October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a reminder that financial security starts with digital security.
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference in protecting your personal information and financial accounts. With online crime projected to increase by more than 175% compared to five years ago, awareness and proactive habits are more important than ever.
Here are some essential best practices and smart security steps to help keep your information safe — at home, at work, and on the go.
Ditch the Post-Its: Protect Your Passwords Properly
Don’t: Save passwords in a text file on your computer or jot them down on a sticky note near your workspace.
Do: Use a secure password manager to store and organize your passwords. These tools encrypt your data and create strong, unique passwords for each account.
Do: Set your computer to lock automatically or launch a password-protected screensaver after 5–10 minutes of inactivity — especially in shared or public environments.
Tip: Never reuse the same password across accounts. If one is compromised, the rest could be too.
Stay Safe While Traveling or Working Remotely
Don’t: Connect to public Wi-Fi (like hotels or coffee shops) without protection.
Do: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever accessing sensitive information away from home or the office.
Do: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond your password.
Tip: If your employer or advisor offers secure client portals, always use them for uploading or sharing financial documents instead of email.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Don’t: Ignore system update notifications — they’re not just about features.
Do: Install updates promptly. Many contain important security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect against newly discovered threats.
Tip: Enable automatic updates where possible and restart your devices regularly to ensure updates are applied.
Be Savvy — Cybercriminals Are Getting Smarter
Phishing scams are one of the most common and effective cyberattack methods. Fraudsters impersonate trusted institutions — banks, government agencies, or even coworkers — to trick you into sharing information or clicking malicious links.
Don’t: Open attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
Do: Hover your cursor over links to preview URLs before clicking. If something looks off, contact the sender directly using a verified phone number or website.
Tip: Remember, legitimate financial institutions will never ask for personal or login information by email or text message.
Know What to Do If Something Seems Off
Even the most vigilant individuals can experience suspicious activity. The key is responding quickly.
Don’t: Ignore unusual account behavior or unauthorized transactions.
Do: Report incidents immediately. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and US-CERT provide portals for reporting phishing, malware, or vulnerabilities. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also allows reporting of scams and identity theft.
Tip: Fast reporting helps prevent larger breaches — and protects others as well.
Take Two Smart Steps: A Credit Freeze and Password Manager
Credit Freeze (Reactive Measure):
If you believe your data has been compromised, a credit freeze prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name. It doesn’t affect existing credit cards or your ability to view your own report.
- Request a freeze directly through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Continue monitoring your existing accounts for unauthorized charges.
- You can still apply for jobs, rent apartments, or obtain insurance with a freeze in place.
Password Manager (Preventative Measure):
A dedicated password manager securely stores all your passwords in an encrypted vault. Unlike browsers’ built-in features, these tools are purpose-built for security and updated frequently to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
- Use a unique, complex password for your vault itself.
- Regularly back up or export your password database in a secure format.
- Many managers also generate strong passwords automatically for each site.
Tip: Think of your password manager as your digital safe — one secure place for all your credentials.
Create a Cyber-Safe Habit Routine
Simple, repeatable habits go a long way in preventing breaches:
- ✅ Review your financial accounts weekly for unfamiliar activity.
- ✅ Use strong passwords with at least 12 characters, combining upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- ✅ Turn on automatic software updates across all devices.
- ✅ Enable MFA on your email, financial, and social media accounts.
- ✅ Back up important files to an encrypted external drive or secure cloud storage.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Secure
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue — it’s a cornerstone of your financial well-being. As online threats evolve, awareness and vigilance remain your best defense.
By following these simple Do’s and Don’ts, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your workplace from potential cyber risks.
If you have questions about protecting your financial data or would like guidance on best practices for digital security, please reach out to your DeLong & Brower Financial Services team. We’re here to help you build confidence — both financially and digitally.