Play Calls Aren’t The Only Things That Need To Be Secure
August 24, 2025
Coaches, we hope this finds you having a great preseason camp.
It is no secret that football coaches and teams take pride and even have some fun in using various strategies to prevent opposing teams from gaining an advantage by stealing play calls, audibles, blitzes, and the like. The lengths that teams go to these days to protect themselves become more and more complex and creative by the week in some cases.
We can all agree about the importance of protection in many areas of our lives. We strive to protect our families, our homes, our possessions, and our jobs. Similarly, in the modern world that is so reliant on computers, smart phones, and other technologies, it has never been more important to protect ourselves from the threat of identity theft, online scams, malware, fraud and more.
According to the FBI International Crime Report, Americans lost $12.3 billion due to 2023 cyberattack incidents*. More specifically, the average cost of a single ransomware attack is $1.85 million*. Obviously, diligence is key in helping safeguard your retirement plans and financial assets. Here are some steps to help reduce many common cyber threats:
Think Before You Click
If you receive a link in an email or a text message or you see a website advertisement on social media, make sure that the link’s destination URL and the hyperlinked text matches. Misspellings and inconsistencies are a red flag for cyber threats.
Don’t Get Phished
Phishing attacks often use a sense of urgency to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an email attachment. If you receive a suspicious email on your personal device, delete it and consider blocking the sender. If at work, forward any suspicious message to your IT and/or security department.
Go Beyond The Password
Cyber threat criminals easily crack dictionary-based passwords. For stronger security, protect your assets with a biometric passcode or a unique alphanumeric passphrase with symbols.
If It Matters, Use Multi-Factor
Protect your accounts with authentication methods using some combination of a paraphrase or swipe pattern, biometrics or finger print, and an authentication app on your phone or an ID badge from your employer.
Keep It Fresh
Always install the latest updates for your operating system, browser, and any applications installed on your device. Cyber threat criminals try to use known vulnerabilities to access your devices and/or other devices connected to the same network.
VPN Is Your Friend
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before using a public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi network when possible. A VPN has an encrypted, private web connection which minimizes the risk of data exposure.
Shop Smart, Shop Secure
Only shop on sites that you trust to protect sensitive banking data. Never save your debit or credit card information where it could be stolen and used later. After each online purchase, keep a close eye on the account you used for the method of payment.
Charge With Caution
Don’t plug your mobile devices into any unfamiliar outlets to avoid a possible “juicejacking” attack. Bring a back-up power bank or be sure to use your own charging cable instead.
Safeguarding your assets and personal information is a top priority, but you have a vital role to play. Following the above rules of thumb to help improve your personal cybersecurity can help you avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.
While you spend countless hours preparing for the season and the next game on your schedule, please take a few minutes periodically to make sure the devices and other technology that you rely on is as secure as possible. Have a great start to the season in the meantime.
About the Authors
Keith Norris, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, and Matt Kuerzi, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, are co-founders of The Derby City Group at Morgan Stanley in Louisville, Kentucky. They have combined over 45 years of experience helping families with their financial planning*. The Derby City Group at Morgan Stanley has been recognized by Forbes in the Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking in 2025. Similarly, Matt was recognized by Forbes in their first ever list of “Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors” in 2019 and more recently as a “Best-In-State Wealth Advisor” in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He can be reached directly at (502) 394-4094 or [email protected].
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2025)
Source: Forbes.com (January 2025) 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/23-3/31/24. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com.
Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (2019)
Source: Forbes.com (June 2019) 2019 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors ranking awarded in 2019. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/18 – 3/31/19. Neither Moran Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2023, 2024, and 2025)
Source: Forbes.com (2023, 2024, and 2025) Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking awarded in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Each ranking was based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher). This evaluation process concluded in June of the previous year the aware was issued having commenced in June of the year before that. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. These rankings are not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com. @ 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Branch address: 4969 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 1200, Louisville, KY 40222
*Keith Norris, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, experienced in the financial services industry since 1997. Matt Kuerzi, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, experienced in the financial services industry since 2002.
Footnotes
*https://www.embroker.com/blog/cyber-attack-statistics/#:~:text=could%20save%20you.-,Costs%20of%20cybercrime,of%20economic%20wealth%20in%20history.
Disclosures
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sales of any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material may provide the addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, websites. Except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm has not reviewed the linked site. Equally, except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm takes no responsibility for, and makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to, the data and information contained therein. Such address or hyperlink (including addresses or hyperlinks to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) is provided solely for your convenience and information and the content of the linked site does not in any way form part of this document. Accessing such website or following such link through the material or the website of the firm shall be at your own risk and we shall have no liability arising out of, or in connection with, any such referenced website. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC.
© 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC.
