Secure our World Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Beyond
Written by Jake Holmes from the Maine Credit Union League On October 2, 2024.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about online threats and the steps people can take to better protect themselves when using the internet. This year’s theme is Secure our World. By viewing your actions through a cyber lens, you’re more aware of what you are and aren’t doing while online. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) promotes Cybersecurity Awareness Month each October and their enduring campaign goal is to have everyone implement the following four actions into their day-to-day lives to increase online security:
#1 – Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
#2 – Use Strong Passwords
It’s a good idea to regularly change your password and create unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts. If you reuse a password, data breaches can give fraudsters access to all the sites you use that password on. For example, if your password is “WickedG00dLobstah1” on both Amazon and Netflix, and Netflix.com experiences a data breach, the fraudster may take your username and password and plug it in to other sites. This is called “credential stuffing.” If they eventually try your credentials on Amazon, you will now have two compromised accounts instead of one. Use different passwords for all your online accounts. Also, avoid including personal information in your passwords. Names, birthdays, anniversaries, and other easily guessable information should never be used. The strongest passwords should have a minimum of 12 characters and include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
#3 – Recognize and Report Phishing
Scammers use email, fake social media accounts, and other forms of online communication tools to try and steal your passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers, and more. With that information, they can gain access to your accounts and even sell your information to other scammers. To protect yourself, enable email spam filters, ignore friend or follow requests from users you aren’t familiar with, and keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious. Don’t click on suspicious-looking links or open any unexpected attachments. Poor spelling and grammar is also a red flag. Further, if you receive an email that threatens a consequence or opportunity loss unless urgent action is taken, it’s likely a scam. This approach is used to rush you into action before you have an opportunity to study the email for potential flaws or inconsistencies. Lastly, if you see an individual or group trying to solicit passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information from you or someone else, report it at www.cisa.gov/report.
#4 – Update Your Software
Fraudsters are always looking to exploit flaws in your system. Network defenders work hard to protect your system, but their efforts depend on you consistently updating your software with the latest fixes. Update the operating system on your mobile phones, tablets, and laptops regularly. These personal devices often hold your emails and your financial and tax documents––often including your Social Security number. Fraudsters who gain access to this valuable information can commit identity theft, put harmful software on your devices, or both. Turn on automatic updates for all devices, applications, and operating systems to limit exploitation opportunities for fraud.
If you’re looking for tips on keeping your accounts safe, contact your local credit union. They may have fraud detection services available, along with helpful information on safeguarding yourself against cyber criminals.