Author: Kelley Monson, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Your money is part of the life you’re building. Whether you’re saving for a new home, planning your next adventure, growing your family’s financial future, or simply working toward greater peace of mind, protecting your financial information is an important part of the journey.
That’s why October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great reminder to pause, check your digital habits, and make sure you’re doing what you can to keep your money and personal information safe.
The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to make a difference. A few simple habits can help you stay one step ahead of scammers and protect what matters most.
Here are five tips to get started.
1. Give Your Passwords a Fresh Start
Your passwords are often the first line of defense between your personal information and someone who shouldn’t have access to it.
Create strong, unique passwords for your most important accounts, especially your email and financial accounts. Avoid using information that’s easy to guess, such as birthdays, names, addresses, or familiar words. Whenever possible, avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
A password manager can also make it easier to create and keep track of strong passwords without having to remember them all. A little extra effort now can provide a lot more peace of mind later.
2. Add an Extra Layer of Protection
Even a strong password can potentially fall into the wrong hands. That’s where multifactor authentication (MFA) can help.
Multifactor authentication adds another step when you sign in, such as entering a code sent to your phone or using an authentication app or biometric verification. That extra step can make it much harder for someone to access your account, even if they have your password.
Turn on MFA for your financial accounts, email, social media, and other important accounts whenever it’s available.
Think of it as another lock on the door, it’s a small step that can provide an important layer of protection.
3. Stop and Think Before You Click
Scammers are good at making fraudulent messages look legitimate. An unexpected text, email, or phone call may appear to come from a financial institution, government agency, delivery company, or another organization you trust.
The message may tell you there’s a problem with your account or create a sense of urgency, encouraging you to click a link or provide personal information immediately.
Before you act, take a moment.
Be cautious of:
- Unexpected requests for personal or financial information
- Messages that pressure you to act immediately
- Unfamiliar links or email addresses
- Unexpected attachments
- Requests for passwords, PINs, account numbers, or security codes
When something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Instead of clicking a link in a suspicious message, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
Remember: It’s okay to slow down. Scammers want you to rush.
4. Keep Your Digital Life Up to Date
Your phone, computer, apps, and other connected devices are part of your everyday life and keeping them updated is an easy way to help protect them.
Software updates frequently include security improvements designed to address vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates when available or make a habit of installing updates when they’re released.
That includes the apps you use to shop, communicate, pay bills and manage your finances.
Think of updates as routine maintenance for your digital life. A few minutes today can help keep your information better protected tomorrow.
5. Know What’s Happening with Your Accounts
One of the simplest ways to help protect your money is to pay attention to it.
Make checking your account part of your routine. Look for transactions you don’t recognize and consider setting up account alerts when they’re available. These notifications can help you stay informed about activity on your accounts and spot something unusual sooner.
If you see a transaction, you don’t recognize or believe your information may have been compromised, contact Finger Lakes Credit Union or your financial institution as soon as possible.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Your Financial Security Is Part of Our Partnership
At Finger Lakes Credit Union, we believe being a financial partner means being there for more than the big moments. It means helping you feel confident in the everyday decisions that move you toward what’s possible.
Cybersecurity is one of those everyday priorities.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your passwords, turn on multifactor authentication, update your devices, and remind yourself and the people you care about to be cautious with unexpected messages and requests.
And if something ever seems suspicious, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re here to provide care you can count on through every season of your financial life.
Protecting your money is about more than protecting an account. It’s about protecting the goals, dreams, and possibilities that your money helps make possible.
Stay alert. Stay informed. And keep pursuing what’s possible.
About the Author:
Kelley Monson, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Kelley leads cybersecurity initiatives and related staff training at Finger Lakes Credit Union, helping ensure members' information remains secure while supporting the Credit Union's commitment to operational excellence. With 19 years of experience at the Credit Union, she works closely with teams across the organization to strengthen security practices, reduce risk, and promote a culture of awareness and preparedness.
Kelley is passionate about helping protect both members and employees through education, collaboration, and proactive security strategies. She holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, is a graduate of Credit Union Management School, and is a Certified Credit Union Executive. Through her leadership, Finger Lakes Credit Union continues to provide trusted guidance and the secure banking experience members rely on every day.