October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of protecting your personal and financial information online. Cyber threats are continuously getting harder and harder to spot, and it’s crucial to stay vigilant to keep your data safe. Here are 8 simple yet effective tips to help safeguard your information:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts can prevent unauthorized access. When available, always opt for 2FA—it makes it much harder for hackers to access your information. And never provide your 2FA code to anyone else.
2. Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid using the same password across multiple sites, and make sure your passwords are complex. A combination of letters, numbers, and special characters works best, or a passphrase, which can be easier to remember (i.e.TheCityBeautiful2!). Password managers are a great way to store them securely.
3. Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Phishing attempts often look like legitimate emails or text messages. Common indicators that an email or text is a scam include:
- Spelling errors
- Urgent or threatening language
- Mismatched email domains
- Requests for personal information
- Suspicious sender address
4. Keep Software Up to Date
Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Regularly update your computer, phone, and any software or apps you use to ensure you have the latest security patches.
5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep an eye on your bank and investment accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice unauthorized transactions, report them to your financial institutions immediately.
6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Make sure your home network is password-protected and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
7. “Double Delete” Sensitive Emails
If you ever receive or send an email containing sensitive information, it should be “double deleted” from your inbox as soon as you can. Double deleting means you delete the email from your inbox, then go into your Recently Deleted folder and delete it once again from there so the email is permanently gone. We recommend doing this so that in the event your email gets hacked, the hackers won’t be able to access any additional sensitive information.
8. Adopt the Zero Trust Thought Process
When it comes to electronic data and information, assume it is not safe until proven otherwise.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, and we’re here to help you navigate these challenges. If you have any questions or would like further guidance on how to keep your financial information safe, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay safe and secure online!