10/19/2026
October is cybersecurity awareness month, follow along for our cybersecurity tips 🙂
First up: Phishing 🎣
An urgent message doesn’t always need an urgent response.
Phishing is when scammers impersonate a person or organization to trick you into sharing information, sending money, or opening a harmful link. It can happen through email, texts, or social media. Phishing can also occur over the telephone, known as vishing (voice phishing).
Watch for:
🚩 Pressure to act immediately
“Your account will be closed!” or “Pay now to release your package.” Scammers use fear and urgency to make you act before checking.
🚩 Suspicious sender addresses
Check the full email address, not just the name. Look for misspellings or extra words. Even a familiar account can be compromised.
🚩 Misleading links
A “View invoice” button could lead to a fake login page. On a computer, hover without clicking to check the destination. Unsure? Open the official app or website yourself.
🚩 Unexpected attachments
An invoice, shared document, or delivery notice you weren’t expecting deserves a second look. Verify with the sender through a separate, trusted channel.
🚩 Requests for passwords or codes
Never share your password or sign-in verification code with someone who contacts you. Be cautious with requests for banking or credit card details.
🚩 Unusual payments or offers
A boss requesting gift cards, a supplier changing bank details, or an unexpected prize could be a scam. Confirm independently before acting.
Even a familiar name or logo can be copied. If you’re unsure, open the organization’s official website yourself or call a number you already trust. At work, report suspicious messages to IT, especially if you already clicked.
This week, we're sharing simple ways to stay safer online. Follow along and share this with someone who could use a reminder. Check back tomorrow for tips on protecting your passwords!
