As the holidays approach and we look towards the future, it’s also a good time to remember the practices that keep your personal and financial information secure. Although fraud attempts tend to spike during the holidays, fraud prevention is a year-round commitment.

The good news? You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to stay protected. With a few simple habits, you can navigate your inbox, phone, and online accounts confidently.

Here are our recommendations for keeping your information safe. We’ll touch on everyday habits you can observe effortlessly. We’ll focus on:

• Electronic Device Safety
• Social Engineering Resistance
• Online Shopping and Social Media
  

Build Strong “Everyday” Device and Account Habits

Cybersecurity is a lot like general home maintenance. Doing a little upkeep every so often makes a big difference over time. Adopting simple, actionable habits can dramatically reduce your vulnerability to scams and fraud.

First, update your devices. Mainstream smartphone and computer manufacturers release periodic updates to address potential security gaps. If you haven’t updated your devices in more than three months, it’s a good idea to prioritize updating. This also goes for apps and software. Visit your device’s storefront and download any updates you may have missed.

Exercise good account login hygiene. There are two lines of defense you can strengthen to deter unauthorized logins: your password and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Keep unique, lengthy passwords for each of your accounts and use a password manager to stay organized. Also, use MFA wherever it’s available so scammers have a much harder time accessing your information.

Review account statements regularly. If your financial institution offers online statements, you can keep track of transaction activity in near real time. Check your checking account and credit card statements regularly, as this gives you a chance to identify any suspicious activity.

Foil Social Engineering Attempts

Scammers rely on social engineering, the practice of manipulating people into taking specific actions. They do this by pressuring their potential victims to act before they have the chance to think. Understanding a scammer’s go-to tactics can help you stay calm and confident in the moment.

Check for red flags in your email. Email remains a common vector for phishing attempts. When checking your inbox, always exercise healthy skepticism before engaging with the content. You can confidently ignore messages that try these coercive tactics. Common email red flags include:

• Senders with oddly spelled email addresses or domains.
• Messages with suspicious or unexpected attachments.
• Seemingly urgent requests to act, like clicking links.
  

Stay on top of your texts and direct messages. Texting has become a prevailing communication method, and scammers know it. They will try to send convincing messages to get you to provide information or click on suspicious links. Never immediately engage with messages that:

• Tell you that there’s a problem or potential issue with an account.
• Include links with shortened URLs or unfamiliar domains.
• Come from unfamiliar senders or people you have not talked to in a long time.
  

Exercise resilience during phone calls. Fraudsters still use phone calls because they force people to feel “in the spotlight” and pressure them to act immediately. Remember to work through things slowly and be on guard if the caller:

• Demands payment or immediate action.
• Pressures you to bypass login verification steps.
• Threatens punishment or legal recourse if you don’t do what they say.
  

No matter the communication channel, one rule always applies: if something feels “off” or suspicious, trust your instincts. It’s completely fine to slow down, hang up, and ignore a message. If someone claims to be from an established organization but you aren’t sure, contact that organization directly first and confirm their communication practices. A few minutes of verification now can make a significant difference.

Safer Online Shopping and Social Media Use

Online shopping and social media go hand in hand. Consequently, this also means scams and fraud attempts often hide in the places we interact with every day.

Be a better online shopper. Always stick to trusted retailers with clear contact information and proven feedback. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

When visiting an online storefront, verify that the website uses an encrypted connection (indicated by an address that starts with “HTTPS”) and has a valid security certificate. Also, avoid sites that encourage or prioritize payment methods like cryptocurrency for everyday purchases.

Be a good netizen on social networks. Social media has become a prevailing platform for connecting with friends and family. At the same time, fraudsters exploit this goodwill by impersonating others.

When using social media, be wary of friend requests from profiles you don’t recognize. Be especially cautious about friend requests that duplicate existing acquaintances.

Since many social media platforms have their own messaging services, the same security tips apply. Exercise caution against seemingly out-of-the-blue message requests and messages that try to pressure you to provide information or click on links.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or heavy. It is a collection of small, mindful choices that help protect you and your information. By staying aware of common scam tactics, keeping your devices updated, and using tools like MFA, you're building a digital environment that stays safer year-round and beyond.

A few steady habits can make all the difference. The more you practice them, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel in your day-to-day online life.

With First Florida, you have the tools to stay SAFE. Visit our Scam and Fraud Prevention page to learn about the latest cybersecurity alerts and best practices.