While the returns on your investments are important, so is the safety of your personal information and assets. With technology advancements in recent years, protecting your information is becoming as important as ever. We have been updating our practices and policies to ensure that your information and assets remain secure.
We also want to emphasize some best practices that can help us work together on this:
MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Using an additional login layer, like an authentication app, PIN, email, or text message, greatly reduces the risk of your data being compromised.
SHARING INFORMATION SECURELY
Sending sensitive information via email can expose your data to hackers. To share it more securely, use a trusted document-sharing portal (like MySJS Portal), password-protect the file, encrypt the email, or consider mailing physical documents.
SKEPTICAL OF REQUESTS FOR SENSITIVE INFORMATION
Our rule is that all information requests are considered illegitimate unless proven otherwise. Also, for one-time requests to withdraw money, SJS requires verbal confirmation.
AVOID PUBLIC COMPUTERS AND WI-FI
Public computers and Wi-Fi are common ways hackers access personal information. When security is a concern, using a personal Wi-Fi hotspot from your cell phone is a safer alternative.
STORING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN SAFE PLACES
Store personal information securely, whether digital or physical, and share it only with trusted people and services. Use secure online password storage, password-protected files, or a safe-deposit box in a hidden location.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS AND FREEZE YOUR CREDIT
The three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—offer free annual credit report checks. To protect your information, consider freezing your credit with each bureau and only unfreezing it when needed.
WHEN IN DOUBT, MEET IN PERSON
Despite the many communication technologies available, in-person interactions are often the most effective and secure way to get work done.
We’re always happy to meet with you to discuss ways to better protect your information. Contact your advisor today!
Important Disclosure Information:
Statements contained in this article that are not statements of historical fact are intended to be and are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements include expressed expectations of future events and the assumptions on which the expressed expectations are based. All forward looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected.
Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice.