KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cybercrime is increasingly sophisticated and often personalized.
- Mobile devices and connected home systems are common entry points.
- Simple preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk.
1. Malware and Phishing Attacks
Malware is malicious software designed to access, damage, or disrupt your device. Today’s attacks often arrive through phishing emails, fake websites, QR codes, or text messages (“smishing”).
AI-generated phishing messages now appear more convincing and personalized than ever.
What You Can Do:
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
- Keep operating systems and apps updated
- Avoid clicking unsolicited links or attachments
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on financial accounts
- Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi or use a VPN
2. Internet of Things (IOT) Vulnerabilities
Smart thermostats, cameras, doorbells, TVs, and home assistants are connected to the internet—and can be vulnerable if not secured properly.
What You Can Do:
- Change default passwords immediately
- Use strong, unique passwords for each device
- Enable automatic software updates
- Consider segmenting your home Wi-Fi network
3. Social Media and Identity Exploitation
Cybercriminals monitor social media to gather personal details that can be used for impersonation scams. Account takeovers and phishing attempts often start here.
AI deepfake voice and video scams are also increasing, including fake emergency calls from “family members.”
What You Can Do:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Limit personal information shared publicly
- Avoid posting travel plans in real time
- Verify urgent requests for money through a known phone number
4. Mobile Payment and Digital Wallet Fraud
Peer-to-peer payment apps and digital wallets are widely used—and frequently targeted. Once funds are sent, recovery is often difficult.
Scammers may pose as vendors, charities, or even financial institutions.
What You Can Do:
- Use credit cards (with fraud protection) when possible
- Never send money to someone you don’t personally know
- Double-check recipient details before confirming payment
- Set transaction alerts
- Enable biometric login and app PIN protection
5. Health Care and Data Breaches
Health care records contain valuable personal data—including Social Security numbers, insurance details, and financial information—making them a prime target.
Data breaches remain common across industries.
What You Can Do:
- Monitor insurance and health savings account (HSA) statements
- Protect your Social Security number
- Shred medical documents before disposal
- Freeze your credit if appropriate
- Review credit reports regularly
Cybercriminals rely on urgency and distraction. A moment of pause—and a second verification step—can prevent costly mistakes.
If you ever receive a suspicious financial request or feel unsure about an online interaction, reach out before acting. Protecting your financial security starts with awareness.
Working With Janney
Depending on your financial needs and personal preferences, you may opt to engage in a brokerage relationship, an advisory relationship or a combination of both. Each time you open an account, we will make recommendations on which type of relationship is in your best interest based on the information you provide when you complete or update your client profile.
If you engage in a brokerage relationship, you will buy and sell securities on a transaction basis and pay a commission for these services. Our recommendations for the purchase and sale of securities will be based on what is in your best interest and reflect reasonably available alternatives at that time.
If you engage in an advisory relationship, you will pay an asset-based fee, which encompasses, among other things, a defined investment strategy, ongoing monitoring, and performance reporting. Your Financial Advisor will serve in a fiduciary capacity for your advisory relationships.
For more information about Janney, please see Janney’s Relationship Summary (Form CRS) on www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest.
By establishing a relationship with us, we can build a tailored financial plan and make recommendations about solutions that are aligned with your best interest and unique needs, goals, and preferences.
Contact us today to discuss how we can put a plan in place designed to help you reach your financial goals.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, its affiliates, and its employees are not in the business of providing tax, regulatory, accounting, or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
