Cybersecurity Starts with You: October is Awareness Month!

Each October, organizations across the country come together to promote Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a national effort to help individuals and businesses stay safe online. In today’s connected world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern; it’s part of everyday life.

Cybercrime remains a skyrocketing threat: In 2024, Americans filed 859,532 complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), reporting a record breaking $16.6 billion in losses. A 33% increase from 2023.

From shopping and banking online to running a small business, we rely on technology to manage our finances. But with that convenience comes risk. Cybercriminals target individuals and businesses of all sizes, looking for ways to steal data, commit fraud, or disrupt operations.

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4 Ways to Protect Your Personal Finances During Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Use strong, unique passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across accounts — especially for banking, credit cards, and payment apps. Consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords securely.

Enable multi-factor authentication
MFA adds a critical extra layer of protection. Even if someone steals your password, they’ll need that second factor (like a code sent to your phone) to access your account.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
When checking financial accounts or shopping online, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. Unsecured networks are a favorite target for cybercriminals.

 Monitor your accounts regularly
Set up transaction alerts for your bank and credit accounts. Review your statements often to catch suspicious activity early and report anything unusual right away.

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4 Ways to Protect Your Business During Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Review your account security settings
Log in to your bank accounts, payment systems, and other critical platforms. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever it’s offered. If you’re already using MFA, confirm that it’s active on all devices.

Train your team
If you own or manage a business, take time this month to educate your employees. Remind them to spot phishing emails, verify requests for funds or sensitive information, and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments.

Update your software
Outdated software can be a gateway for hackers. Make sure your operating systems, apps, and security tools are up to date.

Monitor accounts regularly
Set up account alerts and check transactions frequently. Early detection is key to limiting fraud impact.

Fidelity Bank is here to help!

Our team works hard to protect your accounts, but security is a shared responsibility. If you ever suspect fraud or need guidance on cybersecurity best practices, contact us immediately. Together, we can keep your finances safe.

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Continue Learning

To learn more and to view additional videos and articles covering a wide range of cybersecurity & financial literacy topics including personal finance, identity theft prevention, business advice and more, click on the buttons to visit our Financial Education pages.