Each October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to stay vigilant against cyber threats. As technology becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, safeguarding your personal and financial information is more critical than ever. At Busey, your security is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most.
Here are some practical tips to strengthen your cybersecurity habits—not only this month, but all year long:
1. Strengthen Your Passwords. Passwords are your first line of defense. Create strong, unique passwords for every account, especially those tied to your finances. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, and avoid personal details like birthdays or addresses. Consider using a password manager to store and generate secure credentials.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Whenever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication for your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to confirm your identity through another method—like a text code or authentication app—making it harder for fraudsters to gain access.
3. Stay Alert to Phishing Scams. Fraudsters often pose as trusted organizations or contacts through emails, texts or phone calls. They may attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Remember that Busey will never ask you to provide personal or financial information through unsolicited emails or texts. When in doubt, contact us directly using the number listed on busey.com.
4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly. Check your bank and credit card accounts frequently for suspicious activity. Setting up account alerts is an easy way to stay informed about transactions in real time. If you notice unfamiliar charges, report them immediately.
5. Keep Devices and Software Updated. Cybercriminals exploit outdated systems to gain access to sensitive information. Protect yourself by keeping your computer, phone and applications updated with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
6. Protect Your Wi-Fi Connection. Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient but risky. Avoid accessing financial accounts or sensitive information on public connections. Instead, use a secure, password-protected network or a virtual private network (VPN) to safeguard your data.
7. Be Mindful on Social Media. Oversharing personal information online—like your location, birthday or even your pet’s name—can make it easier for fraudsters to guess your passwords or impersonate you. Limit what you post publicly and review your privacy settings regularly.
8. Educate Yourself and Your Family. Cybersecurity is a team effort. Talk with family members—including children and older adults—about online safety. Encourage them to practice safe browsing habits, recognize suspicious messages and use strong passwords. We also encourage you to regularly engage with our Money Matters blog, where we share tips and advice to keep you, your information and your finances safe. Doing so may save you, or a family member, from undue financial stress.
At Busey, we take cybersecurity seriously and provide tools to help protect your information, including secure online banking, fraud monitoring and alerts. We encourage you to stay proactive and informed during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond. For more resources and information about protecting your financial security, visit busey.com. Together, we can create safer digital experiences and protect what matters most.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud or a scam on a Busey account, contact our Customer Care team, reach out to your Relationship Manager or visit your local Banking Center to place a fraud alert on your account. You can also read our Fraud Prevention FAQs for more information or check out our Fraud Prevention Toolkit.