Cyber Security Awareness Month, observed annually in October, is a nationwide effort in the United States (and increasingly in other countries) to promote awareness and education about cybersecurity.
The initiative is intended to help individuals and organizations understand the importance of protecting their digital information and to encourage best practices for safeguarding against cyber threats. These actions can boost our online safety at home, work, or school. Discuss them with family, friends, employees, and your community to enhance online security!
Stay Safe with These Tips
Recognize and Report Phishing
Did you know phishing emails can deceive most people in under a minute?* Phishing attacks use clever tactics to trick us into revealing confidential details or compromising our security. Learn more about phishing, social engineering, and impersonation on our blog.
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If you are suspicious of any communication, resist the temptation to click on links, open attachments, or reply to texts. These may be attempts to access your personal information. Instead, report the phish to protect yourself and others. Typically, you’ll find options to report near the person’s email address or username. You can also report via the “report spam" or "report junk” button in the toolbar or settings. Then, delete any suspicious texts, emails, or social media messages.
Authentication (MFA and Password Protection)Did you know that 59% of people use the same password for multiple accounts?* According to a 2024 Data Breach Report, 77% of attacks are due to weak or stolen passwords. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can mitigate these risks by 99.2%.*
Your passwords and biometric data are crucial for safeguarding your identity and preventing cyberattacks. It's vital to create strong, lengthy, and complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. MFA adds an additional layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as biometrics or unique, one-time codes. This process confirms your identity through facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or responding to a text message after entering your username and password.
Using a password manager is the safest way to store all your online credentials, including usernames and passwords, in an encrypted database. It alerts you to weak or reused passwords, generates strong ones, and auto-fills logins. Options include free browser-based managers and paid services. Check trusted sources for the best fit for you.
Review Contact InformationKeeping your contact information updated is crucial for protecting your identity and securing your accounts. This way, you'll stay connected, receive timely alerts, and ensure timely detection of any changes or suspicious activity, ultimately enhancing your overall security.
Review your contact info (phone, email, address) within Digital Banking to ensure it is updated. Frequently reviewing your account activity and using eAlerts allows you to act quickly if you suspect fraud on your account. Sign up for eStatements to securely store your statements, tax forms, and notices within Digital Banking. Magnifi also offers Digital Wallets and Card Controls to keep your card information secure.
Update Software and Download SafetyKeep your devices updated to ensure security and protect against malware. Cybercriminals target outdated systems, but regular updates from technology providers keep your devices secure. Stay vigilant when downloading content or opening attachments from unfamiliar websites or unverified sources.
Enable automatic updates by reviewing your device's settings, often found in areas related to Software or Security.What Magnifi Does
Protecting your data is our top priority at Magnifi Financial. We adhere to industry-leading standards and collaborate with trusted experts to ensure that our systems are always prepared to address evolving threats. We are dedicated to keeping you safe and informed, which is why we provide an extensive Fraud Awareness page and blog, offering you the tools and resources to protect your information. If you are concerned that your information has been compromised, please contact us immediately. 
