making urgent decisions without giving you time to verify their identity.

The Bottom Line

Cybersecurity doesn't need to be complicated. Simple steps such as using secure portals, updating passwords, implementing a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication can make a substantial difference.

For those of you who are “digitally challenged” your adult children or even grandchildren are well equipped set these things up for you – so offer to shout them a treat for a little one on one computer time!

If you have concerns about online security, please get in touch with our team. Together, we can help keep your financial life thriving and secure.

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Tanya Carlson, GPS Wealth Ltd nor its related entities, employees or agents shall be liable on any ground whatsoever with respect to decisions or actions taken as a result of you acting upon such information