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2023 Recently Added White Paper October 24, 2023

Online Security

Enhancing Online Security – Guidance From StrongBox Wealth During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In this digital era where cyber threats perpetually loom, safeguarding your financial assets and personal information is paramount, especially for individuals with financial assets who are often prime targets for cybercriminals. It is reported that one in three Americans have their data breached each year. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and an appropriate time to review several vital steps needed to fortify your online security. Consider these ways to defend your identity, protect your financial well-being, and diminish the likelihood of being compromised.

Implement Robust Password Protocols
• Frequent Changes: Adopt a habit of changing passwords every 3-6 months to diminish the risks of unauthorized access. Most hacking-related breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords.
• Password Manager: Utilize a secure password manager like LastPass to manage complex and unique passwords across multiple accounts without the need to memorize them.

Deploy Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Enable MFA on all accounts where possible, particularly those related to financial dealings, to add an additional layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step (e.g., a temporary code sent to your mobile device). MFA blocks the overwhelming majority of cyberattacks.

Institute Diligent Email Practices
• Verify Sender Details: Hover over links in emails to preview the URL before clicking and corroborate the sender’s email address to avoid phishing schemes. Be certain of legitimacy before clicking any links, icons, or QR codes. Approximately 1.2% of all e-mails are malicious.
• Email Encryption: Utilize email encryption tools to securely communicate sensitive data.

Employ Virtual Private Network (VPN) Usage
• Engage a VPN to encrypt your online activity, shielding your data from cybercriminals, especially when utilizing unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi in hotels or restaurants.

Adopt Secure Online Shopping Habits
• Prioritize purchasing from well-known e-commerce platforms like Amazon and direct company websites. Be particularly wary of ad-driven purchases on social media, as these platforms often host deceptive ads.

Ensure Regular Digital Hygiene
• Cache Management: Regularly clear your browser’s cache to remove stored personal information that could be exploited if a breach occurs.
• Software Updates: Consistently update software and applications to shield against vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.

Your financial safeguards are interlinked with robust online security practices. Our guidance here serves an initial informative purpose and is not exhaustive. Reach out to us if you need additional ideas or assistance in tailoring a personal online security protocol. As your wealth advisor, StrongBox Wealth is committed through policy, procedure, and ongoing vigilance to protect your identity. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s dedicate time to preemptively reinforce your digital defenses with a design to reduce the possibility of cyber threats becoming a reality for you.

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brenden ellis

Brenden Ellis is a Wealth Advisor at StrongBox Wealth, where he works with individuals, families, and business owners to make thoughtful financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His work centers on retirement planning, tax-aware investment strategy, and long-term wealth planning, helping clients align their financial resources with their personal and professional goals.

A native of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Brenden began his career in 2021 in Commerce Bank’s commercial lending training program. He later became a Healthcare Relationship Manager in Kansas City, specializing in physician practices. Through that role, he gained deep experience in physician equity structures, practice financing, and real estate lending. Working closely with medical professionals shaped his understanding of the complex financial lives of high-earning specialists and ultimately led him to transition into private wealth advising.

Brenden earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Iowa State University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Saint Luke’s East Hospital and lives in Prairie Village, Kansas with his wife, Nicole, and their dog, Theo.

Outside of work, Brenden enjoys racing triathlons and other endurance events, along with cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Iowa State Cyclones.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.