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October 1, 2025 |

Cyber Safety Checklist

October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it is a great time for us to raise awareness about cybersecurity and ways to keep your home and family safe.

Electric co-ops protect the private information of members and ensure hackers don’t tamper with the reliability of the electric grid, but consumers have a lot at stake, too. Think about losing all the photos on your smartphone or having bank or credit card information stolen from your computer.

 Cyber criminals all over the world are on the prowl through the internet, and they’re getting better at what they do.

 Consider thinking of cybersecurity as “cyber hygiene.” Just like washing your hands will help keep you from getting bacteria, there are simple things you can do to protect yourself online. The first step is to make cyber hygiene a habit by incorporating basic security steps into your daily mindset.

 Here are the six tips for protecting yourself from internet danger at work and home, as recommended by top cybersecurity experts:

1.       Create a strong password. If your passwords are exposed, cybercriminals can buy them and gain unlimited access to your accounts and sensitive information. Additionally, if you’ve used a password for multiple online accounts, cybercriminals will be able to access any accounts that use the password. So, if you use the same password for multiple accounts, it’s time to change your password to a new, strong password! Make your passwords complex and even consider a “passphrase,” which contains a phrase or sentence.

2.       Keep software updated. Notices of updates don’t just add flashy features to your apps—they often add security patches to protect against new security threats. Updates usually come automatically from the software company, whether it’s for the computer, mobile device operating system, one of the many functional apps (like Facebook), or a link to your favorite sports team. But take a level of caution on updates as well. You can check regularly for updates either from your device or by going to the application’s website. Be suspicious of update notices that arrive by email, especially if they claim to require urgent action. Visit the application’s website to make sure the update is legitimate.

3.       Don’t click on any link or attached files unless you know where it will take you. A lot of the computer hacking problems you hear about in the news result from people clicking on links or attached files that infect their computers or mobile devices. An email can even be disguised to look like it’s coming from your best friend, so simple diligence can be extremely beneficial. Take a moment and move your cursor over a link to reveal the full address before clicking it. You’ll see a lot of confusing symbols, but you should also be able to recognize the name of the legitimate source. If you don’t, find another way to verify the link.

4.       Don't use flash drives. Those little thumb drives or jump drives you insert into your USB port may be handy ways to share lots of photos or other large documents, but as your mother might say, you don’t know where they’ve been.  These portable memory devices have been another common way computers get infected with damaging software. Instead, learn to use Dropbox or other software solutions for transferring large files.

5.       Stay safe on social media. Social media is a popular place for staying connected and up on the latest news and trends. It’s no surprise that cybercriminals take advantage of its popularity to try to scam you to gain access to your money, personal information, and online accounts. Be cautious about entering contests, being lured to apply for job offers and “work-from-home” opportunities, or accepting friend requests from people you don’t recognize or even people you may know but to whom you are already connected. If anyone asks for payment up front or promises free money, discounted items, or prizes that are too good to be true...it probably is.

6.       Protect the kids. Don't forget that children also need to be aware and practice good cyber hygiene. They should know not to send out information such as birthdates and other ID numbers, as well as details like how long the family will be away on vacation. Learn to use parental control options on your hardware and software.

Remember, good cyber hygiene doesn't require technical expertise, just consistent habits and healthy skepticism. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and make cybersecurity a priority for you and your family every day of the year.