Tips for protecting your online identity - Click here
Published on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Passwords: Best practice is to use strong passwords that do not include your personal information, such as first or last name, address or phone number. Try to avoid dictionary words and common phrases. Many websites recommend a mix of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This is good policy not only for your Fund Office and John Hancock account, but all online accounts. It is best to try and use different passwords for different online accounts.

Lock Screen: You should always make sure your screen is locked and unlocked with a passcode on your mobile devices, tablets, and computer in case they are lost or stolen. This will make it harder for anyone who finds you devices to open them and gain access to your data. Also, companies like Apple allow you to track your devices and remotely wipe them clean incase of loss or theft.

Internet and email content: Never download unknown attachments, software, documents, or images if you don’t know and trust the source. Scammers and hackers will often disguise viruses and other malware as “free” software tools or interesting content to download.

Email and Virus protection: Understand “spam” filters. Spam refers to unwanted, unsolicited emails. Most email providers have spam filters that remove these emails from your main inbox. Use anti-malware software and other protective tools on your home computer

Think twice before you agree: Know the signs of an online scam. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Also, entities like the IRS never use email or phone calls for initial contact. Be warry of emails, text messages, or unsolicited phone calls requesting personal information, such as Social Security numbers, birthdays, or banking information.

Secure Internet Access: It is best practice to avoid using Public WIFI hot spots, for instance in a restaurant or coffee shops. It is easy for a anyone else on the network to steal your personal data.