October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It is essential to not only educate members but also credit union employees about the necessary actions to reduce cybersecurity risks. This year’s theme—Building a Cyber Strong America—highlights the need to strengthen the country’s infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) cautions that cybercriminals look for easy targets. Businesses and organizations without basic precautions make an easier target for cyber attacks. Start with these four essential steps to safeguard your data and enable your employees to stop attacks before they happen.
1. Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing tricks employees into opening malicious attachments or sharing sensitive information. Train staff to recognize and report suspicious activity.
2. Require Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Make them mandatory for all users.
3. Require Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. Require it to make accounts significantly safer. Use phishing-resistant MFA where available.
4. Update Business Software
Outdated software can contain exploitable flaws. Promptly install security updates and patches to keep your systems protected.
