This October marks the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national occasion to review and improve your cybersecurity profile. This year’s campaign is focused on four key behaviors:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Recognize and report phishing.
- Update software.
Simple, sound security practices can mitigate most risks. And you’re not alone when it comes to taking action. At Ameris Bank, your security is our top priority, and we offer a wealth of banking solutions and financial advice that will provide you with peace of mind this month and every day of the year.
So, let’s take this opportunity to heighten our awareness, assess our online lives and identify where we can make changes.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS AND A PASSWORD MANAGER
Creating strong passwords – and keeping them secure - is part art, part science and part strategy.
Think about all the accounts you have, including social media, email, banking, utilities and streaming services. For every single site, you should use a strong password and limit your use of repeated passwords. A password manager can help you keep track of it all without compromising your security.
According to Wirecutter, 1Password offers the best combination of features and security for a nominal annual fee. If you prefer not to pay, Bitwarden is a great alternative.
Now that you know how to store your passwords, it’s time to review and revise those that might be problematic. These strategies will help you create more effective, stronger passwords:
- Create longer passwords.
- Use phrases rather than single words.
- Mix letters and numbers together in the body of the password.
- Have more than one capital letter in the password.
TURN ON MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Scammers will exploit websites that may give them access to your data. Do your due diligence and check the security or privacy sections of websites you use. If they offer two-factor or multi-factor authentication, turn it on to increase your online security.
RECOGNIZE AND REPORT PHISHING
With phishing, scammers use texts and emails to try to trick you into sharing personal information, including passwords, Social Security numbers, account numbers and more. Remember, no financial institution, including Ameris Bank, will ever text you or email you to request sensitive information.
Use the following tips to avoid phishing attempts:
- Check the sender’s email address.
- Do not trust caller ID.
- Never provide personal information.
- Check for misspelled words.
- If in doubt, contact Ameris Bank.
UPDATE SOFTWARE
Ensure you have the latest security software, web browser or operating system on your computers and mobile devices. This simple practice is a great way to protect against viruses, malware and other online threats.
Tip: Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest security features as they become available.
You might spend a third of your day – or more – on a computer or cell phone. Make sure these devices are protected. And don’t forget to equip yourself with any other knowledge you might need to safeguard your information. Our online Cybersecurity Center is a great place to go for the latest tips, tricks and techniques to stop attacks in their tracks.
Updated September 2023
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Ameris Bank does not endorse nor is affiliated with the companies listed in this article.
Sources:
National Cybersecurity Alliance, Cybersecurity Month
Wirecutter, The Best Password Managers