Avoid Cyber Tricks and Treat Yourself to Safety

October is not only the spookiest month of the year, but it's also Cybersecurity Awareness Month! With Halloween approaching, it's a perfect time to make sure the ghosts and ghouls aren't the only things staying away from your doorstep. Just as you lock your doors to keep monsters out, it's important to secure your devices and protect your finances from the lurking threats that dwell in the dark corners of the internet.

Skeleton hands on a computer with pumpkins surrounding

Cyber threats can be scary, but a few simple steps can help keep your digital life safe from the tricks that cybercriminals play. Here are five tips to protect your information this October—no tricks, just treats!

1. Don’t Get Caught in a Phisher’s Net

Think of phishing attempts like a stranger offering you candy out of nowhere. Just as you’d say "no thanks" to unwrapped candy, avoid clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources. Cyber tricksters often disguise their traps as legitimate emails or messages, but the truth is far scarier. Always verify links through official websites or trusted sources before clicking.

2. Guard Your Treasure with Strong Passwords

Halloween night isn’t complete without a bucket full of candy. Just as you’d keep your candy safe from sneaky siblings, make sure your accounts are protected with strong, secure passwords. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to guard your digital treasures. And don’t forget—no sharing! Each account should have its own password, and it’s a good idea to change them every couple of months.

3. Use a Digital Disguise: VPN

When you venture out to public Wi-Fi spots, it's like going trick-or-treating without your costume—your personal data becomes easy to see! Use a virtual private network (VPN) as a disguise to protect your online activity from snooping goblins on unsecured networks. With a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, keeping your information safe from digital tricksters.

4. Look for the "S" in HTTPS

Would you go trick-or-treating at a house with all the lights off? Probably not! When browsing online, make sure the website is showing all the right signals—like a secure connection. The "s" in "https" is your signal that the site is secure, meaning your data is encrypted and protected. Whenever you're making online purchases or accessing sensitive information, make sure the "https" is there to keep your data locked away from cyber monsters.

5. Think Before You Post Your Costume Pics

We all love to share our Halloween costumes and festive fun, but oversharing can lead to unintended risks. Posting pictures that give away personal details or using location-tagging can leave a digital candy trail for potential cybercriminals. Before you post, think about what you’re sharing and turn off location services to keep your whereabouts and personal details safe.

Keep the Tricks Away This Cybersecurity Month

This Halloween season, let’s focus on the treats—staying safe, having fun, and keeping our financial information secure. By following these five cybersecurity tips, you’ll be ready to fend off any lurking digital threats that might come your way. Remember, WyHy is here to help you navigate the often spooky world of online safety.

Stay safe, stay secure, and have a spooktacular Halloween!

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