Category: Cybersecurity
This October, we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the perfect time to review and enhance online protection to keep our wallets safe.
As our phones, laptops, and tablets become digital vaults for our most personal information, from bank details to grocery lists, convenience comes with risk. Every device is a potential doorway for cyber thieves if proper security measures aren’t in place.
Let’s explore seven ways that will help you protect yourself, keep your money safe, and your peace of mind intact!
1.The Power of Passwords:
The first filter a cyber thief needs in order to hack a device or access an account is the password, this is where weak passwords fail the test.
- Educational Tip: Make your password unique! Experts recommend using at least 12 characters (The longer, the stronger) with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- Fun Tip: Turn a phrase you love into a code.
Example: “Sunday Morning Coffee Rocks!” as “5und@yM0rn!ngC0ffeeR0x!”
2. Two-Factor Authentication: Double Trouble for Hackers
Two-factor authentication is like a second lock on your door. Even if someone has the first key, they still need a second one, which often comes as a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, to get in.
- Extra Smart Move: Instead of relying only on SMS codes, try authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy. They’re harder for hackers to intercept.
3. Wi-Fi Smart: Don’t Trust Every Hotspot
Even though public networks can make our lives easier and save us from using up mobile data, they can also be deceptive. In spite of being open networks, your information may be easily accessible to hackers without you even realizing it.
- Safer Option: Use your phone’s hotspot if you’re in public.
- If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into banking apps or entering credit card info. Save that for secure networks.
4. Spot the Phish: Don’t Get Hooked
Phishing attacks are often successful because of their ability to impersonate trusted individuals and appeal to emotions. They are carefully designed to deceive you into disclosing personal information that can be used for the attacker’s benefit.
Watch out for these red flags:
- Odd-looking sender email addresses.
- Spelling mistakes or urgent language like “Act NOW!”
- Suspicious links (hover before you click to see the real URL).
- Educational Tip: Many email apps (like Gmail and Outlook) let you report phishing attempts, which helps block future scams.
5. Update Your Devices: Upgrade Your Safety
Outdated devices may contain security vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of. Outdated systems are a hacker’s dream because their flaws are well known, therefore, by keeping your devices up to date, you reduce the risk of them being hacked.
- Extra Smart Move: Turn on automatic updates for your devices and apps. That way, your system upgrades itself without you having to remember.
6. Share With Care: Social Media
It’s fun to post about birthdays, vacations, or your pet’s name, but these are also golden clues for hackers. The more personal information you share publicly, the easier it is for cybercriminals to guess passwords or security questions.
- Creative Tip: Share the fun, but keep sensitive details (like travel dates or your mother’s maiden name) private.
7. Credit & Account Alerts: Your Digital Alarm System
Most banks provide alerts for suspicious transactions or login attempts, keeping you informed of unusual activity. If unauthorized card use or irregular deposits occur, you can act quickly to secure your account. These alerts help you stay in control and aware of all account activity.
- Action Step: Turn on notifications for unusual activity.
Conclusion
This October, make it your mission to outsmart cyber villains. By practicing just a few smart cybersecurity habits, you can protect your hard-earned money, avoid the headaches of identity theft, and rest peacefully knowing your online accounts are secure.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice or a recommendation to take specific actions. Please note that Pibank USA does not offer lending products or securities/investment products or advice. You should consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or other expert to evaluate your individual circumstances before making any financial decisions. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Pibank USA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in this article. Pibank USA is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.
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