How sending one quick email becomes a dangerous game
In a technology-based world, exchanging information has become normal and often necessary, but many people have found that with this convenience comes the dangers of hacking and identity fraud. For this reason, we discourage sending important financial documents via email. Although we communicate with our clients through email quite frequently, we will never ask you to send important information over email. Here’s why…
1) An email passes through many servers and networks on the way to its destination.
You might not know it, but an email’s journey can leave you particularly vulnerable to hackers trying to access personal information. These hackers are primed and ready to snare these details. Not only that, when sending something over email, your inbox, network, or the email host’s servers, you may be exposing your data if it’s already at risk.
2) Encrypting a document protects you, but it’s a two-way process.
If your device has already been hacked, sending an encrypted document will not protect your information. Additionally, encryption is a two-way process that requires advanced technical knowledge from both the sender and the receiver. You may know how to send an encrypted email, but your receiver may not have the tools to decrypt it and access the information. Click here to learn more.
3) Sending financial information can lead to identity theft or fraud.
It’s many people’s worst nightmare— having someone steal their identity or hard-earned money as a result of sending sensitive information via email. Many “fraudsters” will do this simply through spam emails and emails asking for money. Even worse, if a victim clicks a link, it could mean inadvertently installing a virus, malware, or spyware on your computer.
Bottom line: if you think that the information you’re sending could jeopardize your identity, don’t send it. This information might include but is not limited to:
• Social security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Health insurance information and other sensitive health information
• Bank account numbers or statements
• Passwords or authentication credentials
• Credit card or debit card numbers
• State-issued ID numbers
• Copies of birth certificates, social security numbers, etc.
How can I send my documents safely and securely?
The Storen Financial Client Portal eFileCabinet is the online filling cabinet where you can upload and access all your documents safely and securely, be it a completed tax return, monthly statement, etc. Click here to learn more about how to set up your Portal.
Want to learn more?
Here are a few more resources to help answer your questions…
Sending Financial Information over Email – Smartfile
Keeping Sensitive Data Safe: Don’t Send in Emails – University of Buffalo
Blog by Amy White – Technology Director
Learn more about Amy and the rest of the Storen Financial team here.