Investing is now more accessible than ever. These investment options are just a few clicks or swipes away, whether you want to invest in bitcoin or transfer money to an IRA. Online investing may be simple, but it may be expensive. Financial institutions, individual investors, and everyone in between are all targets for cybercriminals. The COVID-19 outbreak, in fact, has resulted in a 600% increase in global cybercrime.

Regardless of the safeguards in place, these thieves are constantly coming up with new ways to commit financial fraud, identity theft, and data hacking. As a result, taking the necessary security precautions to protect your digital data and financial interests is critical. Here are some wise words to help you better defend yourself against those who wish to harm you.

Investing is now possible in a variety of ways, including through mobile-first apps and consulting with an investment advisor. You must exercise caution when communicating or conducting business, regardless of the medium used. The most efficient way to accomplish this is to increase cybersecurity.

Inform us about cybersecurity. Computer systems, networks, and software must be kept secure in order to better protect the sensitive data they store. Numerous resources are used at the corporate level to protect against cyberattacks and ensure the security of these critical systems. Many reputable investment firms, for example, have put in place a variety of safeguards to safeguard their clients’ financial and personal information.

Individual cybersecurity measures come in a variety of flavors. The creation of secure credentials is one such method. Cybercriminals frequently use stolen credentials to access data belonging to a specific organization or individual.

The key to avoiding this is to create usernames and passwords using the most recent standards. Never, ever use your home address, birthdate, or social security number as your login credentials. Mix lowercase, uppercase, numerals, and symbols to make a longer password. In the event of a breach, it is also recommended that these passwords be updated on a regular basis.

Another cybersecurity precaution you should take is to use protected networks instead of public ones. These frequently unsecured networks can be accessed while traveling or sipping coffee, but they can be dangerous. When conducting online transactions, use a VPN or a hotspot connection to increase security. When possible, it is best to enable two-factor authentication.

Finally, it is critical to stay current on all hacking strategies. Staying up to date on their ever-changing phishing methods and fake money requests will help you defend yourself better. An expert investment advisor can provide more information on these and related topics.

For more information on cybersecurity considerations for online financial investing, please see the infographic below.