5 Ways to Increase Your Cybersecurity This October

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month which is a great opportunity to review your digital habits and ensure your personal and financial information is protected. Here are five actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Why it matters: Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to accounts.

How to do it:

• Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.
• Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long, using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also create a “passphrase” which is a memorable phrase of 4-7 unrelated words.
• Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or pet names.
• Example: Instead of “Summer2024!”, try a passphrase like “SummerGreenChickenBasketballEightAtlanta”.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Why it matters: MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to access your accounts – even if they have your password.

How to do it:

• Turn on MFA for your financial accounts, email, and any service that offers it.
• MFA typically requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, in addition to your password.
• Example: When logging into your investment account, after entering your password, you’re prompted to enter a code sent to your mobile device.

Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Why it matters: Phishing emails and texts are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links.

How to do it:

• Always verify the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or urgent requests.
• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.
• Report suspicious messages to your IT support or financial institution.
• Example: You receive an email claiming to be from your bank asking you to verify your account by clicking a link. Instead, log in directly through the official website or call your local branch to verify the request.

Protect Sensitive Documents and Data

Why it matters: Storing sensitive files securely helps prevent identity theft and fraud.

How to do it:

• Use encrypted folders or secure cloud storage for important documents.
• Shred physical documents you no longer need.
• Avoid sending sensitive information over unsecured email or text messages.
• Example: Scan and store tax returns in a password-protected folder, keep hard copies in a safe, and use secure upload links or encrypted file-sharing services when sharing documents.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Why it matters: Early detection of unauthorized activity can prevent financial loss and identity theft.

How to do it:

• Review your bank and investment accounts frequently for any unusual transactions.
• Set up account alerts to notify you of large withdrawals, logins from new devices, or changes to account information.
• Many financial institutions offer customizable alerts through their online platforms.
• Example: You receive a text alert from your bank about a withdrawal you didn’t make—contact your bank immediately to investigate.

Staying vigilant and proactive is the best defense against cyber threats. Take a few minutes this month to review your cybersecurity practices and put these tips into action. Small steps today can help protect your identity and finances and give you greater peace of mind.

For more information, please explore the free Cybersecurity resources on our website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team for further discussion.