Security tips

You play an important part in protecting your identity and securing your personal information to prevent or mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to your financial accounts. Here are some best practices you should consider.

Passwords

  • Use a complex password consisting of a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Research shows that increasing the length greatly increases the strength of your password.
  • Change your password regularly and don’t reuse them.
  • Never share your passwords.
  • Consider using a password manager app that can securely synchronize and back up your passwords across your devices (such as your desktop and your mobile phone).

Stay connected

  • Ensure your financial institutions have your current contact information.
  • Enable notifications that inform you of account activity.
  • Check your financial accounts frequently and review your account statements carefully. Contact Putnam immediately if you notice any unusual activity or unauthorized transactions. (Note: Putnam will never ask for your password, PIN, or account credentials in an email.)
  • Check your Social Security statement each year to ensure no one else is using your Social Security number.
  • Review your credit reports at least annually.

Keep current

  • Stay up to date on security threats.
  • Keep your browser, desktop, mobile device, and Internet router at home updated to protect against the latest security threats by turning on automated updates.
  • Activate your computer’s firewall if available.
  • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware products on all of your systems.
  • Keep email accounts secure. Follow your technology and email providers’ most current email and web browsing practices.

Exercise caution

  • Use secure websites. Look for a lock symbol in the address bar (or in your browser window) and a web address that begins with https://. Make sure the https:// is on every page — not just the login page.
  • Be wary of public computers. Never use them to access your financial accounts. If you use them, remember to log out and to clear the browser’s history and cookies before you leave.
  • Only use wireless networks you trust.
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited email. Don’t click on suspicious links or open attachments.

These best practices are for informational purposes only. Security risks and recommendations change frequently. Follow the alerts, recommendations, and announcements from your service providers, law enforcement agencies, and consumer protection agencies.