Increase your awareness

Gone are the days when spelling and grammar errors could reliably tip you off to phishing emails or smishing texts. With today’s technology, including artificial intelligence, cybercriminals can avoid the mistake-riddled messages that once gave them away and use advanced tactics that play on our human emotions and reactions even more effectively. They have also become more persistent.

 

Sophisticated scams can start with a legitimate-looking but malicious text, followed by a phone call that spoofs a number you recognize, and a voice on the line warning you to take quick action. They may try to convince you that your account or advisor have been compromised, and to quickly and quietly move your money to keep it safe. There is technology that can mimic the voices of your loved ones, describing situations where large sums of money are needed to get them out of trouble or even save their lives.

 

Tactics have evolved, but the best response remains the same. If you think there’s really a problem, disconnect or hang up, take a breath and use a trusted number or email address to contact that person, utility, bank or government agency yourself.

 

Control what you can

In cybercrime circles, information is money. Bits and pieces of personal data are for sale on the dark web, exposed through countless information breaches. What criminals can’t find on their own, you need to lock down—with an extra layer of protection similar to turning a deadbolt after you lock your front door.

 

• Secure your online connection and devices with trustworthy and regularly updated antivirus software and keep operating systems current. Screen lock your devices, using a PIN and/or biometrics. Avoid public Wi-Fi and use your own charging equipment whenever possible.
• Freeze your credit. This is a free service offered by all credit bureaus to prevent anyone from opening new lines of credit or bank accounts using your social security number.
• Help protect your credentials. Create complex, unique and secret logins and passwords—and avoid using the same password on multiple accounts. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and biometrics when available. Use a password manager to help create and maintain complex passwords, while you only have to remember one.
• Be careful what you share online, in person, through email, text or over the phone. In the wrong hands, the information you share can potentially expose you to cybercrime. Avoid accepting friend requests from strangers, don’t give personal information to people who call you (hang up and call using a verified phone number), and be wary of messages from people you don’t know.
• Think before you click. Malicious emails or pop-up messages may contain attachments that when opened can infect your devices, or links that lead to look-alike web pages designed to steal your login credentials. Deals that sound too good to be true, often are. Be suspicious of unsolicited, bargain-priced or free offers. If your computer is frozen on a screen claiming you must call a number to unlock, bring your computer to a trusted retailer to scan for viruses. Do not call the number on the screen.

Check your cyber hygiene

Just as you might do for your physical wellbeing, it’s a best practice to regularly check in on your cyber health, including updating your passwords. A one-and-done approach isn’t enough when threats keep evolving, and what worked two years ago may not offer you the best protection today or tomorrow.

If you have questions about ways we help protect you and your account information, please contact your Merrill advisor or call 800-MERRILL, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.