There are so many ways that your information might be stolen or leaked. While you can’t predict which way your information might be obtained, there are some things you can do to proactively protect yourself and your business. These 4 ways to protect your business information are just the beginning. Let’s take a good look at them below:

1. Have a security brainstorming session.

Start by brainstorming some simple things you can do to protect all the information incoming and outgoing. How are you retrieving your mail? Is it secured? How are you sending your mail? Through the post office or electronically? What do you do with mail when you receive it? Does it sit on your desk for several days, or is it processed immediately? What do you do with paper that you no longer need? Does it get put through a shredder or thrown in the trash?

All of those questions are great to ask, but you know better than anyone the specifics of your situation. Sit down and truly brainstorm what security measures you want to implement. This will give you ideas far beyond the ones in this article.

2. Keep passwords secure.

I once met a man had several passwords listed on a sticky note attached to his laptop. That isn’t the best way to secure your information! Maybe you have a little more sense, and put your passwords in a drawer where you think nobody will find them. That’s better, no doubt, but still insecure.

I recommend having a safe where you keep your password information. Try writing your list of passwords and personally identifying information down on note cards and store them in your safe. When you change one of your online passwords, simply swap out one of the note cards. Make sure that you don’t leave your note cards out in the open! Always store them in the safe.

3. Shop secure with eBillme.

The best way to ensure your payment information is safe, is to not provide it. With eBillme, you never have to provide your debit or credit card information. Your bank accounts (checking or saving) remains untapped until you login to your bank and pay the bill through your bank’s online bill pay method. You control your funds, you initiate the payment.

When you’re shopping online, simply select eBillme at the merchant’s online checkout page. In addition to iron clad security, eBillme has a great online mall you can shop and find the best deals, including cash back incentives on gift cards.

4. Think before you speak.

Often, sensitive business information is leaked because someone speaks without thinking. We all do this – saying things that we don’t mean to say. But what are some ways that we can say those things less?

When I say “think” before you speak, I don’t mean think in the moment that you’re about to speak. What I mean is think long before you speak. Before you enter into a certain situation, know what you’re going to say and what you’re not going to say. Rehearse everything that you are planning on communicating.

Being slow to speak is a skill that is developed over a lifetime. But the faster you can develop that skill, the better. Business information must be protected. Sometimes one top secret product leak, one case of identity theft, or something more devastating might take place if these measures aren’t followed.

Also check out 3 Things to do with your Tax Refund

Maximizing Two Accounting Methods In Budgeting

In business, there are two general types of accounting methods: cash and accrual basis. What are the differences? The cash basis methodology includes income when it is received and deductions when they are paid. The accrual basis methodology includes items when they are earned and deductions when the expenses are incurred.

These two accounting methodologies are great for businesses, but what about our personal finances? Without really realizing it, I’ve been combining the two accounting methods for my personal budget to maximize safety. Here’s how.

When an expense is incurred in our personal budget, for example when we write a check, we deduct it immediately from our budgeted money based on the accrual method. When we earn income, for example when we receive a check, we wait to add it to our budgeted money until it shows up in our bank account as in the cash basis method. The net result is a very conservative approach to personal accounting. By following this hybrid method you’ll have more cash in your checking than usual, and are much less likely to overdraft.

Creating A Month-Long Buffer

One of the most useful tips I use to never overdraft might seem daunting at first but it’s easy to maintain. The rule is to always spend this month’s income next month, not this month. It may take you a long while to get to that point, but once you do, you’ll be so glad you did.

For many people, having a month-long buffer means you’ll have somewhere between $2,000 and $7,000 in your checking at all times. This number will fluctuate depending where you are at in the month, but ensures enough money to get all the bills paid. The month-long buffer has additional benefits:

• Freedom from bill-payment timing. Do you ever had to coincide your paychecks with your payments? You know . . . wait until payday to make that mortgage payment? Well, no more! When you have a month-long buffer you will always have the money to pay your bills – no matter what time of the month it is!
• Dramatically lower risk of overdraft. Because your checking account will have thousands of dollars, your risk of overdraft plummets.
• Less fees, more choice. You won’t have to pay overdraft fees, and can even afford to ask your bank to turn off overdraft protection. Some banks encourage you to sign up for an overdraft credit card which can lead to more fees and interest. Avoid this by shutting down your overdraft option altogether!

