FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government Posted on October 2, 2026
Simple Ways to Stay Safer Online This October
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a great time to check in on the everyday habits that help protect your personal and financial information.
Scammers may reach you through emails, text messages, phone calls, websites and even social media. They can also impersonate companies you recognize in an attempt to get you to click a link, share information or send money.
The good news? A few simple habits can make a difference.
Think before you click.
Be cautious with unexpected links and attachments, especially when a message creates a sense of urgency. If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you already know and trust.
Use strong, unique passwords.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. CISA recommends long, random and unique passwords and suggests using a password manager to help create and store them.
Turn on multifactor authentication.
Multifactor authentication, or MFA, adds another layer of protection beyond your password. Even if someone gets your password, MFA can make it harder for them to access your account.
Keep your devices updated.
Updates often include important security fixes. Keeping your phone, computer, apps and other devices up to date can help protect against new threats. Turning on automatic updates can make this easier.
Slow down when something feels urgent.
Scammers often want you to act before you have time to think. An unexpected request for personal information, money or account credentials is a good reason to stop and verify.
Stay Alert This October
Online safety doesn't have to be complicated. Taking a few extra seconds to check a message, strengthening your passwords and keeping your devices updated can help protect your information.
Follow Citizens State Bank throughout October for more tips to help you recognize scams and stay safer online.
