Educational

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Protecting Yourself Online?

October 4, 2024

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to evaluate your online safety practices. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial to ensure you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your personal and financial information. Here are some essential cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe online.

Key Points:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
  1. Tip: Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
  2. Action: Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each of your accounts.
  3. Example: Password managers like LastPass and Dashlane can help you create and manage strong passwords. These tools store your passwords securely and autofill them when needed, so you don’t have to remember each one.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
  1. Tip: Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on your accounts. This typically involves receiving a code on your phone or email that you must enter in addition to your password.
  2. Action: Check your account settings on banking, email, and social media platforms to enable 2FA.
  3. Example: Here’s how to enable 2FA on popular platforms:
     • Gmail: Go to your Google Account > Security > 2-Step Verification > Get Started.
     • Facebook: Go to Settings & Privacy > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication.

• Be Wary of Phishing Scams:
  1. Tip: Be cautious of emails, messages, or websites that ask for personal information. Phishing scams often mimic legitimate organizations to steal your data.
  2. Action: Verify the sender’s email address and look for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar or urgent requests for information.
  3. Example: A common phishing email might look like it’s from your bank, asking you to verify your account information. Red flags include generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” urgent language, and suspicious links. Always verify by contacting the organization directly using a known phone number or website.

• Keep Your Software Updated:
  1. Tip: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to protect against vulnerabilities.
  2. Action: Enable automatic updates on your devices to ensure you always have the latest security patches.
  3. Example: Outdated software can have security holes that cybercriminals exploit. For instance, the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 targeted computers running outdated versions of Windows. Keeping your software updated helps protect against such threats.

• Secure Your Home Network:
  1. Tip: Protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password and consider using a guest network for visitors.
  2. Action: Change the default login credentials for your router and regularly update your network password.
  3. Example: To change your router settings, type your router’s IP address into a web browser, log in with the default credentials (usually found on the router), and update the password. Set up a guest network to keep your main network more secure.

• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:
  1. Tip: Frequently check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
  2. Action: Set up account alerts to notify you of suspicious activity.
  3. Example: Most banks offer alert services. For instance, you can set up alerts for transactions over a certain amount or for any online purchases. This helps you quickly detect and respond to unauthorized activity.

• Educate Yourself and Your Family:
  1. Tip: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.
  2. Action: Share this knowledge with family members to ensure everyone is aware of how to stay safe online.
  3. Example: Resources like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help you learn more.

• Use Secure Connections:
  1. Tip: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
  2. Action: Invest in a reputable VPN service for added security when accessing the internet from public places.
  3. Example: Trusted VPN services like can encrypt your internet connection, making it more secure when using public Wi-Fi.

• Regularly Backup Your Data:
  1. Tip: Ensure you have regular backups of your important data to protect against data loss from cyber attacks or hardware failures.
  2. Action: Use cloud services and external hard drives to create regular backups.
  3. Example: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud offer automatic backups. Additionally, using an external hard drive for offline backups can provide an extra layer of security.

• Be Cautious with Personal Information:
  1. Tip: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social media platforms.
  2. Action: Review your privacy settings and be mindful of the information you post.
  3. Example: Avoid sharing details like your home address, phone number, or vacation plans on social media. Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats. Peoples Savings Bank is committed to helping you protect your financial information and stay safe online. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.