New investors often worry about the safety of their financial information, and that is reasonable. This article explains how Alinea helps protect your data and what you can do to protect your own accounts. No system is risk-free.

Why Financial Data Security Matters

Your financial information is valuable. In the wrong hands, it can lead to identity theft, fraud, and financial loss. Protecting it is a shared responsibility between the platform you use and you.

How Alinea Helps Protect Your Data

• Encryption. SSL and 256-bit encryption help protect your data.
• Bank connections. Bank accounts are linked through Plaid, Inc., a third party not affiliated with Alinea, and we do not store your online banking credentials.
• Privacy. See the Alinea Privacy Policy at www.alinea-invest.com/legal/home for how Alinea collects, uses, and shares your information.

What Registration and SIPC Do and Do Not Mean

Alinea Invest, Inc. offers a mobile investing app. Investment advisory services are provided by Alinea Advisory Services LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alinea Invest, Inc. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

SEC registration does not mean the SEC has approved or endorsed Alinea, and it does not guarantee the security of your data or protect you from investment losses. SIPC protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash) if the brokerage firm fails financially. It does not protect against a decline in the market value of your securities [2]. Brokerage accounts are held at DriveWealth LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, which is not affiliated with Alinea.

Steps You Can Take

1. Use a strong, unique password. Choose a long password you do not use anywhere else. A password manager can help.

2. Change it when there is a reason to. NIST’s current guidance says passwords should not need to be changed on a fixed schedule, but should be changed if you suspect they were compromised [1].

3. Turn on extra protection where it is available. Use your phone’s passcode or biometric lock and any additional verification options your apps offer.

4. Check your accounts. Review your activity for anything unfamiliar, and contact Alinea support right away if you see something unusual. Support can help with questions about using the service but does not provide investment advice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak or reused passwords. Avoid birthdays, pet names, and passwords you use on other sites.
• Ignoring alerts. If you receive a security notice, read it and act on it.
• Sharing credentials. Never share your login with anyone, including anyone who contacts you claiming to be from a platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is financial data security and why does it matter?

It refers to the steps taken to protect your financial information and accounts from unauthorized access, theft, or fraud.

How does Alinea help protect my data?

SSL and 256-bit encryption help protect your data, bank accounts are linked through Plaid, Inc., and we do not store your online banking credentials. No security measure can eliminate all risk.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Avoid weak or reused passwords, ignoring security alerts, and sharing your login credentials.

Does SEC registration protect my data or my investments?

No. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and it does not protect you from investment losses or guarantee data security.

Disclosure

Advisory services are provided by Alinea Advisory Services LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alinea Invest, Inc. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Brokerage and custody services are provided by DriveWealth LLC, an unaffiliated registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any security. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Allie is educational only, does not provide investment advice, and can make mistakes. Alinea is not affiliated with the sources listed below, and their inclusion is not an endorsement. Alinea charges a subscription fee for its advisory services; see Item 5 of Form ADV Part 2A. Alinea’s support team handles questions about using the service only and does not provide investment advice.

See our Form ADV Part 2A, Wrap Program Brochure, and Form CRS at www.alinea-invest.com/legal/home. For more on Allie, see AI Allie – Disclosures & Terms of Use at www.alinea-invest.com/legal/ai-allie-disclosures-terms-of-use.

Sources

[1] National Institute of Standards and Technology, Digital Identity Guidelines: Authentication and Lifecycle Management, NIST Special Publication 800-63B (nist.gov).

[2] Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), What SIPC Protects (sipc.org).

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