Online portal provides speed and security for clients
Business communications are evolving. Only a few years ago, almost all transactions were made on paper, and sent out by post. The rapid evolution of digital technology has transformed the speed and efficiency by which we communicate, but at the same time the risks associated with fraudulent activity: hacking and cybercrime have increased. W ith regular newspaper stories reporting digital communications generated by businesses and individuals being This investment in secure technology provides a number of benefits to our clients: • Documents can be downloaded for review in advance of meetings Use our cybersecurity checklist (as recommended by our cyber insurance department) • Create strong passwords. One tip is to
ESSEX
WEST INDIES V Sponsored by
think of a memorable sentence about you which mixes up letters, characters and numbers, for example ‘When I was nearly 12 I broke my leg!’ which could become the password WIwn12Ibml! (Obviously don’t use this one!) • Protect your information on a need-to- know basis. It’s inadvisable to share usernames and passwords, and equally not a good idea to write them down. • If you do not have online expertise, then get professional advice on security. This will save you time and give you peace of mind. • Don’t open attachments from people or organisations that you don’t recognise. Clicking on a malicious attachment can install malware on your computer. • When shopping online, only use your credit card on websites with the prefix ‘https’. The ‘s’ indicates that the site uses secure protocols to encrypt data between you and the website. • Items like laptops and computer monitors are common targets for thieves. The real cost of stolen tech isn’t just the hardware, it’s the potential for lost data and identity theft. Scrutton Bland has a team of highly qualified, friendly and experienced IFAs who will work with you to evaluate your options, assess your risk profile and help design a personalised plan to enable you to meet your financial goals. For more information on financial planning or cyber insurance and security please contact Tim Long at tim.long@scruttonbland.co.uk or tel 01206 838400
infiltrated by criminals, the question of whether or not to send and receive confidential documents electronically can be a dilemma, and understandably so. However, if an independent financial adviser (IFA) has to wait until they meet their client face to face to see documentation, it may mean that valuable time is spent reading and assessing the paperwork, instead of ‘cutting to the chase’ to help clients find solutions to manage their finances. With this in mind, Scrutton Bland’s Financial Planning division will shortly launch a secure online portal for clients who wish to communicate electronically. This will enable documents to be easily shared, reviewed and signed whilst protected within a virtual ‘locked cabinet’ which keeps clients’ data safe.
• Electronic transfer of confidential data is more secure (for example it prevents the wrong person opening a letter sent by post) • Documents can be sent more quickly and easily than conventional paper based processes • Security arrangements are stronger and safer using a secure online portal procedure • Documents can be signed electronically Tim Long, Financial Planning partner at Scrutton Bland commented: “Quite simply it’s all about providing a swift and secure service for our clients. With traditional methods we have to look at clients’ documents with an inherent delay. The new system will enhance our ability to plan ahead, looking at circumstances ahead of meetings. We can review a client’s financial position, preferences and objectives and offer solutions in a quicker and therefore less costly way.”
Join Essex for a day of traditional English cricket at Chelmsford
The First-Class package includes: breakfast pastries on arrival, two-course meal, ground entrance tickets, matchday scorecard and admission to the hospitality area with superior viewing facilities. This is accompanied with a Tiptree Afternoon Tea later on in the day.
Prices from £79 + VAT per person Premier Suite £89 + VAT per person Executive Boxes Available
commercial@essexcricket.org.uk 01245 254120 for further details www.essexcricket.org.uk
Please contact
or
2 0 | S C R U T T O N B L A N D | A D V E R T I S E M E N T
F I N A N C I A L P L A N N I N G | S C R U T T O N B L A N D | 2 1
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter