We spend a lot of time talking about protecting our money – from budgeting, to investing wisely and planning for living the life we want to live. 

But there’s another side to financial security that deserves just as much attention, and this is how we protect the digital side. Every online account, banking app, and stored password is a small doorway into your financial world, and the wrong click can leave it wide open. 

The truth is that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s part of how we look after ourselves and our families. Here are a few ways to make good digital habits part of everyday life: 

1. Make passwords a family challenge.
   Turn strong password creation into a shared activity. Encourage everyone – kids included – to come up with unique passphrases. You can always use a password manager, at Citywide we’re fans of Keeper. 
2. Double up on security.
   Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever you can, especially on banking, shopping, and email accounts. It adds a small step to your logins but a big wall between you and hackers.
3. Scams/Phishing
   Phishing emails and text scams are becoming increasingly convincing. Make it a rule to never click links in unexpected messages about money, even if they look like they’re from your bank. When in doubt, go straight to the company’s website or app instead. A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference.
4. Keep devices up to date.
   Software updates can feel like a nuisance, but they’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay protected. Updates close the gaps that criminals look to exploit, so it’s worth setting your phones, tablets, and laptops to update automatically.
5. Think before you share.
   It’s easy to forget how much personal information we give away online. Details like birthdays, pets’ names, and schools can help scammers guess passwords or security questions. A little less sharing can go a long way towards keeping your family safer.
6. Protect your home network.
   Your Wi-Fi is the front door to your digital world, so keep it locked. Use a strong, unique password and make sure your router’s software is up to date. If your children use smart devices like speakers or watches, check their privacy and security settings too. Small steps like these make a big difference.

Good cybersecurity is much like good financial planning — it’s about building simple, sensible habits that keep you and your family protected. A few small steps, taken consistently, can make a big difference in safeguarding your personal information and your finances. 

If you haven’t already, try using the Citywide client portal to manage your communications, personal details, and investments securely in one place. It’s straightforward, reliable, and works just as smoothly on your phone as it does on your laptop. 

by Max Wynne, Client Services Assistant