October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and, as your trusted mortgage broker, I want to share essential tips to help you protect your mortgage transactions and financial information from cyber threats.
- Confirm Communications:
- Phone Verification: Before sharing any financial details over the phone, verify the identity of the person you are speaking to. Scammers can impersonate lenders or brokers.
- Verify All Requests:
- Beware of Phishing: Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted entities to trick you into revealing personal information. Verify the source of any email or message requesting financial data.
- Protect Your Devices:
- Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your mortgage accounts and change them regularly. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of identification.
- Wi-Fi Security:
- Secure Home Network: Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure with a strong password. Cybercriminals can exploit weak or default router settings.
- Verify Documents:
- Mortgage Documents: Before signing any mortgage-related documents electronically, verify their authenticity. Double-check sender details and use the lender’s official website for document access.
By following these cybersecurity tips, you can increase your peace of mind during and after the mortgage transaction. Together, let’s make your homeownership dream a secure reality.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of cyber fraud, Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or through the Fraud Reporting System. To find more helpful tips or to learn more, visit the “What to do if you’re a victim of fraud” webpage from the Government of Canada.