National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
|
October is more than just the month of colorful leaves and spooky festivities — it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In a world where digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, this is the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate how well you protect your personal information and finances. With simple precautions, you can guard against cyber threats and protect your money from online criminals.
|
In today’s digital landscape, threats are more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Phishing scams, where cybercriminals pose as legitimate entities to steal personal information, and ransomware attacks, which lock your data until you pay a ransom, are two of the most common methods. Additionally, identity theft, where someone uses your personal information to commit fraud, is on the rise. These threats not only put your money at risk but can also cause significant emotional stress.
|
-
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to protect your online accounts, is by using strong, unique passwords for each one. Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as "123456" or "password." Instead, create passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
|
|
|
-
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many online services offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This could be a code sent to your phone or an authentication app. Enabling 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
|
-
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Phishing attacks often come in emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate organizations, asking you to click on links or provide personal information. Always verify the source of such communications before taking any action. When in doubt, contact the organization using a trusted method rather than following instructions in the email or message.
|
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly updating your software, including operating systems, browsers, and apps, helps protect against vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. Updates often include patches for security weaknesses, so keeping everything up-to-date is crucial.
|
-
Use Secure Connections: Ensure you use a secure connection when browsing or making transactions online. Look for “https” at the beginning of a web address and a padlock icon in the address bar. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, as these networks can be less secure and more susceptible to attacks.
|
-
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Regularly checking your bank and credit card statements can help spot unauthorized transactions quickly. Set up alerts for transactions and account changes to stay informed about suspicious activity.
|
-
Educate Yourself and Others: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Stay informed about the latest threats and best practices. Share this knowledge with friends and family to help protect them as well. Awareness and education are powerful tools in the fight against cybercrime.
|
The Bottom Line
With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember that protecting your personal information and finances is ongoing. Adopting these simple yet effective practices can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats. Staying vigilant and informed will protect your wallet and give you peace of mind.
This month, review your cybersecurity practices and make any necessary improvements. Your personal and financial security is worth the effort. Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
|
|
|
Check out October’s edition of Financial Friday, Oklahoma Money Matters' online personal finance question-and-answer forum; this month, we answered a question about financial tasks you should complete before the end of 2024.
As always, if you have money-saving tips you'd like to share, email us at OklahomaMoneyMatters@ocap.org or visit Ask OKMM to submit a personal finance question for a future edition of Financial Friday
|
Mark your calendars for upcoming OKMM "Make It Count" webinars on the third Tuesday of every month. Join us Tuesday, November 19, at noon as we discuss how to create and stick to a budget.
Success of any kind hinges on creating and executing a plan. Managing your money is the same. We’ll discuss how to successfully set up a budget that will allow you to reach your financial goals and still enjoy your life in the process.
|
We offer webinars for educators, students and parents on budgeting, saving, credit, and more. If you want to schedule a webinar, complete our workshop form, and we'll contact you to plan the details.
|
Have specific questions about our services or resources? |
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
600 Research Pkwy Suite 200 | Oklahoma City, OK 73104 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
