1. Think Before You Click
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and protecting yourself online often starts with one simple habit: slowing down. Scammers rely on quick reactions. Taking a few extra seconds to verify an email, text, or website can help protect your personal information and your finances. Small actions really do make a big difference.
$16 Billion Lost to Internet Crime
Cybercrime isn't just a big-business problem. It affects individuals and families every day. According to the FBI, Americans reported more than $16 billion in internet crime losses in a single year. That's why staying informed and practicing safe online habits has never been more important.
Think before you click. Your next click matters.
2. Public Wi-Fi? Think Twice.
Coffee shops, airports, hotels, and other public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they aren't always secure. Avoid logging into financial accounts or entering sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi. If you must connect, consider using a trusted VPN or wait until you're on a secure network. Convenience shouldn't come at the cost of your security.
3. Pause. Verify. Proceed.
Urgent messages are one of a scammer's favorite tricks. If an email or text pressures you to act immediately, pause before responding. Verify the request through a trusted phone number or website before clicking links or sharing personal information. A few extra moments could prevent a costly mistake.
4. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication
Passwords are important, but they're even stronger when paired with multi-factor authentication. Adding that extra verification step makes it much harder for someone else to access your accounts, even if they know your password. One extra step today can help protect your accounts tomorrow.
5. AI Makes Scams More Convincing
Artificial intelligence has made phishing emails, fake websites, voice clones, and even videos look more convincing than ever. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Verify requests through another method before sharing information or sending money. Technology is evolving. Your awareness should too.
6. Keep Your Devices Updated
Software updates do more than add new features. They often fix security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively look for. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible so your devices stay protected with the latest security patches. Keeping your software current is one of the easiest ways to stay safer online.
7. Don't Trust Every QR Code
QR codes are everywhere, but not all of them are legitimate. Before scanning, make sure the code hasn't been covered with a sticker or placed somewhere suspicious. If the destination doesn't look right, don't continue. Scan smart. Stay safe.
8. Don't Take the Bait
Scammers are experts at creating messages that look urgent, exciting, or too good to ignore. Before clicking a link or opening an attachment, ask yourself:
✔ Was I expecting this?
✔ Do I know the sender?
✔ Does anything seem unusual?
If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify first.
9. Strong Passwords Start Here
A strong password is one of your first lines of defense. Create long, unique passwords for every important account and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Reusing the same password across multiple sites can put all of your accounts at risk. A stronger password today can prevent a bigger problem tomorrow.
If you need to report a cyber security incident, be sure to make your financial institutions aware and file the incident at the link below.
Report a Cyber Security Incident