Nov 6, 2013 Four Steps to Stay Safe Online
Do you want to pay your bills online? View your investment accounts? If you’re
going to start accessing your accounts online there are a few steps that you
should take that will help keep your information safe.
Step 1: Ensure that you have up-to-date virus protection on your computer. Many
people use products designed by companies like Norton or Mcafee. These can be
great investments to keep your computer free from invisible programs that could
share your data with others. You may also be entitled to free virus protection
from your Internet Service Provider like Charter, AOL, WA Broadband or Qwest.
Their networks benefit from low virus accounts enough to offer free or deeply
discounted anti-virus solutions.
Step 2: Positive Password Policies. There are a couple of steps you can take to
make sure a small mistake doesn’t turn into an internet catastrophe. It is
tempting, but do not re-use the same password across multiple log-ins. If one of
those password files is hacked, it will force you to change your password across
the internet. It is not worth it. Consider starting with a base password and
adding to it. Something like, Revolution123, Revolution 1234!, Revolution 1234!@
and so forth. This will give you options without creating exactly the same
password at each log in. If you have trouble remembering passwords and decide to
write them down, let your spouse or financial advocate know where they are and
keep them safe. Do not take them with you in your purse or wallet and do not
leave passwords anywhere near your computer. Another option to consider is using
singlesignon.com or the keychain function on a Mac computer to keep your
passwords locked behind one master password. This will keep them at the ready,
but make it difficult for anyone else to access.
Step 3: Make sure your computer has a password before it allows you to log-on.
Many times you don’t lose your password, but your computer is left behind at the
airport or even stolen out of your home. Make sure that whomever recovers it has
to at least enter a password to gain access to your information. I would even
recommend going one step further and installing Whole Disk Encryption. This is
available through Bit-Locker on your windows 8 Pro operating system, in the
preferences on your Apple computer or through a third party provider like
Symantec Whole Disc Encryption. This basically turns your hard-drive information
into a useless brick of data without the key to decipher it. Sleep soundly if
anything happens to your Laptop or desktop knowing that your data is safe.
Step 4: Mobile concerns. More and more people are detaching from their
computers altogether and living life with only smartphones or tablets. If you
are living a mobile digital life, make sure that you take THESE steps to secure
your apple product and These steps to secure your Android device. Mobile devices
are frequently lost or stolen and along with an address book can reveal where we
live, places we frequent and provide a detailed accounting of our past and future
schedules. Trust me, it’s worth the annoying unlock every time you reach for your
phone.
The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or
recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial
advisor prior to investing.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors, P.L.L.C, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
Company News
Market Commentary
Retirement Planning
Tax Planning
Cyber Security
Important Disclosures
Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors, PLLC (“LRIA”), is an SEC registered investment adviser located in the State of Washington. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For information pertaining to the registration status of LRIA, please contact LRIA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).
This is provided for general information only and contains information that is not suitable for everyone. As such, nothing herein should be construed as the provision of specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed herein will come to pass. This newsletter contains information derived from third party sources. Although we believe these third-party sources to be reliable, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party incorporated herein and take no responsibility therefore.
Any projections, forecasts and estimates, including without limitation any statement using “expect” or “believe” or any variation of either term or a similar term, contained here are forward-looking statements and are based upon certain current assumptions, beliefs and expectations that LRIA considers reasonable or that the applicable third parties have identified as such. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions or beliefs underlying the forward-looking statements will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results or outcomes. Some important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include, among others, changes in interest rates and general economic conditions in the U.S. and globally, changes in the liquidity available in the market, change and volatility in the value of the U.S. dollar, market volatility and distressed credit markets, and other market, financial or legal uncertainties. Consequently, the inclusion of forward-looking statements herein should not be regarded as a representation by LRIA or any other person or entity of the outcomes or results that will be achieved by following any recommendations contained herein. While the forward-looking statements here reflect estimates, expectations and beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes. LRIA has no obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, including any revisions to reflect changes in economic conditions or other circumstances arising after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), even if the underlying assumptions do not come to fruition. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or particular needs of all investors.
For additional information about LRIA, including fees and services, please contact us for our Form ADV disclosure brochure using our contact information herein. Please read the disclosure brochure carefully before you invest or send money.
2024 1st Quarter Investment Commentary