What You Can Do to Protect Your Account(s)

Transcript of the video:

Upbeat music plays throughout

Schwab logo

Onscreen text:

Information Security. What you can do to protect your account

Dennis Howard, Chief Information Officer for Charles Schwab, talking to the camera in a in a dark suit

Dennis: Hi, I'm Dennis Howard. We believe that security is a partnership between us and our clients. We do a lot to protect your account, but there are some basic steps you can take to keep your information secure.

Woman sitting outside of a building, scrolling on an iPad

Dennis: Some are obvious, like simply checking your monthly statements to make sure the account activity that's reported is legitimate. You might be surprised at how many people don't do this.

Dennis Howard talking to camera. Split screen shows Dennis talking along with a list of talking of points:

Keep your equipment up to date
Keep your browser and OS updated
Activate your computer's firewall
Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software
Check your security settings
Don't allow your browser to store passwords

Dennis: We recommend you do some other things as well. Keep your computer up to date. Keep your web browser and operating system updated and activate the computer firewall. Old software and browsers can be susceptible to attack. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on all platforms: Windows, Apple and mobile devices. Check your security settings on applications and web browsers and make sure they are strong. Never allow your browser to store your passwords.

Close-up shot of address bar on Schwab.com

Dennis: Verify you're on a secure website. When you login to a Schwab website, check the address bar for site validity. A green bar shows that you're on the authentic Schwab site.

Dennis Howard talking to camera.

Dennis: Only download Schwab apps from the Google Play store or Apple's app store.

Montage of people working on laptops, desktops and phones

Dennis: Be cautious when you're not using your own equipment or Wi-Fi connection. If you use any public computer, clear the browser's history and cookies before leaving. Only use wireless networks you trust or that are protected. Public Wi-Fi locations can be dangerous places to connect your devices. Pay attention to security warnings that pop up and never accept software updates when connected to a public Wi-Fi.
Dennis Howard talking to camera. Split screen shows Dennis talking along with a list of talking of points:

Be strategic with your logins and passwords
Don't use personal information
Create a unique password for each financial institution
Don't share your passwords
Activate voice I.D. or add a verbal password
Consider two-factor authentication

Dennis: When it comes to your login credentials and passwords, be strategic. Don't use personal information such as birthday or social security number as part of your login ID. It's important to create a unique password for each financial institution you do business with and change it every 6 months. And don't share your passwords. Consider activating voice ID or adding verbal password to Schwab account for an extra layer of security when you call us. You can also consider using a one-time, changing numeric passcode that can make every login at Schwab even more secure. This is what's known as a two-factor or multi-factor authentication.

Dennis: We now offer soClose-up shot of smart phone screenft-token delivery via mobile app, giving you the ability to use your smart phone to login. Just call us and we can enroll you in a soft mobile token.

Close-up of phishing scam email example on computer screen

Dennis: Be aware of phishing scams. These are often in the form of an urgent-sounding email where you might be encouraged to click on a link in order to update personal information. Clicking on a link could potentially take you to a malicious website where malware can infect your computer.

Dennis Howard talking to camera. Split screen shows Dennis talking along with a list of talking of points:

Stay alert to potential phishing scams
Illegal attempts to acquire personal information
Urgent-sounding emails where you might be encouraged to click on a link in order to update personal information
Confirm the email originated from Schwab
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 1-800-435-4000

Dennis: We provide multiple ways to verify that an email has come from Schwab. If you're ever in doubt about the authenticity of an email, just give us a call.

Dennis Howard talking to camera.

Dennis: Finally, make sure your contact information is up-to-date. In the coming months and years you'll see Schwab provide new ways of securing your transactions. And it's important that we have a way to get in touch with you quickly and efficiently. To check your current contact information, visit schwab.com/myprofile. For more information on protecting yourself, visit onguardonline.gov.

Onscreen text:

Schwab.com/myprofile

For more information on protecting yourself:

Onguardonline.gov

Dennis: If you ever suspect fraud, call us anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thank you.

Onscreen text:

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 1-800-435-4000

Onscreen text: Charles Schwab logo

Own your tomorrow^®