The number of recent cybersecurity attacks is staggering, both globally and in the United States. Multiple state and college systems have been targeted as well. Even Chattanooga State Community College endured a cybersecurity attack in May 2023. It can happen at any time, and we need to know how to protect ourselves. 

Forbes describes cybersecurity attacks as any “attempt to steal data or cause harm to a computer, network, or device.” Knowing this, let's consider some basic steps we can take to guard our information. 

The U.S. Government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website has a trove of freely accessible information on financial topics. One of the topics they cover on their website is Fraud & Scams. Here are some of the recommended ways to protect one's data: 

• Monitor your financial transactions for any suspicious activity. An app on your phone is an easy way to keep track of your finances and spot any suspicious activity. 
• Check your credit report (annualcreditreport.com) for anything suspicious or incorrect. 
• Make sure websites start with https, not http. There should be a lock symbol near the web address in the internet browser for security. 
• Don’t use public Wi-Fi to send personal information or access financial accounts. 
• On public computers, never give the browser permission to save your password, and always log out. 
• Protect your electronic devices with passwords. 
• Don’t answer emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal banking information. 
• Watch out for scams that seem too good to be true or ask for your personal information. 
• Try to remove yourself from telemarketers’ lists: 888-382-1222 (donotcall.gov). 
• Shred unused documents that contain personal information.  

If you have been the victim of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/assistant.  

If you’ve experienced a data breach, make sure to freeze your credit reports with each of the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Here's how to freeze your credit: https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze  

Most importantly: stay vigilant and protect your data.