Written by Erik Laymon, Portfolio Analyst
June 25, 2025

Staying Safe in a High-Tech World

Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)— these not just buzzwords, but two big ideas that have merged together. Everyone is talking about the cybersecurity risk of AI, and for good reason. At Align Wealth Strategies, we’re seeing how AI is reshaping wealth management, both for better and for worse. Recently, the advisory community was rattled by a presentation on AI deepfake videos—those eerily realistic impersonations where criminals mimic someone famous or even someone you know, with their face and their voice. This is not sci-fi; it’s a real threat. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it down and give you the tools to stay safe.

AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI can enhance cybersecurity, like having a digital security guard, spotting fraud and reporting it to authorities faster than any human can in real-time. On the other hand, cybercriminals use AI to craft and improve upon scams with deepfakes and “hyper-personalized” phishing emails that are becoming tougher to spot. Imagine receiving a very compelling video, e-mail, or text message from “your advisor” asking for your Social Security number— this is happening now, and it’s why we are taking this so seriously.

Key Policies

We rarely ask for your Social Security number or other sensitive information unless we’re verifying your identity when you call us or you’re a new client and we’re setting up your household. Otherwise, we will never reach out by phone, email, or text to request this information unexpectedly. If you ever receive such a request—hang up, disconnect, and call us directly. Your security is a shared priority, and your vigilance makes all the difference.

Similarly, when you contact us, we won’t easily share sensitive account details over the phone or just take requests like money transfers—if you call, we may opt to call you back using verified contact information to ensure it’s really you and not a fraudster. Security is a team effort. Stay vigilant without stress—smart awareness keeps you safe, no paranoia required!

Tips to Stay Safe

  1. Pass the Sniff Test: Be skeptical of unexpected requests for sensitive personal information.
  2. Go The Extra Mile: Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible on your accounts.
  3. Practice Due Diligence: Monitor your accounts regularly for activities and profile changes.
  4. Keep Current: Keep operating systems and software updated on all of your connected devices.
  5. Protect Yourself: Limit personal info online, particularly with AI tools, and not just social media.

Learn More

The bottom line is that we are deeply committed to your security. One part of our job as fiduciaries is to maintain awareness of recent security trends and threats within our industry. Another part of our job is client education. Knowledge is power. We don’t want you to be frighted, but to informed, pay attention and be cautious when sharing sensitive information.