Cyber security

Do You Know The Importance Of Cyber Security On Personal Finance

I recently attended the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) Conference 2019 on Cyber Security. It was a fascinating discussion with an excellent keynote address by Joseph Tegbe, KPMG Nigeria Technology Advisory Partner and Head of Markets on “Cyber Security”: The Role of Boards.”

Cyber security

Here are some of the facts that he shared.

Everything is connected in the digital age. There are no longer perimeters to a bank, country, or continent. With the surge in the growth of technology, more than half the world’s population, some 4.3 billion people are connected on the internet.

By 2020 21 billion “things” will be connected; from Phones, Music, lighting, cars, cameras, home appliances etc. We no longer exist in isolation. Technology and innovation are accelerating and being disrupted every day. One must thus be proactive about taking steps to try to secure your business or at least reduce vulnerability from attacks. This is one of the greatest risks we face today.

Are you aware of the threats and cyber risks that you face as an individual in your personal finances? Cyber security is crucial now for everyone who is using a computer and there is the necessity to make sure we are being careful with our personal and financial information.

Have you ever thought about your digital footprint? The integration of smartphones in both personal and professional lives has made us more vulnerable than ever; we are walking around with our most sensitive information literally at the click of a button. It is time to seriously consider the implications of exposing your personal data. It is worrying if you aren’t techy to even begin to try to wrap your head around what is at stake. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to protect your self.

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Here are a few:
Password or passphrase

Are your smartphones, laptop and other devices password protected? If your password or PIN [Personal Identification Number] is compromised, this could lead to devastating losses should unscrupulous people gain access to your financial information. Do not share your passwords or PINs with anyone. If you might forget them and need to write them down, then store them securely. Better still, a password manager tool will help you remember them.

Reusing the same password for everything puts you at extremely high risk of being hacked. Change your passwords and PIN numbers periodically, and use different codes for different accounts. We are so used to passwords including letters, numbers, symbols etc. Also, or our own comfort we tend to use easy to remember words, family birthdays, pets names etc. However, it is risky because they are so easy to decipher. Be creative about your choice of passwords and PIN numbers

Passphrases are much more difficult for hackers to breach. Consider using easy to remember passphrases that are unique to you.

Cyber Security

[Read: Tips On How To Raise Money-Smart Kids ]

When last did you update your software?

Those software update notifications can be so irritating. Do you tend to ignore them for days, weeks, months? They often include some important security upgrades and enhancements that you could be missing out on. When the update notification appears, don’t just click on “remind me tomorrow.” Regular updates help you minimise the risk of getting hacked. Update your computer and your phone promptly to make sure you have the latest security running on all of your devices. You can even automate updates in your device settings.

What are you posting on social media?

Social media is a constant in our lives. How much of your personal information is out there? What are you posting? In our world of social media with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, it seems so natural to put seemingly innocent information about yourself and your family out there. Geo-tagged photos inform people exactly where you are; this could expose you and your family to crime.

When you use the Internet or your mobile devices for texting, emailing and social media, you leave behind a detailed history of interactions that can often be permanent; your digital footprint. Of course, you want to keep your friends and community updated with what you are doing, but be conscious and careful not to reveal sensitive information inadvertently.

Back Up, Back Up, Back Up

When last did you back up your data? 812 days ago?! Back up your personal data to the cloud or an external hard drive so that if the worst happens and your device is lost, stolen or compromised, you can recover at least most of it. A periodic backup, say weekly or monthly is important so that you can access the most up-to-date data.

Ignore phone calls or email requests for personal information.

Your bank and other legitimate companies will never request for sensitive information such as passwords and PINs by email; these are usually fraudsters attempting to defraud you. Contact your bank directly and report such incidents.

Download with caution

That strange email that you aren’t quite sure of, don’t click on it. That is one of the most commonly deployed mechanisms for hackers to get into your system.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive matters

It is generally safer to use your own computer for your financial transactions. If a private Wi-Fi network isn’t an option, try using a personal hotspot through your phone; it is a far more secure way to be online. If you are travelling and must get online in a public space such as an airport or cyber café, be particularly careful about sensitive transactions as your information could be compromised.

If you must use a public computer, be sure to clear your “history” before you log out otherwise other users can intercept your information. Free wireless internet “hotspots” are often not at all secure. Use secure websites for your transactions; the address will usually start with “https” and there is a key or closed padlock in the status bar.

“It can’t happen to me”

We often exist in a state of oblivion to the dangers that surround us and that such things happen to “other” people. Hackers are everywhere and may well be attempting to get into your system as you read this. You don’t want to have to endure the painful experience of being a victim of fraud or identity theft in which personal documents are stolen and the data is used fraudulently. Your financial information is very personal and you must carefully protect it. In today’s “virtual” world, we are much more vulnerable than ever and must be more vigilant in securing our hard earned money.

There is no guarantee that your financial information will be completely secure even if you put all these measures in place. However, with knowledge, you certainly stand a better chance of limiting access to sensitive information and protecting your personal finances from fraudsters.

Nimi Akinkugbe money matters

Nimi Akinkugbe has extensive experience in private wealth management. She seeks to empower people regarding their finances and offers frank, practical insights to create a greater awareness and understanding of personal finance.

 

For more personal finance tips, contact Nimi:

Email: info@moneymatterswithnimi

Website: www.moneymatterswithnimi.com

Twitter: @MMWITHNIMI

Instagram: @MMWITHNIMI

Facebook: MoneyMatterswithNimi

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