Cybersecurity Awareness Month is coming to an end, but staying safe online should be a top priority for consumers every day! The Erie County Division of Consumer Protection would like to remind consumers to be aware of cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself against vulnerabilities when online. Online accounts, personal computers and smartphones hold a lot of our personal and financial information. This valuable information, if compromised, can be used by scammers, and may lead to identity theft and financial loss.
There are many simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your accounts and sensitive information from becoming compromised. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides valuable resources and encourages consumers to take action towards creating a safer online environment at home, work and school.
Staying Safe Online Is Easy With These Four Steps
Strong passwords are long, random, unique and include all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols). Password managers are a powerful tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts.
Turn On MFA (Multifactor Authentication)
You need more than a password to protect your online accounts and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media and financial accounts.
Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials with unknown sources. Report phishing attempts and delete the message.
Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are not available.
If you have questions or have become a victim of a scam or identity theft, contact our office for assistance. The Erie County Division of Consumer Protection can be reached by phone at 716-858-1987 or via email to consumerprotection@erie.gov. Consumer Protection complaints can also be submitted through our website.
