Page 5 - Van Wig & Associates Newsletter, Lakewood Village ~ October 2019 Issue

security and protection l

TO PROTECT YOUR

CONNECTED DEVICES MODERN TECHNOLOGY

5 TIPS AND ELECTRONIC IDENTITY

esourceful thieves and shred expired insurance documents,
cyber criminals continue vehicle registrations, bills, loan pre-
R to find new ways to hack qualifications and other paperwork
U.S. consumers’ sensitive personal that would allow someone to call in
information. Dumpster diving, stolen pretending to be you. Check your
or lost wallets and mail fraud should credit reports at least twice a year to
still be concerns, but the digital age of ensure all accounts opened in your
tablets, smartphones, PCs and Wi-Fi name are valid.
networks leaves people even more
vulnerable than ever. DO INSTALL
Think about it: Have you ever RECOMMENDED UPDATES
stored credit card information on Smartphone, computer, tablet and
your phone for added convenience smart TV manufacturers, among
to make payments in a checkout other providers of connected devices,
lane? Do you ever store passwords you care about have the right tools your devices unless it’s a password- offer periodic software updates to
in apps to transfer funds between helps stop criminals in their tracks. protected network you trust. protect against potential security
accounts? And what’s to keep hackers Following are five do’s and don’ts breaches. Chances are, if an update is
from accessing a wireless network to help protect your connected DO MONITOR YOUR recommended, hackers have already
you check your email on while you’re devices, as well as your electronic CHILDREN’S DEVICE USAGE discovered a way to access your
grabbing a quick cup of coffee? identity, from hackers. It’s a good idea to limit use of personal property and information,
“More than 15.4 million people a computers, tablets and phones to so keep your software up-to-date.
year will experience identity theft, with DO POWER DOWN public areas within the home like the
an average loss of more than $1,000,” YOUR DEVICES living room or kitchen. This makes Li recommends homeowners
said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance’s This disables the internet it easier for parents to keep an eye on and renters speak with their local
director of product management. connection, cutting off access to who their kids are communicating insurance agent to learn more
“When one access point closes due any personal information stored on with, especially on social media or about the endorsements they may
to added levels of security, cyber your computer, tablet or phone. gaming sites, to help prevent the be able to add to existing policies
attackers find another. Insurance Unattended machines, especially if sharing of sensitive information to help safeguard their finances if
companies like Mercury provide you’re asleep or you leave them at like full names, addresses or other their identities are compromised or
services that allow homeowners and home while on vacation, are easy things that can be used for identity connected devices are attacked.
renters to enjoy the convenience of targets for hackers. theft or other potentially dangerous
accessing their connected devices activities. “It can be daunting to try to regain
at home and on-the-go, while also DON’T CONNECT TO your financial footing if a criminal
helping to protect customers from UNSECURED WIRELESS DON’T DISCARD IMPORTANT takes advantage of you,” said Li.
the potentially devastating effects of NETWORKS PAPERWORK WITHOUT “Insurance exists to help protect
criminal infiltration, cyber extortion Information accessed on an open SHREDDING IT consumers from unexpected events
and identity theft.” network, including email passwords If it has your name and address, it and, in this case, it’s better to be safe
Keeping aware of the latest and sensitive bank information, is fair presents an opportunity for thieves to than sorry.” n
schemes and ensuring members of game for hackers. Don’t make their take advantage and open an account
your household, friends and others jobs easier. Turn off Wi-Fi access on using your information. Remember to ©2019 Brandpoint.
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