Protecting your assets doesn't require complex knowledge. Hello, this is Hideaki Shigaki (@hideakishigaki).
Recently, there have been frequent reports of unauthorized access to brokerage accounts.
https://x.com/asahi/status/2112514182885363863
In fact, Iwai Cosmo Securities experienced an incident where stock buy/sell orders were placed without the customer's knowledge.
Moreover, 7 accounts were affected, and in 5 of those cases, trades were actually executed.
https://x.com/nikkei/status/2112678213180600546
Furthermore, on October 20th, Monex Securities announced a temporary suspension of new account openings.
Seeing these news stories makes you worry: "Is my brokerage account safe?"
When thinking about protecting brokerage accounts, people often imagine making passwords complex or changing them frequently.
Of course, password management is important.
However, what I want to convey today is:
Protecting your brokerage account isn't just about managing passwords.
There are also features that stop logins from unused apps or restrict stock trading and withdrawals entirely.
Plus, some settings allow you to continue NISA contributions while stopping unnecessary transactions.
Knowing these features allows you to reduce fraud risks according to your investment style.
Therefore, this time I will introduce 8 security settings you should review immediately, using SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities as examples.
I will explain the setup steps in order, so please check against your own account.
4 Security Measures [SBI Securities]
Restrict Foreign Stock Trading You Don't Use
The first security measure is placing restrictions on foreign stock trading accounts.
"I only buy Japanese stocks and mutual funds, so foreign stocks don't concern me."
If you thought that, wait a moment.
Recent unauthorized access incidents involve selling held stocks and using the proceeds to buy large amounts of foreign stocks.
This means even people who don't usually buy foreign stocks can be victims.
Moreover, SBI Securities may have opened a foreign stock trading account for you even if you've never bought one.
So, first check if your foreign stock account is active, and consider restricting it if you don't plan to use it.
【Account Check Steps】
- Log in to SBI Securities
- Go to "My Settings" → "Trading Related / Account Info"
- Open "Trading Accounts"
- Check the status of your Foreign Stock Account
If the foreign stock account is open and you won't use it, check if you can apply for trading restrictions.
【Trading Restriction Application Steps】
- Open the SBI Securities official website
- Search for "Measures to prevent unauthorized access" in "FAQ"
- Open the guide for "Trading Restriction Settings"
- Confirm the desired restriction details via the application form
Note: Accumulating mutual funds like S&P500 or All-Country is different from directly trading foreign stocks.
If you want to continue mutual fund accumulation, ensure there is no impact on those contributions.
Disable Password Login
The second measure is disabling login via password.
SBI Securities has a feature called "Passkey" that allows login without entering a password.
This uses facial recognition or fingerprint authentication for identity verification.
However, even with Passkeys set up, old passwords might still work for login.
This means if your old password is stolen, unauthorized login is still possible.
If you can log in with biometrics, there's no need to keep the old password active.
SBI Securities allows you to disable password login and switch exclusively to Passkey login.
【Setup Steps】
- Log in to SBI Securities official site using Passkey
- Go to "My Settings" → "Various Services"
- Open "Security Related"
- Enable "Login Password Disable Setting"
- Complete by authenticating with Passkey
This disables traditional username/password login. If you have Passkeys set up, please verify this setting.
Restrict Logins from Unused Apps
The third measure is restricting logins from apps you don't use.
SBI Securities has multiple trading apps besides the Japanese stock app, such as US stock and FX apps.
For example, if you only trade Japanese stocks, you likely never use the FX app.
But if unused apps remain accessible, they become entry points for unauthorized access.
SBI Securities allows you to restrict logins on a per-app basis.
【Setup Steps】
- Log in to SBI Securities
- Go to "My Settings" → "Various Services"
- Open "App/Tool Login Restriction Settings"
- Press "Change"
- Select the apps you want to restrict
- Follow on-screen instructions
Note: Enabling password login disablement (measure #2) automatically applies app/tool login restrictions.
If you already disabled password login, check your current restriction status.
Pause Login While Continuing Contributions
The fourth measure is temporarily pausing login while continuing contributions.
SBI Securities has a feature where mutual fund contributions continue even if login is stopped.
For example, if you contribute ¥30,000 monthly to mutual funds via NISA,
you might rarely log in after setting it up.
For such users, temporarily pausing login itself is an option.
Because SBI Securities ensures that already-set mutual fund contribution orders continue in principle even when login is stopped.
This reduces the risk of third-party login while maintaining your investments.
【Setup Steps】
- Log in to SBI Securities
- Go to "My Settings" → "Various Services"
- Open "Security Related"
- Select "Temporary Login Suspension Setting"
- Complete email authentication etc.
However, this prevents you from logging in too.
Also, contributions might stop if you miss important notifications, so be careful.
Additionally, margin trading users face risks of forced liquidation due to price fluctuations.
Thus, this method is best for long-term contributors who rarely log in.
That concludes the 4 security measures for SBI Securities.
Setting everything up right now might be tedious.
So, I've compiled the SBI Securities setup steps into a checklist for future reference.
Even if you don't have time now, grab it so you can check later.
Add the official LINE via the link below:
https://s.lmes.jp/landing-qr/2011258519-M75Z7TVm?uLand=A1Leoj
Send the keyword "Asset Defense"
The checklist will be sent automatically. Please utilize it.
