October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Don’t Make It Easy for Them.” Cybercriminals look for ways to steal personal information, get into accounts, and take your money. Here are a few simple habits from the Federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) that can make their job much harder: 

1. Use Strong Passwords: Make your passwords at least 16 characters long and use a different one for every account. A password manager can create and securely store strong passwords for you. 

2. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA is a security check that uses more than one type of proof to make sure you are who you say you are. Think of MFA like having two locks on the same door. 

3. Keep Your Software Updated: Software updates help fix security problems that cybercriminals can use to get into your devices. 

4. Watch Out for Scams: Scammers may send emails, texts, or messages that look like they came from someone you trust. They often try to get you to act quickly by clicking a link, sharing information, or sending money. Slow down and check that the message is real before responding. 

Click here to learn more about CISA tips to stay safe online.