As technology continues to improve, the methods hackers use to attack unsuspecting victims do as well. Keeping up to date on the latest in cybersecurity is easier said than done, however. With so many sources of information at our fingertips everyday, how do we best filter what’s important and what’s not?
For Oak Partners, Inc., the answer is to call in the experts. Recently, the association, alongside its clients, had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Urbaniak, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Providing clients with opportunities such as this is a core part of Oak Partners’ service.
“We've had a couple of issues come up in the last couple of months where sophisticated clients have been taken advantage of,” said Crystal DeHaven, Oak Partners director of client experience. “There’s no better time to go ahead and revisit some of the things that are happening and how we might be able to protect ourselves.”
The webinar was attended by many of Oak Partners’ clients who were looking to stay ahead on current trends in cyber crime, with over 200 registered attendees. While today’s presentation focused on identity theft, other relevant topics were presented as well, such as non-digital ways hackers may gain access to a vulnerable identity.
Urbaniak has been giving this presentation for almost two decades, and every day, he finds something new to update about his approach.
“I found the original PowerPoint I created on identity theft back in 2005, and I talked about MySpace, believe it or not,” he said. “I've been doing this specific topic for a long time, but with several updates along the way.”
Like all of Oak Partners’ educational sessions, the webinar on identity fraud touched not only on the issue itself but also on ways to help combat it. These ranged from password creation tips to phishing email warning signs to practical next steps to take if you do fall victim to an identity theft scam.
When it comes to maintaining wealth and practicing best financial practices, education is a must, and Oak Partners is always looking to spread the collected knowledge of its experts to its clients. Columns like Marc Ruiz’s “Mind on Money” help everyone stay up-to-date on market trends, but interactive seminars like those with Urbaniak give clients an opportunity to actively engage with concepts they may not be familiar with by letting them speak with an expert in the field.
At the end of the day, Oak Partners is hoping to get across important messages for keeping your money in your wallet, not someone else’s.
“If it's too good to be true, just understand that it is,” Urbaniak said. “Have a plan.”
Working with Oak Partners is easy for you and your finances. To learn more about all of the services on offer, visit www.oakpartners.com. To discover more resources and educational opportunities, visit Oak Partner’s Facebook page.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.