Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How to Stay One Step Ahead of Online Threats
As our daily lives become more digital, protecting personal information has never been more important. That’s why each October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder to stay vigilant against online fraud. At Blackhawk Bank & Trust, we are committed to helping our customers stay informed, confident, and secure in the digital world.
Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are you—when you know what to look out for. Here are the most common cyber threats today and how you can protect yourself.
1. Phishing and Fake Messages
Cybercriminals often pretend to be a trusted source like your bank, a delivery service, or a government agency, in order to trick you into clicking a link or sharing personal information.
What to Watch For:
- Emails or texts that create urgency (“Your account will be locked if you don’t act now”)
- Suspicious links or attachments
- Unexpected messages asking you to verify personal or financial information
Tip: If something doesn’t seem right, don’t click. Contact the company directly using a verified phone number or official website.
2. Account Takeover Attempts
If scammers gain access to your login credentials, they can sign into your accounts, change your contact information, and even initiate transfers.
Protect Yourself With These Steps:
- Use a strong, unique password for each account
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available
- Regularly monitor your accounts for unfamiliar activity
These small steps create major roadblocks for cybercriminals.
3. Online Shopping & Social Media Scams
Fake ads, counterfeit websites, and fraudulent sellers are becoming more common—especially during busy shopping seasons.
Stay Secure While You Shop:
- Only purchase from websites you know and trust
- Look for secure site indicators like “https” and a lock symbol in the browser
- Avoid sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to unknown sellers
4. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers or Investment Scams
If you see an investment promising guaranteed returns or someone asks you to move money quickly, proceed with caution.
How to Stay Safe:
- Be skeptical of high-pressure sales tactics
- Verify the legitimacy of rental listings, investment offers, or new business opportunities
- Talk with your bank or a trusted financial advisor before making large transfers
Your Cybersecurity Checklist
Take a few minutes this month to strengthen your cyber defenses:
- Update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
- Make sure your devices have the latest security updates
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi
- Never share personal or account details with unverified callers or messages
- Report anything suspicious immediately
Your Security Is Our Priority
At Blackhawk Bank & Trust, protecting your financial information is our top priority. We use advanced security tools to keep your accounts safe, including real-time fraud monitoring, secure online and mobile banking technology, and optional account alerts so you can be notified immediately of unusual activity. And for your protection, we will never ask for your password, PIN, or full Social Security number by phone, text, or email.
If something doesn't feel right, we’re here to help. Together, we’ll keep your financial information safe and secure.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, stay informed, stay alert, and stay protected!