As if we needed more negative news in 2020, recent FireEye and SolarWinds cybersecurity attacks targeting the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies are garnering significant media attention. However, there is some good news. Following the firm’s internal investigation, the Raymond James Cyber Threat Center (CTC) determined that Raymond James data and systems have not been impacted by this attack. However, we encourage you to take the following precautions to ensure the protection of your personal information with other U.S. entities and government agencies.

What should you do next?

While Raymond James and other financial firms employ the most up-to-date safeguards to protect account information and other important personal information, there are many ways for you to help keep information secure:

1. Create strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Protect passwords, PINs, and answers to any security questions.
3. Physically secure laptops and mobile devices always.
4. Do not click on unknown links or open suspicious attachments.
5. Do not use public computers for sensitive information.
6. Be cautious of unknown flash drives.
7. Be careful what information you share on social media.
8. Keep all software up to date.
9. When shopping online, choose https sites.
10. Do not access sensitive information when using public wireless networks, such as at a coffee shop or airport. When possible, use a mobile hotspot or VPN.
11. Ensure all your PCs use antivirus software.
• Do not fall victim to “your computer is infected” messages
12. Check your financial accounts regularly to ensure no unauthorized activity is taking place. Contact your credit card company or financial account institution immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
13. Enable two-factor authentication on financial and other accounts.
14. Do not give out vital information over the phone, by email or through in-person requests. Type in the URL of the site you want rather than clicking a link provided in an email.
15. Monitor email, social media, and online financial accounts for unauthorized changes. If you receive an email that changes have been made to one of your accounts (e.g., new contact details, new addresses, etc.) that you did not authorize, follow the instructions provided by your service provider to protect your accounts.
16. If you become aware that your identity has been compromised, contact us so we can flag your accounts at Raymond James. We would also recommend you contact your other financial institutions as well.

How does Raymond James protect information?

Raymond James’ systems are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for signs of tampering or unauthorized activity. Raymond James employs the use of encryption, virtual private networks, penetration/vulnerability testing, and the latest firewall and antivirus technology to keep information safe.

Raymond James’ information technology professionals constantly research and develop enhancements to keep us at the vanguard of data security. A team of independent auditors reviews the firm’s technological systems quarterly. This combination of technological and human defenses enables Raymond James to protect against and mitigate the effect of cyber-attacks.

If you ever have any questions about how your data is protected or about anything else at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you and your families stay healthy, enjoy this holiday season, and have a Merry Christmas.

The S. Harris Financial Group

 

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S. Harris Financial Group

Mitchell Byrum

Stephanie Harris

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. S. Harris Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.  Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc and S. Harris Financial Group.  

Raymond James Financial Services does not accept orders and/or instructions regarding your account by email, voice mail, fax or any alternate method. Transactional details do not supersede normal trade confirmations or statements. Email sent through the internet is not secure or confidential.

Any information provided in this article has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed by Raymond James Financial Services and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision. Any information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. Raymond James Financial Services and its employees may own options, rights or warrants to purchase any of the securities mentioned in this article.

 Any opinions are those of S. Harris Financial Group and not necessarily those of Raymond James.