October Cybersecurity Awareness Month

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk, and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2025 marks the 22nd Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Throughout October, we’ll be sharing resources, tips, and reminders focused on the Core 4 best practices for online safety:

• Use strong passwords and a password manager
• Turn on multifactor authentication
• Update your software
• Recognize and report scams

Why it matters:

Cybercriminals continue to use phishing, weak passwords, and outdated software to target people every day. But by practicing these four steps, you can strengthen your defenses and reduce your risk.

• 84% of people considered online safety a priority
• Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their accounts
• About a third of respondents began using a password manager after receiving cyber training
• 79% of respondents were familiar with multifactor authentication.
• 70% of those who have heard of MFA security measure know how to use it
• Only 36% of people always install software updates when they become available
• 69% of people express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts
• 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing.

"Stay Safe Online" What You Can Expect This Month: 

• Tips and resources delivered to your inbox.
• Follow along on Northwest Bank's social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram) to help you recognize common scams.
• Take advantage of easy steps to secure your accounts and devices at home and work.

Northwest Bank is committed to helping you stay informed and empowered when it comes to online safety.

Cyber Tips & Tools: 

Below you will find free resources to support Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. In addition, we have outlined the simple actions we can all take not only during October, but every day throughout the year to stay safe online.

Use strong passwords	Turn on MFA	Update Your Software	Spot & Report Scams
Longer is stronger! Cybersecurity experts now recommend at least 16 characters for every password. Make each one unique and let a password manager help you create and safely store them. Strong Passwords	Multifactor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of security, like a fingerprint scan or an authenticator app. Even if a password is stolen, MFA helps keep your accounts locked down. MFA Security	Updates fix security flaws, improve performance, and add new protections. Turn on automatic updates and don’t put off that restart, since even a short delay can leave you vulnerable. Software Updates	Scammers rely on emotions like fear or urgency to trick you into clicking. If a message feels suspicious, don’t reply report it quickly, delete it, and contact your bank directly if needed. Think Before You Click

Stay Secure with Northwest Bank: Your Trusted Resource for Cyber Safety

In today’s digital world, protecting your personal and business information is more important than ever. That’s why Northwest Bank is committed to providing expert guidance to help you stay ahead of cyber threats. Take advantage of several actionable security tips, insightful articles, and engaging podcasts designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your finances and sensitive data. From spotting fraud red flags to enhancing your online security practices, our resources are here to keep you informed and prepared. Explore our content and take proactive steps toward a safer, more secure financial future.

If you feel you may have fallen for a scam or have questions about unusual activity, contact us directly at 1-800-678-4105 or stop by your local Northwest Bank location for assistance.