October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month! It’s a great time for all of us to get serious about cyber security both at work and in our personal lives.

With all that we do online—from social media to shopping and banking—cyber security has become as important for individuals as it is for businesses. The good news is that awareness is half the battle.

As an official NCSAM Champion, we wanted to share with you a list of 5 posts that offer practical advice on how everyone can shore up their online security. As you read, jot down a few questions or take a few notes, then reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you!

1. Password Managers: What They Are, and How They Can Protect Your Life Online

Odds are, the passwords you are using today are extremely easy for hackers to crack. And, if you use the same password for multiple accounts, it could be easy for criminals to gain access to a broad range of information. That’s why password managers have become necessary tools—not just for convenience, but also for security.

2. How To Use Two Factor Authentication To Protect Your Data And Peace Of Mind

Because passwords are so easy to hack, vendors from Amazon to your bank now offer two-factor authentication—a way to add an extra layer of security to protect your data. Read up on how it works, as well as the most important accounts to protect.

3. How to Avoid Highly-Sophisticated Phishing Scams

We’ve seen a marked increase in the sophistication of phishing scams—attempts to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Many recent phishing emails look remarkably like legitimate messages from trusted vendors. It’s crucial, then, that everyone be aware of how fraudsters are trying to trick us, so we can avoid falling for their scams!

4. 3 Tips for Protecting Your Smart Home Devices from Hackers

Often, the most vulnerable devices in your home are not your computers, tablets, or phones. They’re your smart home devices—thermostats, light bulbs, appliances, and any other gadget that connects to the internet to give you the advantage of automation. Most people don’t think about these devices as targets for hackers, so they don’t take the necessary precautions to protect them. Read up on how to protect all of your devices, and keep your home hacker-free.

5. Fire Hazards, Security Risks, and Counterfeits: The Problem with Cheap Phone Chargers

Did you know that some off-brand chargers could compromise the security of your phone, or even cause a fire? Read up on what to look for when buying a new charger.