October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—the perfect time to reinforce the importance of protecting your personal and financial information online. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant.

At Busey, we prioritize your security and are committed to helping you safeguard your accounts and personal information. Below are some practical tips to help you stay safe online during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond.

• Choose Unique Passwords and Enable Multi-Factor Authentication. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. Longer passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters are harder to break than shorter ones. Additionally, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two or more verification methods. Enabling MFA when available can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
  
  
• Beware of Phishing Scams. Phishing scams are one of the most common methods cybercriminals use to steal personal information. These scams often come in the form of emails, text messages or phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a trusted company. The messages may ask you to click on a link, download an attachment or provide personal information. Be cautious of any unsolicited communication that asks for your personal information or directs you to click on a link. Always verify the source of the message before responding. Busey associates will never ask for your account details, passwords or personal identification information through email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, contact our Customer Care team immediately to verify its legitimacy or report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  
  
• Regularly Monitor Your Accounts. Regularly monitoring your bank accounts and credit card statements is essential for spotting any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Set up account alerts to receive notifications for any significant transactions or changes to your account. These alerts can help you detect fraudulent activity early and take action to protect your accounts.
  
  
• Keep Your Devices and Software Updated. Outdated software and devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks, as cybercriminals often exploit known security weaknesses. Ensure that your operating system, applications, antivirus software and browser are always up to date with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure that you are always protected against the latest threats.
  
  
• Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking, on public Wi-Fi networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, ensuring that your data remains private and protected from hackers.
  
  
• Be Cautious with Social Media. Social media platforms can be a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to gather personal information. Be mindful of what you share online, as even seemingly harmless details can be used to gain access to your accounts. Avoid sharing personal information such as your birthdate, address, phone number or other sensitive details. Review your privacy settings regularly to ensure that your information is only visible to trusted friends and contacts. Be cautious about accepting friend requests or messages from unknown individuals, as they could be phishing attempts or scams.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and staying vigilant is crucial to protecting your personal and financial information. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime.

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 Service 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.