Q&A with Apricot: What are the main cybersecurity rules while investing?

October is recognized worldwide as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As a company holding the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate — one of the most authoritative standards in information security — we are joining this initiative. This post in the “Q&A with Apricot” series is dedicated to cybersecurity. We will discuss the cybersecurity rules to follow when investing.

Ensuring the security of your assets in the financial markets starts with you being vigilant.

Account Security

The security of your investment account starts with choosing the right broker. Make sure your broker is licensed by the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA). Other key rules include:

• Do not use easily guessable passwords (e.g., your date of birth). Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Use a long and complex password and never share it with others.
• When possible, use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

Device and Network Protection

It is important to ensure that the device we use to access our brokerage accounts (mobile phone, tablet, etc.) is safe. It is important to take the following steps:

• Software Updates: Update your broker’s application and your device’s operating system. These updates also contain important security patches.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: It is advisable not to log into your account or execute transactions while using free public Wi-Fi networks (e.g., in cafes or airports). They are often vulnerable.

Phishing and Scams

Cybercriminals often target human vulnerabilities, rather than system ones.

• Be vigilant about emails (Phishing) | Be wary of emails or messages that ask you to provide your login details or urge you to take immediate action. Check the sender’s address or phone number to ensure it came from an official email or number. If in doubt, contact the company using the contact information provided on their official website. Do not click on suspicious links.
• Beware of offers that are too good to be true | Be cautious of “guaranteed” investment offers received from unknown sources online. If you see a promise of high interest rates that are “guaranteed” or “safe,” check the authenticity of that offer or the reasonableness of what is being promised. Make sure you are investing through a company licensed by the CBA. The list of these companies is available on the CBA website.

Apricot Capital is regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.

*The examples provided in this material are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. The past performance mentioned in the text does not guarantee similar results in the future.