I think the issue of financial fraud and cyber attacks have Macro significance but in any case every METAR needs to be aware and cautious.

I would like this thread to discuss security steps we have taken to protect our accounts. I will list some. Please add more.

Yesterday, a 79 year old friend phoned me in great distress. His local bank account had been tapped for $4,500 from an unknown source. (The bank reimbursed him after a personal visit.) At the same time, he bought a new computer to replace his old computer. The new computer locked up - he doesn’t know why. A few years ago, a supposed tech helper persuaded his wife to turn over remote control of their computer and the helper then stole $25,000 from their Fidelity account (which Fidelity did not return since the permission was given by the wife).

After @intercst reported a large theft from his Vanguard account I took some security steps.

Here’s my list of security. Please add to it.

Even though our modem and network are encrypted I do all my financial transactions over an ethernet cable. I trust the cable more than the WiFi. I never do financial transactions over the phone. I don’t have financial apps on my phone.

My computer C: drive is encrypted. I use Bitwarden for passwords. I use Google Authenticator for 2-factor authentication.

I placed a security freeze on all my Fidelity accounts. No money can be withdrawn (except for routine payments to my credit cards, health insurance, etc.) unless I go to Fidelity, uncheck the account, make the payment and then re-freeze the account. It takes a few more minutes but I think the security is worth it.

I put a credit freeze at three major nationwide credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is free and prevents anyone from taking credit against my identity (credit cards, mortgages, etc.).

I regularly check my credit rating at these agencies.

Unfortunately, my local bank doesn’t use 2-factor authentication.

Wendy