CRC 4763492 8/2025
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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Coaches, we hope this finds you having a great preseason camp.
It is no secret that football coaches and teams take pride and even have some fun in using various strategies to prevent opposing teams from gaining an advantage by stealing play calls, audibles, blitzes, and the like. The lengths that teams go to these days to protect themselves become more and more complex and creative by the week in some cases.
We can all agree about the importance of protection in many areas of our lives. We strive to protect our families, our homes, our possessions, and our jobs. Similarly, in the modern world that is so reliant on computers, smart phones, and other technologies, it has never been more important to protect ourselves from the threat of identity theft, online scams, malware, fraud and more.
According to the FBI International Crime Report, Americans lost $12.3 billion due to 2023 cyberattack incidents*. More specifically, the average cost of a single ransomware attack is $1.85 million*. Obviously, diligence is key in helping safeguard your retirement plans and financial assets. Here are some steps to help reduce many common cyber threats:
Think Before You Click
If you receive a link in an email or a text message or you see a website advertisement on social media, make sure that the link’s destination URL and the hyperlinked text matches. Misspellings and inconsistencies are a red flag for cyber threats.
Don’t Get Phished
Phishing attacks often use a sense of urgency to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an email attachment. If you receive a suspicious email on your personal device, delete it and consider blocking the sender. If at work, forward any suspicious message to your IT and/or security department.
Go Beyond The Password
Cyber threat criminals easily crack dictionary-based passwords. For stronger security, protect your assets with a biometric passcode or a unique alphanumeric passphrase with symbols.
If It Matters, Use Multi-Factor
Protect your accounts with authentication methods using some combination of a paraphrase or swipe pattern, biometrics or finger print, and an authentication app on your phone or an ID badge from your employer.
Keep It Fresh
Always install the latest updates for your operating system, browser, and any applications installed on your device. Cyber threat criminals try to use known vulnerabilities to access your devices and/or other devices connected to the same network.
VPN Is Your Friend
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before using a public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi network when possible. A VPN has an encrypted, private web connection which minimizes the risk of data exposure.
Shop Smart, Shop Secure
Only shop on sites that you trust to protect sensitive banking data. Never save your debit or credit card information where it could be stolen and used later. After each online purchase, keep a close eye on the account you used for the method of payment.
Charge With Caution
Don’t plug your mobile devices into any unfamiliar outlets to avoid a possible “juicejacking” attack. Bring a back-up power bank or be sure to use your own charging cable instead.
Safeguarding your assets and personal information is a top priority, but you have a vital role to play. Following the above rules of thumb to help improve your personal cybersecurity can help you avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.
While you spend countless hours preparing for the season and the next game on your schedule, please take a few minutes periodically to make sure the devices and other technology that you rely on is as secure as possible. Have a great start to the season in the meantime.
About the Authors
Keith Norris, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, and Matt Kuerzi, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, are co-founders of The Derby City Group at Morgan Stanley in Louisville, Kentucky. They have combined over 45 years of experience helping families with their financial planning*. The Derby City Group at Morgan Stanley has been recognized by Forbes in the Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” ranking in 2025. Similarly, Matt was recognized by Forbes in their first ever list of “Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors” in 2019 and more recently as a “Best-In-State Wealth Advisor” in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He can be reached directly at (502) 394-4094 or [email protected].
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2025)
Source: Forbes.com (January 2025) 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/23-3/31/24. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com.
Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (2019)
Source: Forbes.com (June 2019) 2019 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors ranking awarded in 2019. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/18 – 3/31/19. Neither Moran Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2023, 2024, and 2025)
Source: Forbes.com (2023, 2024, and 2025) Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking awarded in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Each ranking was based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher). This evaluation process concluded in June of the previous year the aware was issued having commenced in June of the year before that. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. These rankings are not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKreserach.com. @ 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Branch address: 4969 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 1200, Louisville, KY 40222
*Keith Norris, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, experienced in the financial services industry since 1997. Matt Kuerzi, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, experienced in the financial services industry since 2002.
Footnotes
*https://www.embroker.com/blog/cyber-attack-statistics/#:~:text=could%20save%20you.-,Costs%20of%20cybercrime,of%20economic%20wealth%20in%20history.
Disclosures
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sales of any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material may provide the addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, websites. Except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm has not reviewed the linked site. Equally, except to the extent to which the material refers to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the firm takes no responsibility for, and makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to, the data and information contained therein. Such address or hyperlink (including addresses or hyperlinks to website material of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) is provided solely for your convenience and information and the content of the linked site does not in any way form part of this document. Accessing such website or following such link through the material or the website of the firm shall be at your own risk and we shall have no liability arising out of, or in connection with, any such referenced website. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC.
© 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC.
CRC 4763492 8/2025
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
