8 Ways to Protect Your Information Online

Nowadays, ensuring you do your part to protect your online information is crucial. Criminals constantly try to uncover ways to obtain private and sensitive account information. While most companies, including Peak, have their due diligence to protect your information, online security is a two-way street that requires measures to ensure your information remains safe. 

As an independent financial advisor in Boulder, CO, we provide our clients with fiduciary-based financial advice focusing on protecting and nurturing their assets. In today’s blog post, we will discuss various online security measures you can take now and a few ways we recommend to protect your and your family’s information online.

Establish Security Notifications

Most financial institutions have a feature that allows you to enable notifications when certain activity occurs in your accounts. You can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity by turning on text or email notifications. If unauthorized or fraudulent transactions occur, you will be alerted and able to act quickly.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Many websites and mobile apps now offer two-factor authentication. This makes logging into personal sites more secure by requiring a second verification method, such as a one-time security code or face recognition, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible, the risk of someone gaining access to your information, as only you possess the device for the additional layer of verification. 

If a website does not offer two-factor authentication, we recommend changing your password at least every six months. We require two-factor authentication on the Peak client portal to help ensure we are doing our part to protect our clients.

Create Unique Login Credentials

With the number of websites that require login IDs and passwords, it can be tempting to use the same information for each website. However, that puts you at risk if one of your passwords becomes compromised. 

Avoid using personal details like your social security number, birth date, or other important numbers. Strong passwords are typically greater than eight characters long and contain a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Consider using a password manager to help create, maintain, and store your passwords to differentiate passwords across important sites. Also, make sure you never share your passwords with anyone. Many financial institutions will void their guarantee of protecting your assets if they discover you gave your password to a relative or friend.

Be Careful with Public Access

While the world has normalized remote working, use caution when using public computers or networks for internet access. If using a computer or device that is not your own, clear all browser history and cookies when finished. 

Use your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi. Avoid public networks that are not protected with passwords or wireless networks you are unfamiliar with. If you must use a public network such as an airport or coffee shop network, do not accept software updates while connected.

Maintain Up-to-Date Technology

Outdated software, browsers, and operating systems can also significantly threaten the security of your online information. 

• Ensure you always use your browser’s current version and that security settings are enabled. 
• Regularly update the software when updates are available. 
• Install anti-virus software on your devices to help protect against attacks. 
• Keep Bluetooth settings turned off unless you are actively using them to prevent outside individuals from trying to access devices. 
• When it is time to dispose of old phones and computers, wipe any data from them and dispose of them safely and securely.

Only Use Secure Websites

Review the URL of the sites you are accessing. Websites that begin with https instead of http are considered safer to access. Most browsers may also use green-colored text or a security symbol in the address bar to confirm if a site is safe and verified. 

For example, Chrome typically displays a lock symbol to verify a site’s security. Avoid visiting unknown sites, such as those advertised through pop-ups or banners. 

Lastly, log out completely whenever you are done accessing secure websites, such as online banking.

Watch for Phishing Attempts

Be wary of unfamiliar emails or text messages. Do not click on links or attachments if a message looks questionable! Review the domain name in the email address to verify that it matches what you would expect to see. 

Many phishing attempts use fake accounts that look similar to an email you would commonly expect. Do not respond if a message demands immediate action or requests verification of personal information. 

Rather, look up the contact information for your bank, financial institution, or whoever may be requesting action, and call the verified contact to review if the request is valid.

Another step you can take if you are questioning the validity of a request is to contact your CFP ® in Boulder to review with them.  They can provide more insights into whether this is a legitimate request.

Identity Theft Insurance/Monitoring Service

Like your homeowner’s or auto insurance, identity theft insurance is another way to protect your information. Most plans offer certain monitoring services to identify if your personal information has been compromised or used in suspicious activity. 

Your insurance company may offer it as an add-on to an existing insurance policy, or you can purchase a standalone policy. The cost is often low, ranging from $25-50 annually. Some examples of companies that offer these services include LifeLock, Identity Guard, State Farm, and Allstate.

While this list does not cover every possible detail, the bottom line is to do your best to ensure your information remains safe. For more information, visit StaySafeOnline.org or OnGuardOnline.gov to learn ways to keep your children safe online.

Get to Know Peak Asset Management

With over 25 years of financial planning and investment management experience, the Peak Asset Management team offers personalized wealth strategies tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and legacy aspirations. 

If you seek insights into protecting your wealth from online exposure and market volatility.

Ready to learn more about ways to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build?  Connect with us today.

Advisory Services offered through Peak Asset Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information and may have been developed and produced by a third party to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. This third party is not affiliated with Peak Asset Management.  It is not our intention to state or imply in any manner that past results are an indication of future performance. Copyright © 2025 Peak Asset Management