October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about online security and the simple steps we can all take to better protect our personal information, accounts, and finances. Cyber threats can happen to anyone, but a few good habits can make a big difference.
Here are four ways to strengthen your cybersecurity this month and throughout the year.
#1 – Turn On Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication, or MFA, adds an extra layer of security when you log in to an account. Instead of relying only on your password, MFA asks you to verify your identity another way, such as entering a code sent to your phone, using an authenticator app, or using your fingerprint or facial recognition.
Even if someone gets your password, MFA can make it much harder for them to access your account. Turn on MFA whenever it’s available, especially for email, financial, social media, and other important accounts.
#2 – Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Using the same password for multiple accounts can put all of them at risk if one account is compromised. Create a unique password for each account and avoid using information that could be easy for someone to guess, such as your name, birthday, or address.
A password manager can also help you create and securely store strong, unique passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all yourself.
#3 – Stop and Think Before You Click
Phishing scams can arrive through emails, text messages, social media, and even fake websites. Scammers may use urgent messages, unexpected links, or requests for personal or financial information to try to get you to act quickly.
Before clicking a link or opening an attachment, take a moment to look closely. Check the sender’s email address or phone number, make sure the link is going where you expect, and be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or ask for sensitive information.
When in doubt, don’t click. Instead, contact the company or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
#4 – Keep Your Devices and Apps Updated
Software updates do more than add new features. They can also include security fixes that help protect your devices from known vulnerabilities.
Turn on automatic updates whenever possible and keep your phones, tablets, computers, apps, and other connected devices up to date. Taking a few minutes to install an update can help keep your information safer.
For our members’ convenience, links are available in this website to allow quick access to other sites that may be of interest. Clicking on a third party link will take you out of Downeast Credit Union’s website to an alternative website not operated by DECU. The Credit Union is not responsible for the content of the third party website and does not represent either the third party website or the member if you enter into a transaction. Privacy and security policies of the website to which you are linking may differ from those practiced by DECU.
