July 16th, 2019

  Identity theft

  The recent security breach at Desjardins Group lead to an avalanche of articles and reports on the disastrous consequences of identity theft!
In this newsletter, we will give you tips to secure your data, help prevent identity theft and invite you to be more responsible towards this situation.

Data protection at our suppliers
At Investia Financial Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrial-Alliance and at Groupe Financier Finvest, the personal and critical data of our customers are stored on data servers using the best protection available. The risk of penetration of these servers is very minimal. Vigilance software is used to react in the unlikely occurrence of a security breach.
 
Data security is everyone’s business!

Here are some tips to prevent identity theft.

From the outset, you should know that if a hacker steals one client’s password, he cannot access the data of other clients.

Change your passwords
Nobody likes to do that! But it’s a good way to fight against piracy of bank accounts and investments. Hackers always delay the use of stolen accesses. The recommended frequency: once a year.

There are password safes that safely store all your passwords and facilitate the automatic connection to all your websites, including banking sites. You only have to change a single password very regularly. Their cost: less than $50 a year. Most recommended by specialists: https://www.dashlane.com/features
 
Protect your hardware
Everyone should buy an antivirus suite to protect their computer equipment and always update to the latest version. These antiviruses are not 100% pirate proof, but they will discourage many and block almost all threats.

Watch your emails
Opening an attachment from a stranger can open the door to a hacker who will steal your password to your bank accounts and investment accounts. Even though a good antivirus can spot a fraudulent attachment, always exercise caution.

Internet browsing
You cannot browse the Internet safely, it’s full of pirates. Be wary of certain types of  unknown malicious websites. Again, a good antivirus suite will help you, but not entirely. Use common sense.
 
Check your records regularly
Access your bank accounts and credit card statements almost daily, when you drink your first cup of coffee in the morning. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Check your credit status periodically (once a year) to make sure there are no unaccountable changes. To check your credit report at Equifax: click here.

And we will never say it enough: financial institutions will never ask you, by email or text messages, to access your accounts. Only pirates do that! 

Mauro DiCesare, B.Comm, Pl.FinPlanificateur Financier/Financial Planner 
Financial Security Advisor/Conseiller en Sécurité Financière avec Groupe Financier Finvest Inc.
Mutual Fund Representative/Représentant en épargne collective avec Investia Services Financiers Inc.
514-376-7771