Money

Data Thieves from Outer Space

It was a dark and stormy night, when janet decided to log in to her email. When suddenly she recieved an email from Milky Way Mutual, Attention Earthling, urgent account action needed! Milky Way Mutual? Hmm...I don't have an account there. I do all my banking here on earth. Looks like attempted internet fraud! I'm not even going to open this. Send to Spam. Boom! Data theif failure. Meanwhile in the Depths of space...Curses! Foiled again. We'll be back!

But what is internet fraud? Internet fraud, also called data theif, happens when hackers gain access to important financial information. Fortunately, I know a thing or two about preventing it. Follow along, and I'll show you how to keep your personal data safe and sound.

Phishing. A phishing email falsely claims to be a legitimate business or individual, in an attempt to trick you into divulging passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information. A great example of this is the email that Janey smartly sent to spam. How Janet stays safe. Ha! Phishing? I know better than to take that bait. I never open emails I don't recognize. Instead, I delete any fishy-looking emails right away or send them to my spam folder, so future attempts won't reach my inbox.

Malware! Malware is malicious software that is intended to damage, disable, or take over your computer. After it's been downloaded to the victim's computer, malware can be extremely difficult to remove. How Janet stays safe. Malware doesn't scare me. I use countermeasures like updated antivirus software, and the personal firewall that came pre-installed on my computer helps keep online thieves at bay.

Ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that uses a fast-acting encryption to lock you out of your computer. The theif then demands a ransom in exchange for unlocking the encryption. How Janet stays safe. Ransomware sounds awful, but I'm not worried about it. Thanks to my combination of antivirus software, pre-installed firewalls, and unique passwords, I'm ready for anything.

Always remember, when it comes to safeguarding your sensitive information, prevention is your best defense. Don't wait for thieves to strike! Follow Janet's example and start protecting your data today.

Related Content

What is the Value of Your Business?

Ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

To Buy or Not to Buy

The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.

Get Financial News & Updates Delivered to Your Inbox

Latest Blog Post

Weekly Market Insights | Inflation Bites, But Wall Street Bites Back

May 18, 2026

Stocks were mixed last week as investors fretted over hot inflation reports, which offset the move in chipmaker stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.08 percent. The...

Starting a Roth IRA for the working Teen in your life

May 07, 2026

Want to give your child or grandchild a financial head start? Is your teen planning to work over the summer or throughout the school-year? A Roth IRA might be a choice to consider. Read on to learn more about how doing this may benefit...

Make Time After Tax Time

May 04, 2026

Taxes can be a snapshot of our money, and tax season can make most of us feel like we have a clear view of that photo. That's because filing taxes is both a look at the past and a chance to create a roadmap for the future.Did you end...

Office:	(916) 978-1452
Office:	(209) 920-7477
Toll-Free:	(888) 845-4141
Fax:	(815) 572-8086