I remember talking with someone who looked at me as if I was alien when I suggested to keep thousands of dollars in the checking account. They didn’t think it was a wise investment or safe. First, it is not intended to be an investment in the first place! Instead, it’s an investment in your peace of mind. Second, it is safe as long as you practice sound financial habits and avoid identity theft. Remember, the eBillme payment option is the safest way to pay online and will give you assurance that your debit card isn’t going to be fraudulently used on the internet.

Say Goodnight To The Overdraft

You’re now equipped with the tools you need to avoid overspending on your checking account. The question is, will you put what you’ve learned to good use? I promise you it’s worth the extra effort. Keep more cash in your wallet and avoid those overdraft fees!

How Thieves Steal Your Identity

There are numerous ways that your personal information can be taken. Some methods are well known and obvious, others are not so well understood. In this age of technology, it can be difficult to secure your information from prying eyes. Here are a few of the more prevalent identity theft techniques:

• Searching garbage. Thieves will look through your trash cans and recycling to find anything with your personal information on it. They’re looking for credit card numbers, names, social security numbers, or any personally identifying information that can be used against you.
• Card skimming. When using your credit or debit card, an employee can “skim” your information using a handheld device immediately gaining access to your finances. Online, malicious merchants can abuse your card number.
• Phishing. No, we’re not talking about trout. Crooks can pretend to be financial institutions to obtain bank account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information. Spam emails can also contain links to such sites.
• Changing place of residence. Thieves will pretend to be you, call your bank or other businesses you deal with, and divert mail to another location by changing the address on file. It may take you a while to notice you haven’t been receiving those monthly statements.
• Stealing and robbery. When you’re looking away, a savvy crook can snatch your cell phone, wallet, or purse. They can grab pre-approved credit card offers, tax information, and more from various sources. They can even bribe or persuade employees who have access to this information.
• Pretexting. Pretending to be you, thieves can use your personal information to accomplish all kinds of crimes.

That’s scary. With so many ways to steal your identity, do you really have a chance to protect yourself? Yes! You still do! Now that you know how people can use your identity against you, here are some tips on dramatically lowering your chances of being an identity theft victim.

How To Prevent Identity Theft:

1. Buy a shredder. Make sure that you shred all documents that contain any personally identifying information. This includes but isn’t limited to credit card offers, envelopes with your name and address, financial documents, and government documents. If you’re a small business owner, make sure you also shred any sensitive information from your customers and employees.
2. Shop safe online. The most secure way to purchase items online is through the eBillme payment system. With eBillme, you’ll never be asked for your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or date of birth. You’ll be protected from online fraud and save money at the same time!
3. Be cautious when clicking email links. Thieves will send bogus spam emails that appear to be your bank’s website, or promise that you’ve won some kind of amazing reward. Instead of clicking the link, visit your institution’s main homepage and search from there. You’ll effectively save yourself from a phishing attack.
4. Regularly check your credit report. If you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft, contact Equifax, Experian, or Transunion. These are credit reporting agencies that will send you a copy of your credit report. You only need to call one company as they are required to contact the other two to put a fraud alert on your record.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of suspicious people, activity, or dangerous situations. This will help you cut down on the threat of loss from theft.

By being knowledgeable and cautious, you can cut down on the chances of becoming an identity theft victim. Don’t become a statistic. Arm yourself with tactics to wipe out identity theft before it becomes a problem.

Security is not the only issue online retailers face. The survey also uncovered that less than half of online shoppers (45 percent) are satisfied with their purchases when it comes to on-time arrivals and quality expectations. These customer service issues and negative perceptions are eroding consumer confidence with online shopping. Specifically, 28 percent of shoppers found their purchases did not meet their quality expectations and 37 percent stated their items arrived later than expected.

How Retailers Can Address Consumer Security Concerns

When it comes to increasing consumer willingness to shop online, Javelin found that merchants can motivate the overwhelming majority of consumers to make additional purchases by assuring that personal information is processed safely, offering stronger security measures and by guaranteeing price, quality expectations and reimbursement.

Specifically, the top five motivating factors that would convince consumers to shop more frequently are:

1. Assurance that information is being processed securely (83 percent)

2. Offering Zero liability against identity theft (81 percent)

3. Stronger security at the store website (80 percent)

4. A guarantee that the purchase will match quality expectations (80 percent)

5. A guarantee for the best price online (79 percent)

Join eBillme for a webinar on Wed, April 8th at 1:00 PM ESTfor an in-depth session on the study and learn how retailers can benefit by addressing the concerns of consumers who still shy away from eCommerce due to identity theft.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/328830622