Tips to help protect your personal information

While Raymond James and other financial firms employ the most up-to-date safeguards to protect client account numbers and other important personal information, you play a vital role in keeping your information secure.

• Password security– Never choose a password that can be easily guessed, such as a name or hobby. Passwords should be changed regularly. Passwords, PINs and security questions should not be shared with anyone you don’t want to have access to your accounts.
• Credit cards– Before entering a credit card number, be sure the website is using encrypting software to protect your information. Depending on your browser, this can usually be detected by a “lock” icon on the bottom of your window.
• Social Security Number– Never use your Social Security Number as a login ID or password.
• Personal information– Never give out personal information unless you know with whom you are communicating, including via phone, email or in-person requests. Review the privacy policy to find out if your information will be distributed to other parties.
• Email and social networks– Be careful about the information you share via email and on social network sites, even with friends. While you may employ strong password standards, your friends may not. If a hacker gains access to their accounts, they gain access to all the information you shared. Also be cautious about who you accept as friends on social networks, as spammers and identity thieves are stepping up their game and using “friending” as a strategy. If you receive an email that changes have been made to one of your accounts, such as new contacts details, that you did not authorize, follow the instructions provided by your service provider to protect your accounts. Click on links or open attachments only from sources you know and trust. Even if an email is from someone you trust, if it appears suspicious, confirm with the sender before opening.
• Firewalls and security software– Keep firewall and virus protection software on your computer up to date, and use encryption software on your laptop. Avoid using public-use computers if at all possible.