From checking bank accounts and paying bills to shopping, communicating with family, and managing personal information, much of everyday life now takes place online. While digital services offer convenience, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals to steal information, access accounts, and commit financial fraud.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual initiative dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations understand online security risks and take practical steps to protect themselves. The campaign, coordinated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, emphasizes that cybersecurity does not have to be complicated. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting personal information and reducing the risk of online threats.[1]
For Lakeland residents, Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides an opportunity to review everyday digital habits, strengthen account security, and become more familiar with the warning signs of online scams.
Start With Strong, Unique Passwords
Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access to online accounts. Unfortunately, using simple passwords or repeating the same password across multiple websites can make it easier for criminals to gain access to sensitive information. A password used for an email account, for example, should not also be used for online banking, shopping, or social media. If one website experiences a data breach, criminals may attempt to use exposed login credentials to access other accounts. CISA recommends creating long, random, and unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help generate and securely store these credentials, reducing the need to remember dozens of different combinations.[2]
Password managers can be particularly useful for households managing multiple online accounts. Instead of relying on familiar names, birthdays, or repeated combinations, users can create stronger passwords without having to memorize each one. Residents should also avoid sharing passwords through text messages or email whenever possible. Taking a few minutes to review frequently used accounts can help identify passwords that may need to be updated.
Add Another Layer of Protection With Multifactor Authentication
Even a strong password may not be enough to protect an account if login information becomes compromised. Multifactor authentication, commonly called MFA, adds another verification step before allowing someone to sign in. Depending on the service, this additional step might involve approving a notification through an authentication app, entering a temporary code, or using a physical security key.
The Federal Trade Commission explains that multifactor authentication makes it more difficult for criminals to access accounts because knowing a password alone may not be sufficient to complete the login process.[3] Residents should consider enabling MFA on important accounts, especially email, banking, financial services, and social media. Email security is particularly important because access to an email account may allow someone to reset passwords for other services.
Not all forms of multifactor authentication provide the same level of protection. Authentication apps, passkeys, and security keys can offer advantages over text-message codes, which may be vulnerable to certain types of attacks. Users should also be cautious about unexpected authentication requests. Receiving a login approval notification without attempting to sign in could indicate that someone else is trying to access the account.
Learn to Recognize Phishing Attempts
Phishing remains one of the most common ways criminals attempt to steal personal information. These scams often involve emails, text messages, or social media messages designed to appear as though they came from a legitimate business, government agency, or familiar contact. A message might claim that a package cannot be delivered, a bank account has been locked, a payment has failed, or immediate action is required to prevent a problem. The goal is often to persuade the recipient to click a malicious link, download an attachment, or provide sensitive information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, phishing messages frequently create a sense of urgency to encourage people to act before questioning whether the message is legitimate.[4]
Residents should be especially cautious when receiving unexpected requests for passwords, payment information, or account verification. Instead of clicking a link in a suspicious message, visit the company’s official website directly or contact the organization using a phone number obtained independently. A message that appears to come from a bank or delivery company is not necessarily authentic simply because it includes a recognizable logo. Phishing attempts can also arrive through text messages, phone calls, and social media platforms. Taking a moment to verify an unexpected request can help prevent a costly mistake.
Keep Devices and Software Updated
Cybersecurity is not limited to passwords and suspicious messages. The software running on phones, computers, tablets, and other connected devices also plays an important role in protecting personal information. Software developers regularly release updates to correct security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and address newly discovered threats. When updates are ignored, devices may remain exposed to weaknesses that criminals know how to exploit.
CISA recommends enabling automatic updates whenever possible, particularly for operating systems, web browsers, applications, and security software.[5] Residents should also remember that internet-connected devices extend beyond computers and smartphones. Smart televisions, home security cameras, routers, and other connected household equipment may require periodic software or firmware updates. Checking whether a device is still receiving security support is another important consideration. Older products that no longer receive updates may become increasingly vulnerable over time.
