October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual reminder that protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated.

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for opportunities to access personal information, financial accounts, business systems, and other valuable data. While no one can eliminate every cyber risk, a few good habits can make you a much more difficult target.

Here are four simple ways to strengthen your cybersecurity.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Reusing the same password across multiple accounts can create unnecessary risk. If one account is compromised, criminals may try the same credentials on your email, financial accounts, social media, and other services.

Use long, unique passwords for important accounts and consider using a reputable password manager to create and securely store them.

2. Turn On Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor authentication, often called MFA or two-factor authentication, adds another layer of security beyond your password.

Depending on the service, you may be asked to enter a code, approve a notification on another device, or use another method to verify your identity.

Whenever MFA is available—especially for email, banking, financial, and business accounts—turning it on can provide valuable additional protection.

3. Think Before You Click

Phishing emails, fraudulent text messages, fake websites, and other scams are designed to get you to act before you have time to think.

Be cautious when a message unexpectedly asks you to click a link, download an attachment, provide personal information, send money, or sign into an account.

Pay particular attention to messages that create a sense of urgency. If something doesn’t seem right, contact the person or organization through a phone number or website you already know and trust rather than using the information provided in the message.

4. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

Those update notifications are easy to postpone, but software updates frequently contain important security fixes.

Keep your computers, phones, tablets, web browsers, apps, and other connected devices up to date. Enabling automatic updates where appropriate can make this easier.

Cybersecurity and Your Insurance Coverage

Good cybersecurity practices are an important first line of defense, but it’s also worth considering how an unexpected cyber incident could affect you financially.

Cyber risks can affect both individuals and businesses, and the protection available through insurance can vary significantly depending on the policy and circumstances.

That’s why it’s important to understand what your current insurance does—and doesn’t—cover.

The team at Hunter Insurance can help you review your existing coverage, discuss potential areas of exposure, and explore insurance options that may be appropriate for your individual or business needs.

Have questions about your coverage? Contact Hunter Insurance to start the conversation.