Ready PA Monthly - October 2025 |
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Easy Ways to Protect Yourself Online |
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Nine Ways to Stay Safe Online. Cybersecurity may sound technical, but it really comes down to simple steps we can take to protect ourselves.
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Online safety is about more than just your computer, it helps safeguard personal information, finances, workplaces, and even the systems we rely on every day.
Here are nine ways you can stay safe online:
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- Keep Software Updated
Updates protect your devices from the newest threats. Turn on automatic updates in your phone, computer, and apps so you don’t forget. When you see an update notification, install it right away instead of clicking “remind me later.” - Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is long (16 characters or more) and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also use a passphrase made of random words, like “GreenTrain!River7Sky.” Never reuse the same password on different accounts. - Use a Password Manager
A password manager creates and stores strong passwords for you, so you can use a unique one for every account without having to remember them all. It also helps protect against fake login pages by only filling in your password when the website address is correct, giving you a warning if something looks suspicious. - Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a second step when signing in, like entering a code from your phone or tapping a fingerprint. Turn it on for your email, bank, social media, and shopping accounts. - Watch Out for Phishing
Be alert for fake emails or texts that try to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. Signs include urgent messages (“Your account will be closed!”), misspelled addresses (like “Amaz0n.com”), or requests for personal info. When in doubt, delete the message and contact the company directly. - Use Logging and Monitoring (for organizations)
If you manage a business or organization, keep a record of who accesses your systems and when. Review those logs regularly or use monitoring tools that alert you to unusual behavior. This helps you spot and stop suspicious activity before it becomes a bigger problem. - Back Up Your Data
Keep copies of your important files so you don’t lose them if something goes wrong. Use the “3-2-1 rule”: three copies, stored in two different ways, with one copy kept somewhere else like a cloud service, a safe deposit box, or at a family member’s house. That way, even if your main device is damaged, you will still have a safe copy to rely on. - Encrypt Your Data
Encryption scrambles your information so it looks like random code. The only way to unlock it is with a key, which works like a secret password or code that allows the computer to turn the scrambled data back into something readable. Without the key, the information stays locked and useless to anyone who tries to steal it. - Report Cyber Incidents
If you experience or suspect a cyber incident, report it. Sharing information helps everyone respond faster and stay safer.
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Smart Tips for Using AI Safely
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life. From chatbots and voice assistants to writing tools and photo generators, these tools can be helpful but they also come with risks.
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Here are a few easy ways to stay safe while using AI:
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- Be careful what you share
Never put private information like your Social Security number, bank details, or work documents into an AI tool. If you would not post it on social media, do not give it to AI. - Think about privacy
What you type or upload could be stored or reused later. Always ask yourself if you are comfortable with that information being public. -
Watch out for scams
AI can create fake voices, videos, or emails that look and sound real. Be cautious if a message feels too urgent or too good to be true. - Use your judgment
AI can make mistakes. Double check the answers or information it gives you before acting on it. - Report suspicious activity
If you spot a fake AI message or something that feels like a scam, report it. Speaking up protects you and others.
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AI is a powerful tool, but it is not perfect. By staying cautious and making smart choices, you can enjoy the benefits while keeping your personal information and community safe.
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Fire Prevention Week is in October, and it is the perfect time to give your home and your habits a quick safety check. Start with your smoke alarms. Test them once a month and change the batteries every year.
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If your alarms are more than ten years old, it is time for new ones. A working smoke alarm is one of the simplest ways to protect your family.
Take a few minutes to practice your home fire escape plan too. Everyone should know two ways out of each room and where to meet outside. Turning this into a short family drill makes it easier to remember what to do if there is ever an emergency.
Cooler weather also means fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from these heat sources. If you have a fireplace or stove, make sure your chimney has been cleaned and inspected before you light the first fire of the season.
Fall is also the time for outdoor chores and activities. Instead of burning leaves, bag them up or follow local collection rules. If outdoor burning is allowed in your area, keep water nearby and never leave a fire unattended. Be careful when using ladders for gutters or decorations. Place them on solid ground and ask someone to hold them steady. Gloves and eye protection are a smart choice when working with outdoor tools.
With shorter days, remember to stay visible if you are out walking. Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.
Simple habits at home and outside can keep this season fun and worry free. By staying alert both inside and outside, you can enjoy fall activities while keeping your family safe.
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