October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Every day, countless individuals and businesses fall victim to fraudulent cyberattacks. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve compiled the best tips from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for staying diligent and arming yourself against cybercriminals. Read on to learn more!

1. Use a Strong Password

It can be tempting to use the same, memorable password across all of your online accounts; however, this can leave you vulnerable to devastating consequences. The strongest passwords are long, random, unique, and contain all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). If you need help keeping track of your online account credentials, consider utilizing a password manager!

2. Turn on Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security to your online accounts, meaning you never have to rely solely on the strength of your passwords and/or a cybercriminal’s inability to guess them. With MFA, you can receive an authentication code via text or email to confirm that you are in fact the person who is attempting to log into the online account. There are also authenticator app options and biometrics, such as facial recognition. It can feel time-consuming to verify your identity on attempting to log in, but trust us, it’s worth the peace of mind and safety of your online information!

3. Recognize and Report Phishing

Be cautious of unsolicited messages that prompt you for personal information, or to click on a link. These are often phishing scams designed to obtain sensitive information or infect your device. Recognizing and reporting suspected (or confirmed) phishing attempts is imperative. Be cautious of seemingly urgent requests that use emotionally appealing language, shortened URLs, or misspelled web links. Each of these is an indicator of potential phishing and should be reported as spam, then deleted. Embrace Cybersecurity Month by staying diligent!

4. Update Your Software

Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. If automatic updates are unavailable, check for updates on a regular basis.

Learn more at cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month!