Next, let's look at Rakuten Securities' security measures.
Rakuten Securities also has features to restrict stock trading and withdrawals while continuing mutual fund contributions.
The setup differs from SBI, so Rakuten users should check this too.
4 Security Measures [Rakuten Securities]
Stop Stock Sales/Withdrawals While Continuing Mutual Fund Contributions
First, stop stock sales and withdrawals while keeping mutual fund purchases active.
Rakuten Securities allows you to suspend all transactions except mutual fund purchases.
For example, if you accumulate Orkan or S&P500 monthly via NISA,
you don't need the ability to sell stocks or withdraw money constantly.
Use the setting "Suspend Everything Except Mutual Fund Purchases".
This lets you continue contributions while restricting stock trading, mutual fund sales, and withdrawals.
【Setup Steps】
- Log in to Rakuten Securities official site
- Go to "My Menu" → "Security Settings"
- Verify identity and open "Temporary Suspension of Trading"
- Select "Temporary Suspension of Trading/Services" → "Settings"
- Choose "Suspend Everything Except Mutual Fund Purchases"
- Press "Proceed to Authentication"
- Enter the 6-digit One-Time Key received via phone
A One-Time Key is a single-use number for identity verification.
Note: This also restricts buying personal government bonds, so ensure necessary transactions aren't blocked.
Keep Japanese Stocks, Stop Only Foreign Stocks
Second, stop only foreign stock trading.
The previous setting stops all stock trading, which is inconvenient for Japanese stock traders.
With Rakuten Securities, you can continue trading Japanese stocks while suspending only unused foreign stocks.
For example, if you trade Japanese stocks but not US or Chinese stocks.
Restricting foreign stocks reduces the risk of unauthorized foreign stock trades during an attack.
【Setup Steps】
- Log in to Rakuten Securities
- Go to "My Menu" → "Security Settings"
- Verify identity and open "Temporary Suspension of Trading"
- Select "Temporary Suspension of Trading/Services" → "Settings"
- Choose "Suspend Foreign Stocks Only"
- Press "Proceed to Authentication"
- Enter the One-Time Key received via phone
This suspends US, Chinese, ASEAN, and other foreign stocks.
Since settings #1 and #2 are separate, choose based on your usual trading habits.
Prevent Unauthorized Changes to Withdrawal Bank Account
Third, lock the withdrawal bank account so it cannot be changed.
Rakuten Securities generally only allows withdrawals to pre-registered accounts in your name.
However, registered bank accounts can be changed after identity verification.
If a hacker changes your withdrawal destination, it's disastrous.
Rakuten Securities offers a feature to prevent changing the withdrawal bank account via the web.
This requires a phone procedure, not a button click.
【Setup Steps】
- Open Rakuten Securities official site
- Go to "Customer Support" → "Customer Service Center"
- Find contact info for administrative procedures/deposits/withdrawals
- State "I want to lock the function to change the designated withdrawal account"
- Follow instructions for identity verification
After setting this, web-based changes are blocked.
Changes then require written procedures, suitable for those who rarely change their withdrawal account.
Emergency Stop: Pause Login and All Trading
Fourth, stop login and all trading if unauthorized access is suspected.
For example, if you receive a trade notification from your broker that you don't recognize.
It's scary if trades happen that you didn't make.
Rakuten Securities allows you to collectively stop login, stock trading, and withdrawals.
【Website Setup Steps】
- Log in to Rakuten Securities
- Go to "My Menu" → "Security Settings"
- Verify identity and open "Temporary Suspension of Trading"
- Select "Temporary Suspension of Trading/Services" → "Settings"
- Choose "Stop Login & All Trading"
- Press "Proceed to Authentication"
- Enter the One-Time Key
You can also stop usage via phone:
【Automated Voice Dial】
0120-852-638
Call, verify identity, and select "1" for suspension. Available 24 hours, good for emergencies.
Note: Stopping all trading causes errors in mutual fund contribution orders. Unlike SBI's login pause, this affects contributions. Be careful if you want to maintain regular investing.
If you find unrecognized trades, don't just stop usage; contact the securities company immediately.
That covers the 4 security measures for Rakuten Securities.
Setting everything up now is tough.
So, I've compiled the Rakuten Securities setup methods into a checklist.
Get it for free via official LINE to check step-by-step when you have time.
Add the official LINE via the link below:
https://s.lmes.jp/landing-qr/2011258519-M75Z7TVm?uLand=BLLtvc
Send the keyword "Asset Defense"
The checklist arrives automatically. Please utilize it.
Summary
This article introduced security measures for SBI and Rakuten Securities.
The key isn't doing every setting, but restricting features you don't use to reduce fraud and unauthorized trading risks.
To protect your assets, please check your brokerage account settings once.
Hideaki Shigaki
■ Profile
・From Osaka Prefecture ・Active trader with 40 years of investment experience ・Former securities dealer ・Served on Osaka Prefecture's Financial Strategy Committee
■ Current Activities
・Taught stock investment to over 50,000 people cumulatively over 10 years ・Live streams 2-3 times weekly on YouTube channel "Stock Trade Research Institute" ・Real-time trading shown during live streams ・Author of books like "Big Gains for Beginners: Low-Priced Stock Investment Method"
■ Past Articles
