You can’t build a shield around your members, but you can help educate them about the importance of digital vigilance. A great time to help educate members is during Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This campaign aims to educate individuals about how to protect themselves online, as threats to technology and confidential data become increasingly commonplace.
This year’s theme is Building a Cyber Strong America, highlighting the need to strengthen the country’s infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security.
Four Key Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Messages
Small actions can make a big difference. That’s why we’re focusing on the Core 4. Four easy steps anyone can take to boost their online safety:
Think Before You Click—Recognize and Report Phishing
If a link looks a little off, think before you click. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
Update Your Software—Don’t Delay
If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, turn on automatic updates.
Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Use passwords that are long, unique, and randomly generated. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts. A passwords manager will encrypt passwords securing them for you!
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
You need more than a password to protect your online accounts, and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked.
How to Use the Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign
- Help employees brush up on their cybersecurity knowledge. Get creative—print the social media graphics and hang them on bulletin boards or even in restrooms where you know there is a captive audience, create cybersecurity quizzes and offer prizes for employees.
- Encourage employees to talk to members about cybersecurity.
- Include cybersecurity tips in member communications, such as in statement messages, newsletters and email campaigns.
- Create a cybersecurity tie-in when celebrating International Credit Union Day with members.
Cybersecurity Campaign Resources
Please Note—Due to the lapse in federal funding, this CISA website will not be actively managed.
Share Your Ideas
As always, we’d love to hear how you are educating your members about cyber hygiene. Email us how your credit union is promoting Cybersecurity Awareness Month to members!
