Internet of Things applications are improving convenience, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Robotics and automation are transforming industries like manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.
However, with these benefits come responsibilities – ensuring digital inclusivity, ethical AI usage and data privacy will be vital for sustainable growth in this digital age.
In the personal finance domain, technology is transforming how we manage and grow our wealth. From tracking portfolios online to making investments with a tap on our phones, investing has never been easier or more efficient.
But this convenience comes with a hidden challenge — an increasing threat to our digital security. For investors, this is not just about passwords or apps; it is about protecting years of financial planning from a growing wave of cybercrime.
Imagine this: you have spent years building a solid portfolio, diligently saving, and investing toward your dreams. One day, a single careless click on a suspicious link or a gap in your account security puts it all at risk.It is an unsettling thought, but it is a reality many investors face today. Cybercriminals are not just targeting big businesses or the wealthy—they are focusing on everyday investors, using increasingly clever ways to exploit their weaknesses.One common trick is phishing. Fraudsters send emails or messages pretending to be from trusted financial institutions or advisors, trying to fool you into sharing personal details like passwords.
Once they gain access, the consequences can be devastating—unauthorised withdrawals, trades you did not approve, or even a drained account. Then there’s identity theft, where criminals use stolen personal information to impersonate you.
They could access your accounts or take loans in your name, leaving you to deal with the financial mess and its impact on your financial future.
Some attacks, like ransomware, go even further. Hackers lock you out of your accounts or financial platforms and demand payment to restore access.
Even if you aren’t directly targeted, such attacks can disrupt the financial services you rely on, delaying transactions or limiting access to your funds.
There are also cases where criminals break into investment platforms themselves, stealing funds or tampering with trades, which can leave investors feeling vulnerable and distrustful of digital tools.
These threats aren’t just a harm to your hard-earned money. The mental stress of seeing your hard-earned savings at risk, the time and effort needed to recover from such incidents, and the loss of confidence in digital systems can take a heavy toll.
For some, it might even mean stepping away from the opportunities the digital financial world offers.
However, do not let these risks discourage you. Protecting yourself does not require advanced technical knowledge—just vigilance and a few smart habits!
1. Strengthen Passwords and Use a Password Manager
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and update them regularly.
• Experts recommend using a password manager website to store and manage passwords.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Wherever possible, enable extra security measures, like verification codes sent to your phone, to add an added layer of protection.
• Enable Biometrics on personal devices to unlock the device.
3. Be Wary of Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks
• Be cautious with emails or messages that seem to come from your bank, mutual fund, or financial advisor. Fraudsters often create fake versions of these to trick you into sharing personal information. When in doubt, always contact your financial institution directly through official channels.
4. Secure Your Devices
• Ensure that you use only trusted platforms and apps for financial transactions. Keep software, operating systems, and antivirus programs updated.
• Enable device encryption to protect sensitive data in case of theft or loss.
• Keep your devices screen locked, enable auto lock with short timeouts.
• Always clear cookies and history from the browser to prevent session hijacking, limit tracking or auto-login risk.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions
• Avoid logging into your accounts on public or shared networks, as these can be easy targets for hackers.
• Use a secure VPN when accessing sensitive accounts or financial platforms on the go.
6. Limit Sharing of Personal Information Online
• Be cautious about sharing details like your birthdate or financial interests on social media, as cybercriminals can use these for targeted attacks.
• Avoid sharing personal information over the phone or messages.
7. Regularly Monitor Financial Accounts
• Review account statements and transactions frequently to detect unauthorized activities early.
8. Backup Critical Data
• Store backups of important documents in secure, offline locations to mitigate the risk of ransomware.
9. Educate Yourself on Emerging Threats
• Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and financial institutions often provide updates and tips to help protect your online activity. By keeping up to date, you can stay one step ahead.
We have been taking active steps to augment cyber security. That said, the most effective line of defence is you. By taking small, consistent steps to protect your digital presence, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks significantly.
The digital world offers incredible opportunities to grow and manage wealth, but with those opportunities comes responsibility. Protecting your wealth isn’t about making smart investments or timing the market—it is about ensuring that the digital tools you rely on are safe and secure.
Cybercriminals count on people being careless, but with a little caution, you can protect what you have worked so hard to build.
Stay informed, stay alert, and safeguard your wealth for the future you are working so hard to build. You may contact 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in to report any cybercrime incident.
(The author is CEO, PGIM India Mutual Fund)
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
