Everyday online safety tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Banking, shopping, paying bills, and keeping in touch are easier than ever from a phone or computer. That convenience also means our accounts hold more personal information than they once did.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but online safety does not need to feel technical or overwhelming. A few simple habits can make it much harder for scammers to get into your email, social media, shopping, and financial accounts.
Use a Different Password for Every Important Account
Reusing one password may be convenient, but it can turn a single data breach into a much larger problem. If a scammer gets that password from one site, they may try it on your email, online banking, shopping, and social media accounts.
CISA recommends using long, random, and unique passwords. Its Secure Our World campaign also suggests using a password manager to create and store strong passwords.
At a minimum, make sure your email and financial accounts have passwords that are not used anywhere else. Your email deserves special protection because it can often be used to reset passwords for other services.
Turn On Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication, sometimes called MFA or two-step verification, requires a second form of confirmation after your password. That might be a code from an app, a fingerprint, or a security key.
It adds an extra step, but it also adds meaningful protection. Even if someone learns your password, they may still be unable to enter the account without the second factor. Turn it on for email, banking, social media, shopping, and any account that stores payment information.
Pause Before You Click
Phishing messages are designed to create urgency. They may claim that your account is locked, a delivery failed, a payment is overdue, or someone made a suspicious purchase. Some look like they came from a bank, government office, utility company, employer, or person you know.
Before clicking a link or opening an attachment, slow down and ask:
- Was I expecting this message?
- Is the sender address exactly correct?
- Is the message pressuring me to act immediately?
- Is it asking for a password, verification code, gift card, or payment?
If the message may be legitimate, do not use the phone number or link it provides. Open the company’s official app, type its known website into your browser, or call a number you already trust.
Keep Phones, Computers, and Apps Updated
Software updates often repair security weaknesses. Turn on automatic updates when possible, including updates for your phone, computer, web browser, banking app, and home internet router.
Only download apps from trusted app stores, and remove apps you no longer use. Fewer unused accounts and apps means fewer places where old information may remain stored.
Watch Your Accounts and Set Alerts
Check your accounts regularly for transactions you do not recognize. The FSB Mobile App lets customers review account activity and set up mobile alerts, making it easier to notice something unusual quickly.
FSB also maintains a Security Information page with reminders for protecting personal and financial information.
If you see a transaction you did not make, contact the bank or card issuer promptly using an official phone number. Quick action can help limit further problems.
Know What FSB Will Not Ask You to Do
Be cautious if anyone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your online banking password, full debit card PIN, or a one-time verification code. Do not move money, buy gift cards, or send cryptocurrency because a caller says it is necessary to protect your account.
When in doubt, end the call and contact Farmers State Bank of Yale directly at 641-439-2221. It is always okay to verify before taking action.
Report Scams and Share What Happened
Scams can happen to anyone. If you believe you have been targeted, tell someone you trust, contact the affected financial institution, and consider filing a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting can help investigators identify patterns and warn others.
One of the most useful things Guthrie County residents can do is talk about scams. Sharing a suspicious message with a family member, friend, or neighbor may keep someone else from falling for the same approach.
Small Habits Add Up to Stronger Protection
Strong passwords, multifactor authentication, regular updates, account alerts, and a healthy pause before clicking can prevent many common problems. You do not have to become a cybersecurity expert. You only need a few good habits and the willingness to stop when something does not feel right.
If you receive a suspicious message involving your FSB account, call us directly. We would much rather help you check a message than have you take an unnecessary risk.
