FINRA Offers Tips for Protecting Financial Information and Preventing Identity Theft

FINRA suggested that investors take the following "critical steps" to safeguard their financial account information and prevent identity theft:

• use strong passwords and PINS and keep them secret;

• maintain computer security with personal firewalls and security software packages;

• use only your own computer to access your brokerage account;

• always click the "log out" button to terminate your access to your brokerage firm's website;

• be prudent when using wireless connections;

• use mobile applications wisely;

• check for secure websites;

• be careful when downloading files or programs;

• don't respond to emails requesting personal information;

• read all monthly account statements thoroughly;

• secure your confidential documents;

• safeguard your social security number; and

• perform an "identity theft" check periodically.