Cybersecurity Awareness Month Simple Steps to Help Protect Yourself from Fraud

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that staying safe online starts with everyday habits. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers and cybercriminals. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can go a long way in helping protect your personal and financial information.

At Orrstown Bank, helping clients stay informed is an important part of protecting their financial well-being. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about online safety and empowering individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cybercrime. This year's theme, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them," reminds us that small, consistent actions can make a significant difference in helping protect against cyber threats. 

Know the Signs of a Scam

Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to encourage use deception to gain access to personal information, financial accounts, and even your money.

The American Bankers Association's Banks Never Ask That!® Fraud Prevention Campaign highlights several common red flags consumers should watch for, including:

• Requests to click unfamiliar links
• Unexpected attachments
• Requests to keep information secret
• Requests for passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, or other personal information
• Pressure to send money or use payment apps immediately

If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and take a moment to verify the request before responding.

Four Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Online Security

The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends four easy but effective steps everyone can take to help improve their online safety.

What Your Bank Will Never Ask You

Scammers often impersonate banks and financial institutions to gain trust. Knowing what a legitimate bank will and will not ask can help you spot fraud attempts more quickly.

As a general rule, banks will not contact you unexpectedly and ask for:

•    Online banking passwords

•    One-time security codes

•    Debit card PINs

•    Sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or text messages

If you receive a call, email, or text requesting this information, stop and verify the request directly with your financial institution using a trusted phone number or official website. The Banks Never Ask That! Fraud Prevention campaign reminds consumers that scammers frequently pose as trusted organizations to steal information and money. 

Staying Safe Starts with Awareness

Cybersecurity does not require being a technology expert. Building a few simple habits and remaining aware of common scams can significantly reduce your risk.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few moments to review your passwords, enable multifactor authentication where available, update your devices, and stay alert for fraud attempts. By taking these proactive steps, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

Additional Resources

To learn more about fraud prevention and online safety, explore these trusted resources:

At Orrstown Bank, protecting your financial well-being goes beyond your accounts. By staying informed, recognizing common scams, and adopting safe online practices, we can all help make it harder for cybercriminals to succeed and create a safer digital environment for our communities.