Keeping your investment account secure is just as important as choosing the right investments. Once your account holds real money, it can become a target for cybercriminals, making it essential to enable every available security feature.
Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to protect your Vanguard account. The Vanguard mobile app includes several built-in security tools that can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to protect your Vanguard account by enabling biometric login, setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA), managing trusted devices, and reviewing other important security settings.
How to Access Your Vanguard Security Settings
The first step to protect your Vanguard account is finding the security settings inside the Vanguard app.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Vanguard app.
- Tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Scroll to the Settings section.
- Select Security Profile.
This section contains all of the security features available for your account. You’ll notice two main categories:
- Authentication
- Account Security
Both contain important settings that are worth reviewing.
Protect Your Vanguard Account with Face ID or Biometrics
One of the easiest ways to protect your Vanguard account is by enabling biometric authentication.
Tap Biometrics, then enable the option to use Face ID (or your device’s fingerprint authentication if supported).
Biometric login provides an additional layer of security beyond your username and password. Even if someone somehow learns your login credentials, they still won’t be able to access your account without your biometric verification.
Additional benefits include:
- Faster login without typing your password.
- Better protection against stolen credentials.
- Secure authentication unique to your device.
For iPhone users, Vanguard may use additional banking security verification alongside Apple’s Face ID. Android users should ensure their device is Google-certified to support secure banking features.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Another essential way to protect your Vanguard account is enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
How Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Works
MFA requires an additional verification code whenever you:
- Sign in from a new device.
- Perform sensitive account actions.
- Access certain security-related features.
Vanguard allows you to receive verification codes through:
- Text message (SMS)
- An authenticator app
While SMS is convenient, an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator offers stronger protection because it helps defend against SIM swap attacks.
Although MFA adds an extra step during login, it dramatically improves account security.
How to Change Your Username or Password
Inside the Authentication section, you can also update your login credentials whenever necessary.
This is useful if:
- You suspect your password has been compromised.
- You want to strengthen your password.
- You simply wish to change your username.
Using a unique, strong password that isn’t shared with any other website is one of the simplest ways to improve your overall account security.
Review Account Access Permissions
The Access Permission section lets you control who has permission to view or manage your account.
For most users, only the account owner should have access.
If you later authorize someone such as:
- A financial advisor
- An accountant
- A trusted family member
you can manage those permissions from this section.
Regularly reviewing account access helps ensure that only authorized individuals can interact with your investments.
Check Device Management Regularly
The Device Management page displays every device that has logged into your Vanguard account.
It’s a good habit to review this list periodically.
If you notice:
- An unfamiliar phone
- An unknown tablet
- A computer you no longer use
remove the device immediately and change your password as soon as possible.
Monitoring authorized devices can help you detect suspicious activity before it becomes a serious problem.
Add a Trusted Contact
Vanguard also provides the option to add a Trusted Contact.
This person cannot:
- Access your account
- Buy or sell investments
- Transfer money
Instead, Vanguard may contact them if there are concerns about possible financial exploitation or if they’re unable to reach you regarding your account.
Adding a trusted contact is optional but can provide additional peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Taking just a few minutes to configure your security settings can make a significant difference in safeguarding your investments. Enabling biometrics, activating multi-factor authentication, monitoring your devices, and reviewing account permissions all work together to protect your Vanguard account against unauthorized access.
Many investors focus on funding their accounts and choosing investments while overlooking security. Spending a few minutes today to protect your Vanguard account can help reduce the risk of future security issues and keep your investments safer over the long term.
