cybersecurity – TGIF 2 Minutes with Kerrie Debbs, CFP

Serious as a Heart Attack

For those who have experienced a real heart attack or that of a loved one, please forgive the expression. Today’s message is nearly as sobering and meant to encourage action to take even a small amount of time considering the serious matter: for individuals and families, risks of a cyber hack and identity theft are real and present.

Admittedly, almost no one wants to talk about these topics. But even a brief discussion can be eye-opening and attempt to minimize (but not 100% eliminate) risks. The best warnings and presentations – truly the best and most accurate – unfortunately and appropriately leave attendees scared, stunned or both but at least better informed.

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Fraud is Trending

If you clicked on and are reading this edition of TGIF 2 Minutes, give yourself credit for being smart! Awareness of the following is of paramount importance.

Fraudsters are targeting high-net-worth people and non-profit organization accounts.

A “fraud trend” (yes, there is such a thing) currently taking place is with bad actors using social engineering tactics to collect personal information and then using that information to open new credit card, investment, and bank accounts in a person or organization’s name. The fraudster then attempts to use these new, false accounts to take over high net worth people’s existing accounts and withdraw those accounts’ funds.

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Border Security (not what you think)

Nearly every American is aware of the lack of security at the US-Mexico border. The toxic politics around that issue make it front page news nearly every day and evening. But the other border – that of the border protection around your sensitive personal information – can be just as vulnerable.

Yes, yesterday’s TGIF 2 Minutes covered this issue. But the issue is so serious, it requires a follow-up, with practical examples and then a handful of steps readers can research or choose to take.

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Safety Check of Sensitive Information, Part 1

If the safety of your personal information is not currently at the top of your radar screen, please move it up to the top TODAY. Why? Because there are really bad actors lurking for over one or two decades – in the background of email, credit agencies, and whatever cyber universes exist – and these bad actors are both patient and aggressive about seeking to compromise your identity and financial transactions.

This is not new. In 2017, Equifax, one of the world’s largest credit reporting and monitoring agencies with sensitive data for over 800 million individual consumers, was hacked. Private information of over 147 million American citizens along with British and Canadian citizens were compromised in a security breach. This from a leading company whose entire purpose is monitoring the most sensitive of personal information.

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IMPORTANT Cyber-Security Message

In light of the recent Russian aggression in Ukraine and surrounding areas, here is a quick and important message regarding vigilance around security of personal information, including: