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The LynnLeigh JournalLife. Investing. And Everything in BetweenAs we navigate an increasingly digital world, ensuring the safety ofyour financial information is more crucial than ever. At LynnLeigh &Company, we are committed to protecting your financial future bystaying at the forefront of cybersecurity practices. In this edition ofThe LynnLeigh Journal, we explore the essential steps and strategiesto safeguard your assets against cyber threats.CYBERSECURITY SPOTLIGHT:KEEPING YOUR FAMILY SAFE ONLINEBy Kelly L. Olczak, CFP® NewsletterHighlightsA U G U S T 2 0 2 4V O L U M E 8Discover Local Flavors:Farmers’ Markets in theRochester and FingerLakes AreaMarket Shifts: Tech’sTurbulence andSmall-Cap SurgeHow to Know if You’veBeen HackedCreating Ultra-SecurePasswordsProtecting Your Child’sIdentityHelpful CybersecurityResourcesKeeping Your FamilySafe Tech Stock VolatilitySmall-Cap SurgeHistorical Market Trendsand StrategiesHow to Know If You’ve Been HackedStrange Charges on Your Cards: Unrecognized transactions onyour debit or credit cards could be the first sign of unauthorizedaccess. Hackers often make small test charges to check accountactivity. Set up alerts with your bank or credit card provider to benotified of any transaction activity immediately. If you spot afraudulent charge, report it and close the affected accountimmediately.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 82In the digital age, passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats. Yet, many of us fallinto the trap of using simple, easily guessed passwords. Here's how you can strengthen yours:Emails You Didn’t Send: If your email outbox contains messages you didn’t write, your accountmight be compromised. Hackers use such accounts to send phishing emails to your contacts,posing a significant risk. Protect your email with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Learn more about securing your email.Unexpected Social Media Activity: Unauthorized posts on your social media profiles areanother red flag. Such posts often contain spam or harmful links that could jeopardize yourfriends and followers. Ensure your accounts have strong passwords and utilize two-factorauthentication to keep them secure.Locked Out of Accounts: If you can’t login to an account because your passwordno longer works, a hacker may havechanged it. Contact the service providerimmediately to regain access and updateany shared passwords on other accounts.Unusual Computer Behavior: If yourcomputer is running slowly ordisplaying strange pop-ups, it mightbe infected with malware. Regularlyrun antivirus scans and keep yoursoftware updated to close potentialsecurity gaps.For more details on these warning signs and how to respond, visit StaySafeOnline.org.How to Create Ultra-Secure Passwords

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 83Avoid Common Passwords: Popularchoices like "password" or "12345" areeasy targets for hackers. Opt for morecomplex options.Diversify Characters: Use a mix ofuppercase and lowercase letters,numbers, and symbols. For example,instead of "finance," try "FiNance/8$."Mnemonic Techniques: Transform amemorable phrase or song lyric into apassword. For instance, "Let me takeyou down 'cause I’m going toStrawberry Fields" becomes"Lmtyd_cIgtSF/76."Motivational Passwords: Create a password from a personal goal, such as "Run5milesAday!"This not only secures your accounts but also keeps you inspired.Unique Passwords for Each Account: Never reuse passwords across different accounts. Thisprevents hackers from accessing multiple accounts if one password is compromised.Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this feature wherever possible. It adds an extra layer ofprotection by requiring a code sent to your phone in addition to your password.For more insights on creating secure passwords, check out How to Create Strong Passwords.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 84Identity thieves often target children because theircredit history is usually clean, and suspiciousactivity can go unnoticed for years. Here’s howyou can protect your child’s identity:Secure Personal Documents: Keep birthcertificates and Social Security numbers in asafe place.Be Cautious with SSNs: Before sharing yourchild's Social Security number, ask why it'sneeded, how it will be stored, and whether analternative identifier can be used.Monitor Online Activity: Until your childrenare old enough to understand internet safety,keep a close eye on their online activities.Implement parental controls and teach themabout the importance of privacy.Child Identity Theft: Protecting Your FamilyCheck for Credit Reports: Request a manual search of your child's Social Security number fromthe three major credit bureaus to detect unauthorized activity.Opt-Out of Marketing Offers: Prevent credit offers in your child's name by opting out throughthe Direct Marketing Association. Receiving such offers could indicate identity theft.Educate on Internet Safety: Teach your children not to share personal information online andto recognize phishing attempts.Update Devices Regularly: Keep all devices up to date with antivirus and firewall software toprotect against malware.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 85If you suspect your child's identity has been compromised, contact the credit bureaus, request acredit freeze, and report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. For more information, visitIdentityTheft.gov.Case Study: Guarding Against Identity Theft: Lessons fromTony’s ExperienceIdentity theft is a pressing issue in today's digital world, impacting millions every year. For Tony, acollege-bound student, this threat became a harsh reality. While applying for a student loan, hediscovered his credit had been severely damaged by fraudulent activity that began when he was just achild. Unbeknownst to him and his family, his identity had been compromised, leaving him withunexpected financial challenges.This case study follows Tony's journey to reclaim his financial independence and the proactive stepshis family took to protect his younger siblings from similar threats. Tony's experience underscoresthe importance of vigilance and highlights essential measures every family can take to guard againstidentity theft.Join us as we explore Tony’s story and learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones fromthe ever-present danger of identity fraud.Click here to watch the quick video of the case study. Cybersecurity Education and AwarenessIn today’s interconnected age, cybersecurity is essential. From online banking to social media, ourdigital footprints expose us to potential threats. Whether you're managing finances or browsing theweb, knowing how to protect your information is crucial.

