You never know who is lurking on the other side when you are online, which makes it essential to be careful and mindful when navigating online.

Every October, organizations and individuals across the country take time to focus on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder that protecting your data and devices is everyone’s responsibility. As cyber threats evolve, so should our defenses. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, taking a few proactive steps can go a long way toward keeping your information secure.

How to Keep Yourself Safe
Cybersecurity isn’t just for IT professionals, it’s for everyone. Here are some practical ways to protect yourself every day:

• Enable Screen Locks and Passwords
  Always secure your mobile devices and laptops with a strong password or biometric lock.
• Keep Software Updated
  Don’t ignore update reminders. Updates often include critical security patches that protect you from new threats.
• Be Mindful of What You Share Online
  Avoid oversharing personal details on public social media accounts. Criminals can use this information to impersonate you or guess passwords.
• Turn on Financial Alerts
  Set up mobile alerts for your credit cards and bank accounts. You’ll know immediately if something suspicious happens.
• Practice Strong Password Hygiene
  • Never reuse passwords across accounts.
  • Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords.
  • If you can’t use a manager, try passphrases — easy-to-remember combinations of unrelated words.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible for an added layer of protection.

• Freeze Your Credit
  With so many data breaches in recent years, assume your personal information may already be out there. Freezing your credit report prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. It’s quick to do and easy to unfreeze if needed.

Common Cyber Threats to Watch Out For

Even savvy users can fall victim to sophisticated scams. Awareness is your first line of defense.

• Scams and Phishing Attempts
  Watch for fake texts, emails, or calls pretending to be from trusted companies like the IRS, Amazon, or your bank.
  • Never click on unexpected links. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website.
  • If someone calls asking for personal information or payments, hang up and call the number listed on your statement or their verified site.
  • Remember: In Google search results, the first entries may be paid ads, not legitimate websites. Always double-check the URL.
• Scareware Pop-Ups
  If you see a message saying your computer is “infected” and urging you to call a number — it’s always a scam. Do not click or call. Close the window and run your antivirus software.
• If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
  Contact your financial institution immediately if you suspect fraud. Quick action can prevent bigger problems.

Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment. By taking small, consistent steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk and keep your digital life secure. Awareness and vigilance are the keys to safety.

To learn more, listen to our recent podcast featuring our IT professional talking about ways to keep safe.

Need Help? Contact Your IT Professionals

If you have questions or need expert guidance, reach out to these trusted IT contacts. They offer paid IT services.

Kurt Cummins
Owner, Kaliber Technologies, LLC
✉️ Email: kurt.cummins@kalibertech.com

Michael D’Anza
President, Vectre Consulting, Inc
✉️ Email: michael@vectreconsulting.com