With cyber threats on the rise, protecting personal and financial information online has become essential. Whether you’re managing your finances or connecting with family and friends, here are some straightforward steps to enhance your online safety.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Your First Line of Defense

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) requires more than just a password to access your account, adding a critical layer of security. When you log in, MFA will ask for a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or an app.

If you’re using accounts that store sensitive information, and they don’t offer MFA, consider finding a provider that does. MFA is one of the simplest and most effective tools to secure personal information, especially for financial or medical accounts.

• Tip: Free tools like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator can generate MFA codes that work across multiple accounts.

Password managers are tools that securely store and manage all your passwords in one place, helping you avoid the common problem of reusing passwords. Think of a password manager as a digital vault that safely holds your logins, so you only need to remember one “master” password.

• Recommendation: Bitwarden is a highly recommended, free password manager. It can also create strong, unique passwords for you, so you don’t have to remember complex combinations.

Phishing scams try to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be a trusted person or organization. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Check the email address: Don’t rely on just the name in the “From” field; check the actual email address for legitimacy.
• Verify: Always call or validate the identity of anyone asking for money, passwords, or personal information.
• Be cautious of urgency: Phishing emails often use urgency to pressure you into quick action.

When in doubt, contact the organization directly using verified information—not the details from the suspicious message.

Cookies are small files that store information about your browsing. While they can track activity, they primarily serve to improve your browsing experience, like keeping you logged in to a site. Cookies aren’t typically the main risk for online security; other safeguards, like MFA, strong passwords, and verifying identities, are more important to prioritize.

Ensuring you have a backup of sensitive data can save you significant stress in case of a device failure or disaster. Storing information only on a thumb drive or external hard drive could put you at risk if the device is damaged, fails, or is lost. Online backup services, or “cloud storage,” offer secure options, often with greater protection than physical storage.

While “the cloud” might feel unfamiliar or risky, it often provides encrypted, georedundant storage that’s much safer than home storage. Think of it as a locked cabinet or safety deposit box—only digital. This backup can be your last line of defense if a local storage device is damaged or destroyed.

For continued learning on cybersecurity, here are some helpful resources:

• FTC Consumer Information on Cybersecurity: Offers practical advice on online safety, from creating strong passwords to avoiding scams. 
• Google’s "Be Internet Awesome": Designed for all ages, this resource covers the basics of online safety and smart browsing. 

By using MFA, a password manager, staying aware of phishing scams, and backing up sensitive data securely, you can feel more confident about your online security. Staying informed and taking small steps toward cybersecurity can have a big impact on protecting your personal information.

We hope these tips help you stay cyber smart and secure in all your online interactions. Remember, good digital hygiene goes a long way!

This article was provided by Lauren Fischels (Manager of the IT AM Team), Tim Berte (Network Operations Center Manager) and Nick Atlas (Technical Account Manager) at Access Systems.