6This section offers resources and practical tips to help you recognize threats, secure your accounts,and safeguard your family’s information. By becoming more cyber-savvy, you can navigate onlinespaces safely and focus on what truly matters.Let's explore the tools and strategies to help you defend against evolving cyber threats.A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8StaySafeOnline.org:Overview: Run by the National Cyber Security Alliance, this siteoffers tips, tools, and resources to help individuals stay safeonline.Features: Guides on creating strong passwords, recognizingphishing scams, and protecting personal information.Website: StaySafeOnline.orgCybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency(CISA):Overview: The U.S. government's agency dedicatedto building the nation’s capacity to defend againstcyber threats.Features: Comprehensive resources, alerts oncurrent threats, and best practices forcybersecurity.Website: CISA.gov

7A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8Have I Been Pwned:Overview: A free service that helps you find out ifyour email or phone number has beencompromised in a data breach.Features: Alerts for new breaches andguidance on what to do if your informationhas been exposed.Website: Have I Been PwnedIdentity Theft Resource Center (ITRC):Overview: A non-profit organizationdedicated to educating and assistingvictims of identity theft.Features: Support for identity theftvictims and resources for preventionand education.Website: IDTheftCenter.org

8A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8On July 10, the Nasdaq Composite hit a fresh, all-time high—one of many highs recorded this year.But after the 10th, the ride turned bumpy, and the tech-heavy index lost 8% over the next threeweeks (Yahoo Finance, through July 30).What weighed on tech?Market Shifts: Tech’s Turbulence and Small-Cap SurgeTech Loses its BalanceTech stocks experienced a sell-off as investors shifted away from this year's top performers, whilethe Russell 2000 Index, which represents smaller companies that had been struggling, experienceda sudden surge of 10.1% in July.Smaller companies are more vulnerable to higher interest rates than larger firms and stand todisproportionately benefit if rates fall. Why? A cooler-than-expectedinflation reading in mid-July boosted rate-cutspeculation.However, theencouraging inflationfigures and discussionsabout interest rate cutsdid not lead to furtheradvances in tech stocks.On the contrary, theopposite occurred.

9A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8Smaller firms have greater exposure to shorter-term floating-rate debt. Thirty percent of the debt ofthe Russell 2000 is floating rate, compared with 6% for the S&P 500, according to Goldman Sachsresearch from earlier this year (Wall Street Journal).A July 31 story by MarketWatch pointed out that “the small-cap Russell 2000 has outperformed theNasdaq Composite in July by 11.19 percentage points, on pace for its largest monthly outperformancesince February 2001.“Against the S&P 500, the small-cap index is poised for its best outperformance since February2000.”Still, the Russell 2000 Index remains 7.7% below its all-time November 2021 high (Yahoo Finance),while the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq have repeatedly set new highs this year.As we enter August, investors are scrambling to see whether this is a short-term blip or if asustainable rotation into the market laggards is underway.Economic worries that entered the picture as August began injected volatility into all sectors,especially smaller-company stocks.On the last day of the month, Fed Chief Jerome Powellexplicitly said that a September rate cut is on the table.Investors may also be questioning the significant amount ofcash that’s being invested in AI and its eventual impact onprofitability. However, unlike many firms that failed tosurvive the dot-com bubble, today’s tech giants are profitable.Be that as it may, valuations may have gotten a bit extended,and the seemingly continuous rise in tech led to a detour ofsorts in July.