Be Careful When Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient when visiting coffee shops, hotels, airports, libraries, and other shared spaces. However, residents should understand that public networks may not provide the same level of security as a properly configured home connection. One concern is connecting to a fraudulent network that imitates the name of a legitimate business. Criminals may create these networks in an attempt to intercept information or direct users to malicious websites. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to pay attention to website security, keep devices updated, and use additional protections when accessing the internet through public connections.[6]
Most reputable websites now use encryption, commonly indicated by “https” in the website address. This helps protect information transmitted between a browser and the website, although it does not guarantee that the website itself is trustworthy. Residents using public Wi-Fi should confirm that they are connecting to the correct network, avoid unfamiliar links, and consider using a trusted cellular connection for sensitive activities. A reputable virtual private network, or VPN, may provide an additional layer of privacy in certain situations, although it does not eliminate phishing risks or make unsafe websites trustworthy.
Watch for Online Shopping and Financial Scams
Online scams can take many forms, including fraudulent shopping websites, fake customer service representatives, investment schemes, and messages impersonating government agencies. Some criminals create websites advertising products at unusually low prices. Others send messages claiming that a person owes money, has won a prize, or must make an immediate payment to avoid penalties. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers frequently pressure victims to act quickly and may demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other methods that can be difficult to reverse.[7] Residents should be skeptical of unexpected payment requests, particularly when the person contacting them insists on secrecy or urgency.
Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, consumers can research the business, review its contact information, and look for independent customer feedback. Using payment methods that offer consumer protections can also reduce financial risks.
It is equally important to remember that a professional-looking website or convincing message does not guarantee legitimacy. Criminals can copy logos, imitate familiar brands, and create advertisements that appear authentic.
Protect Personal Information on Social Media
Social media platforms make it easy to share family updates, vacation photographs, community activities, and other personal experiences. However, information shared publicly can sometimes be used by criminals to impersonate individuals or answer security questions. Birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, travel plans, and other identifying details may seem harmless when viewed individually. Together, they can reveal more information than someone intended to share.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance encourages individuals to review privacy settings, think carefully about what they post, and limit the amount of personal information available online.[8] Residents should periodically review who can see their social media profiles and consider whether older posts contain information they would prefer to keep private. Parents may also want to discuss online privacy with children and teenagers, including the importance of avoiding suspicious links, protecting account credentials, and being cautious when communicating with unfamiliar people.
What to Do if You Suspect an Online Scam
Even people who take precautions can encounter cybersecurity problems. Knowing how to respond can help limit potential damage. If an account appears compromised, users should change the affected password, review account activity, and enable multifactor authentication if it is not already active. If the same password was used elsewhere, those accounts should be secured as well. Anyone who believes financial information has been stolen should contact the appropriate bank or financial institution promptly. Suspicious transactions may require additional steps, including replacing payment cards or monitoring accounts for unauthorized activity.
The Federal Trade Commission operates ReportFraud.ftc.gov, where consumers can report scams and fraudulent activity. IdentityTheft.gov also provides guidance for individuals who believe their personal information has been misused.[9] Reporting suspicious activity can help authorities identify patterns and provide information that may assist other consumers.
Small Changes Can Make a Meaningful Difference
Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder that protecting personal information is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time task. For Lakeland residents, improving online security does not necessarily require expensive software or advanced technical knowledge. Creating stronger passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, updating devices, recognizing suspicious messages, and limiting unnecessary sharing of personal information are all practical starting points.
These habits are especially important as more everyday services move online, from banking and healthcare portals to school communications, shopping, and household management. October offers a convenient opportunity for individuals and families to review their digital security practices together. A few small adjustments today can help reduce the likelihood of unauthorized account access, identity theft, and financial fraud in the future.
[1] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Cybersecurity Awareness Month.” https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month
[2] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Use Strong Passwords.” https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords
[3] Federal Trade Commission, “Use Two-Factor Authentication to Protect Your Accounts.” https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts
[4] Federal Trade Commission, “How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams.” https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
[5] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Update Software.” https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/update-software
[6] Federal Trade Commission, “Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need to Know.” https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/are-public-wi-fi-networks-safe-what-you-need-know
[7] Federal Trade Commission, “How to Avoid a Scam.” https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam
[8] National Cybersecurity Alliance, “Stay Safe Online.” https://www.staysafeonline.org/
[9] Federal Trade Commission, “ReportFraud.ftc.gov.” https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
