October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to brush up on how we can all stay safe online. Protecting yourself and our organization doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it as forming good digital habits—like locking your doors, but for your computer.
This year’s theme is Building a Cyber Strong America, highlighting the need to strengthen the country’s infrastructure against cyber threats.
Here are three quick, easy things anyone can do to stay safer online:
- Think before you click. 🧐
If an email or message seems suspicious—even if it looks like it’s from someone you know—don’t click links or download attachments until you’re sure it’s legitimate. When in doubt, verify through another method. - Use strong, unique passwords. 🔐
Avoid reusing the same password across accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols and store them securely. - Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). ✅
MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code or app confirmation in addition to your password. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop hackers in their tracks.
For more information about this year’s theme, HERE is a short 2 minute video from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. federal agency that leads national efforts to defend critical infrastructure against cyber and physical threats.
If you have any questions, please contact the HelpDesk at 507-457-7800 or helpdesk@smumn.edu.