10A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8Calendar QuirkAugust and September have historically been unkind to investors, as they sport the two worstaverage monthly returns for the S&P 500 Index.Since 1970, the average monthly return for the S&P 500 Index (excluding dividends) has been 0.09%during August and -0.96% in September, according to S&P 500 data provided by the St. LouisFederal Reserve.Many have offered various reasons why August and September have historically underperformed,but few answers are truly satisfying.Yet, we’d caution against attempting to time any historical seasonal trends that may or may notsurface this year. Weakness in August is far from guaranteed. Since 2010, the S&P 500 in Augustrose in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021.Instead, we recommend a well-diversified portfolio thathelps mitigate market downturns but also keeps youpositioned to participate in market upswings.Your strategy should align with your financial goals,investment timeline, and risk tolerance. While we won’tdiscount the possibility of volatility over the next twomonths (for that matter, we’d never dismiss thepossibility of a pullback in any season), we encourage youto keep your focus on your long-term financial goals.

11A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8Location: 280 North Union Street, Rochester, NYDays Open: Tuesday, Thursday, and SaturdayHighlights: A beloved institution in Rochester, this market offers a vast array of fresh fruits andvegetables, baked goods, and specialty items. You can also find a selection of local wines,cheeses, and handmade crafts. Don’t miss the live music and food truck rodeos that make eachvisit an exciting experience. Learn more at Rochester Public Market.Rochester Public Market: Brighton Farmers’ MarketLocation: 1150 Winton Road South, Rochester, NYDays Open: SundaysHighlights: This market is known for its focus on sustainability and locally sourced products.Enjoy seasonal produce, organic meats, and artisanal breads while chatting with friendlyfarmers. The market often hosts educational workshops and activities for kids, making it afamily-friendly outing. Visit Brighton Farmers' Market for more details.

12A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 8Location: Mill Street Pavilion, Canandaigua, NYDays Open: SaturdaysHighlights: Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, this market offers everything from freshproduce and flowers to handcrafted jewelry and pottery. Enjoy the local music and occasionalcooking demonstrations that highlight the use of market-fresh ingredients. Discover more atCanandaigua Farmers' Market.Canandaigua Farmers’ MarketIthaca Farmers’ MarketLocation: Steamboat Landing, 545 Third Street, Ithaca, NYDays Open: Saturdays and SundaysHighlights: With over 150 vendors, this waterfront market showcases the region's best produce,baked goods, and handcrafted items. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Cayuga Lake inlet, or indulgein delicious prepared foods from around the world. Check out Ithaca Farmers' Market for moreinformation.Fairport Farmers’ MarketLocation: South Main Street, Fairport, NYDays Open: SaturdaysHighlights: Known for its friendly vendors and community vibe, this market offers a wide varietyof local produce, meats, and artisanal products. It's a great spot to find homemade jams, fresh-cut flowers, and unique gifts. Visit Fairport Farmers' Market for details.

A U G U S T 2 0 2 4 V O L U M E 813LynnLeigh & Company - A Registered Investment AdvisorThis information is provided by LynnLeigh & Co. for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – LynnLeigh& Co. advisors cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that thismaterial concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayershould seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice. Pastperformance is not a guarantee of future returns. As we wrap up this edition of The LynnLeigh Journal, we hope you’ve found our insights oncybersecurity both informative and empowering. Protecting your digital life is a continuousjourney, and staying informed is the key to navigating the challenges and opportunities of ourconnected world.Remember, safeguarding your information and privacy is not just about implementing the righttools but also about staying aware and proactive. Whether you’re learning from Karen’s story orexploring the resources we’ve shared, every step you take enhances your security and peace ofmind.We invite you to join our Cybersecurity Essentials Webinar this month, where we'll dive deeperinto these topics and provide you with actionable strategies to strengthen your defenses.Thank you for choosing LynnLeigh & Company as your trusted partner in financial and personalsecurity. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out.We're here to support you every step of the way.Wishing you a secure and successful month ahead!