October brings more than just crisp air and changing leaves — it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we protect our digital lives. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our defenses. Whether you’re checking your accounts online or emailing your financial institutions, safeguarding your financial information is more important than ever.
Here are some tips and best practices to secure your accounts in 2025’s digital landscape.
Understanding Today’s Cyber Threats
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging AI and automation to launch faster, more convincing attacks. Here are some of the most common threats to watch out for:
- Deepfake Scams: Fake audio or video is used to impersonate trusted individuals or institutions.
- Phishing 2.0: These scams now use AI-generated messages that mimic real communications almost perfectly.
- Malware & Ransomware: Still prevalent, but now often delivered through seemingly harmless apps or browser extensions.
- Credential Stuffing: Hackers use stolen login info from one breach to access other accounts.
Strengthen Your Password Game
Use strong, unique passwords for every account. In 2025, password managers are smarter and more secure — many now offer biometric access and breach alerts. Avoid reusing passwords and consider passphrases that are long but memorable.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is no longer optional — enable it wherever possible, especially for banking, email and cloud storage.
Monitor Your Accounts Proactively
Set up real-time alerts for transactions and logins. Make it a habit to review your accounts online weekly and monitor for suspicious activity.
Be Smart About Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi remains risky. If you must connect, use a VPN to encrypt your data. Better yet, wait until you’re on a secure network before accessing sensitive financial information.
Stay Ahead of Phishing Scams
Phishing emails and texts are more convincing than ever. Look for subtle red flags: misspelled domains, urgent language or unexpected attachments. When in doubt, don’t click — verify the sender through other channels, such as a telephone call.
Keep Your Software Updated
Automatic updates are your best defense against known vulnerabilities. Ensure your operating system, antivirus software, browsers and apps are set to update regularly. Outdated software is a common entry point for attackers.
Know Your Bank’s Security Tools
Familiarize yourself with the security measures your bank has in place to protect your accounts. Many banks offer fraud detection services, alerts for unusual transactions and dedicated customer support for cybersecurity concerns. Understanding these features can help you feel more secure in your banking experience.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and staying vigilant is your best defense. October may be spooky season, but your cybersecurity practices should not be.
As always, NCTC is here to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 800-858-6127, Option 6