October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Queensborough National Bank and Trust is proud to join this nationwide effort to help individuals, families, and businesses stay safer online. As more of our daily lives happen digitally from checking account balances to shopping, working, and communicating cybersecurity has become an important part of protecting what matters most.

Building a Cyber Strong America, reminds us that everyone has a role to play in strengthening our digital safety. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting personal information, financial accounts, workplace systems, and even the critical infrastructure we rely on every day.

Four Ways to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity

1. KEEP YOUR SOFTWARE UPDATED

Software updates do more than add new features. They often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities cybercriminals may try to exploit. When your phone, computer, apps, or browser ask you to update, install updates as soon as possible instead of clicking “Remind me later.” Turning on automatic updates can make this easier and help keep your devices protected.

2. USE STRONG PASSWORDS

A strong password is one of the simplest ways to protect your accounts. Aim for passwords that are at least 14 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Most importantly, use a different password for every account so that if one password is compromised, your other accounts remain better protected.

3. TURN ON MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Multifactor authentication, often called MFA, adds an extra layer of security by requiring another step to verify your identity when signing in. This may include a passkey, authenticator app, text message code, or other verification method. Whenever possible, choose the most secure option available, such as a passkey or authenticator app.

4. RECOGNIZE & REPORT PHISHING

Phishing messages are designed to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing sensitive information. Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or calls that create urgency, ask for personal details, or seem unusual. Before clicking, take a moment to verify the sender and look closely for signs of a scam. If something feels suspicious, do not respond or provide information.

At Queensborough National Bank and Trust, we believe protecting your financial well-being includes helping you stay informed about online threats. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your digital habits, update your devices, strengthen your passwords, turn on multifactor authentication, and stay alert for phishing attempts. Together, we can help build a safer, more cyber strong community.