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CYBERSECURITY:

An Investor’s Guide to Financial Cybersecurity: How to protect yourself and your finances from hackers, scammers, and identity theft.

In today’s world, financial security is just as crucial as financial planning. Why? Because nothing is more devastating than working towards your goals only to have them derailed by someone else’s dishonesty. The frightening reality is that most people don’t realize they’re a target until it’s too late. These threats affect everyone, regardless of age or gender, and with the rise in technology use, they are only becoming more prevalent. Online scams and data breaches have surged dramatically since the pandemic began. That’s why it’s more important than ever to keep your finances “scam-safe” and “cyber-secure.”

The good news is that while the threat is real, the solution is straightforward. With a little proactivity, you can fortify your financial defenses so that most criminals will find you not worth the effort. Just as traditional burglars prefer unlocked houses, scammers and cybercriminals seek out easy targets who have taken few or no precautions to protect themselves.

To help you and your family become more financially cyber-secure, we are sharing these resources. You’ll find simple steps you can take to protect your data, money, and identity. Additionally, you’ll learn how to recognize various types of fraud, scams, and cybercrimes that investors need to be aware of.

How Can I Protect Myself from Cybercrime?

Protecting yourself from cybercrime involves a combination of vigilance, awareness, and practical measures.  Protect Yourself from Cybercrime explains what cybercrime is, provides insight into common forms of cybercrimes, and offers guidance on things to avoid and how you can protect yourself.

Cybercrime Protection Checklist

The Cybercrime Protection Checklist provides essential steps to help you secure your personal information, safeguard your finances, and ensure the safety of your loved ones. By following these simple guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercriminals.

Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

Financial exploitation of older adults is a growing concern that affects individuals, families, and communities. As our population ages, more seniors are at risk of being targeted by fraudsters and scammers who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability. Financial Exploitation of Older Adults explores the various forms of financial exploitation that older adults face, examines the impact on victims and their families, and offers strategies for prevention and protection. By raising awareness and providing actionable insights, we aim to empower older adults and those who care for them to recognize, prevent, and combat financial exploitation.

How To Respond to a Data Breach

If you believe your personal data has been compromised, this document outlines the immediate steps to take. Prompt action is crucial to minimize the impact, whether you are part of a larger cyberattack or an individual victim of cybercrime.  How To Respond to a Data Breach provides a detailed outline of the steps you should take and when to take them.

Other Resources

Schwab has more resources available on their website that may also be of help to you. Please check them out here at: https://www.schwab.com/schwabsafe/security-knowledge-center

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