Cybercriminals often target personal accounts, but there are several simple steps you can take to make yourself a more difficult target. Taking the time to implement these on your personal accounts can help to reduce your risk.

Use Strong & Unique Passwords – Create strong passwords and avoid reusing them across accounts. At a minimum, ensure that your email account and all financial accounts use unique passwords. 

Enable Multi-Factor or Two-Factor Authentication (MFA/2FA) – Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a one-time verification code sent to your cell phone or, preferably, generated through an authenticator app.

Keep Devices Updated – Update operating software (enable auto updates) and use antivirus software on all devices.

Don’t Click – Be cautious of suspicious links or attachments sent from unexpected or unknown emails.

Protect Your Mobile Phone – Cybercriminals sometimes attempt “SIM swap” attacks, where they try to take over your phone by convincing your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once this happens, they receive your text messages and authentication codes. Be proactive by contacting your mobile carrier and requesting a SIM lock on your account.

Refer to the following guide for additional tips and best practices.

At MSA, protecting our clients’ information is a top priority.  We invest significant resources in maintaining a comprehensive cybersecurity program designed to safeguard sensitive data and protect against evolving threats.

Protection of Money Movement – All client requests involving the movement of funds are verbally verified to confirm authenticity and prevent unauthorized transactions.

Secure Transmission of Data – Confidential information is never sent electronically via email or text but rather through a secure file-sharing server to help protect client information.

Proactive Risk Management –  Our IT team runs weekly updates on all MSA computers and employs a best of breed antivirus platform. An MDR + SIEM solution is utilized for advanced security features and endpoint PAM controls what applications are used. MSA utilizes an enhanced email threat protection system to scan emails and stop the delivery of anything malicious.  

Employee Training & Awareness – All employees are enrolled in monthly training to reinforce industry standards and build awareness of common threats. Phishing campaigns are used to educate staff on real world tactics used by cybercriminals.

Client Education - We offer periodic educational webinars featuring industry experts who provide insight to current trends and highlight practical approaches to safeguarding personal data.

Comprehensive Security Oversight – MSA works closely with a third-party cybersecurity specialist to maintain a robust security framework. This includes a formal cybersecurity policy, an incident response plan, ongoing security reviews, and due diligence of the vendors we partner with.