About Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Stay Safe Online
Every October, organizations across the country come together to promote cybersecurity awareness and encourage simple actions that help people stay safer online. Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder that protecting your personal and financial information starts with everyday habits.
At Northwest Bank, we're committed to helping you recognize threats, strengthen your online security, and stay informed about the latest scams and fraud trends.
Throughout October, we'll be sharing practical tips, resources, and tools focused on the Core 4 cybersecurity best practices:
- Keep software and devices updated
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Recognize & report scams
Why It Matters
Cybercriminals continue to rely on tactics such as phishing emails, text message scams, stolen passwords, and malware to gain access to sensitive information. By taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk and better protect your accounts, devices, and personal data.
Cybersecurity isn't just an October conversation. It's something we can all practice every day.
Cybersecurity by the Numbers
Cyber threats continue to evolve, but simple habits can help protect you online.
🔐 77% of people are familiar with multifactor authentication (MFA), but only 53% use it regularly.
⚠️ 68% of people are concerned about cybercrime.
📧 40% of reported cyber incidents involve phishing attempts.
💸 31% of people believe losing money to cybercrime is unavoidable.
🔑 Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their online accounts.
What You Can Expect This Month
Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Northwest Bank will provide:
- Helpful cybersecurity tips delivered through our Social Media channels
- Scam awareness education and fraud prevention reminders
- Resources to help secure your accounts and devices
- Practical guidance you can use at home, work, and on the go
Follow us on social media throughout the month for resources and cybersecurity insights.
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.
 Update Your Softwar
|  Use Strong Passwor
|  Turn On MFA
|  Spot & Report Scam
|
Software updates often include critical security patches that help protect your devices from emerging threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible. Software Updates | A strong password is one of your first lines of defense. Create unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to securely store them. Strong Passwords | MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, authentication app, or biometric scan.
MFA Security | Scammers often create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly. Pause, verify, and never click links or provide information unless you're confident the request is legitimate. Think Before You Click |
Stay Secure with Northwest Bank: Your Trusted Resource for Cyber Safety
Protecting your financial information is important to us. Northwest Bank offers resources and educational tools designed to help you stay informed about current scams, identity theft, fraud prevention, and online security best practices.
Additional resources include:
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.
