Why Cybersecurity Awareness Month Matters

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us of something simple but powerful: our digital lives are worth protecting. It’s easy to assume cybersecurity is something only large companies or government agencies need to worry about, but the reality is that everyday people—especially adults juggling careers, families, and finances—are prime targets.

Think about your daily digital footprint: paying bills online, logging into streaming services, checking balances on your phone, shopping for essentials with a stored card. Each action opens a door that, if left unguarded, can be exploited. That’s why account takeover fraud has become one of the most common (and stressful) forms of cybercrime.

The goal of this post is simple:

• Show you the four most effective habits to prevent account takeovers.
• Explain how Ozark Federal Credit Union adds another layer of protection with alerts and card controls designed to help you stop fraud before it spreads.
• This isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. With a few smart steps and the right tools, you can use your money and accounts with confidence.

What Is Account Takeover Fraud and Why Should You Care?

An account takeover happens when someone who isn’t you gains access to one of your personal accounts—like online banking, email, or a store login—and locks you out while using it for themselves.

That might mean:

• Making unauthorized purchases with your debit or credit card.
• Transferring money between your accounts.
• Changing your login details so you can’t regain access.
• Using your personal information to open new loans or accounts.

Why it matters for adults 30+

At this stage in life, most people are balancing multiple accounts: checking, savings, maybe a mortgage or auto loan, plus streaming services, subscription boxes, and shopping apps. That means more entry points for criminals.

You’ve also built a solid credit history—something criminals want to exploit. One stolen login can lead to a chain reaction across your financial life.

How account takeovers happen

• Phishing emails or texts: Fake messages asking you to “verify your account” or “reset your password.”
• Data breaches: If a website where you used your email and password is hacked, criminals try the same combo everywhere else.
• Outdated software: Older apps or devices can be easier to exploit.
• Social engineering: A phone call pretending to be your bank, asking for “verification.”

Real example: A Missouri resident reported getting an urgent email that appeared to be from their bank, warning of “suspicious activity.” Clicking the link led to a fake login page. Once the criminal captured the username and password, they attempted to move money within minutes.

The lesson? Account takeover fraud doesn’t require advanced hacking. It often relies on catching you off guard.

The Four Basics to Stop Account Takeovers

These aren’t complicated steps—but when combined, they form a strong defense.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable MFA

Passwords are your first line of defense. Unfortunately, many adults reuse the same password for multiple accounts. If one company suffers a data breach, every account with that same password is suddenly at risk.

Better habits for passwords:

• Use at least 12 characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid obvious choices like “123456,” “password,” or your dog’s name.
• Don’t use personal details like your birthday or home address.
• Consider using a password manager to safely store and generate unique logins.

Why MFA is essential:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection. Even if your password is stolen, a cybercriminal can’t log in without the second factor—like a text code, fingerprint scan, or authenticator app.

Think of it as locking your door and installing a deadbolt.

Quick checklist:

• Turn on MFA for banking, email, and shopping accounts.
• Use password managers instead of writing passwords on paper.
• Regularly update old logins, especially for accounts tied to your money.

2. Stay Alert to Phishing Scams and Suspicious Contacts

Phishing scams remain the #1 cause of account takeovers. Criminals are clever—they design emails and texts that look nearly identical to real ones from your bank, favorite store, or even your utility provider.

Red flags of phishing attempts:

• Messages that create urgency: “Act now or your account will be locked.”
• Unfamiliar senders or email addresses that are slightly “off.”
• Links that look correct at first glance but have subtle typos.
• Attachments from unknown senders.

What you can do:

• Pause before you click. Fraudsters count on quick reactions.
• Call the company directly using the number on their website.
• Delete suspicious emails without replying.

Pro tip: At Ozark FCU, we’ll never ask you for your password, PIN, or full account number by email or text. If you get a message asking for those, it’s a scam.

3. Keep Software and Devices Updated

Many adults hit “remind me later” on updates—but those updates often fix holes that criminals use to sneak in. Skipping them leaves your device vulnerable.

Why updates matter:

• Hackers target old versions of apps with known weaknesses.
• Updates fix “bugs” that could be exploited for fraud.
• New versions often come with stronger built-in security.

Steps you can take today:

• Turn on automatic updates on your phone, tablet, and computer.
• Keep antivirus software current.
• Delete unused apps or accounts that no longer serve a purpose.

Think of it like routine car maintenance: you wouldn’t drive 50,000 miles without an oil change. The same goes for your digital life.

4. Monitor Accounts and Act Fast on Suspicious Activity

The quicker you notice something’s wrong, the easier it is to stop the damage.

Best practices for monitoring:

• Log in to online or mobile banking at least once a week.
• Skim statements for small “test” transactions you don’t recognize.
• Set up account alerts so you’re notified instantly of new charges.

If you spot something suspicious:

• Lock or freeze your card immediately.
• Contact Ozark FCU to report fraud and take next steps.
• Change your online banking password.

How Ozark Federal Credit Union Helps You Stay Protected

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we believe members shouldn’t have to fight fraud alone. That’s why we provide built-in protection tools designed to help you respond quickly and confidently.

Real-Time Alerts That Keep You Informed

Our system lets you set up customized notifications by text, email, or push. You’ll know the moment something happens in your account.

Types of alerts include:

• Purchase notifications (large or small).
• Declined transaction alerts.
• Balance threshold alerts.

That way, if something looks suspicious, you can take action right away.

Card Controls That Put You in Charge

Through Ozark FCU’s mobile app, you can control your card anytime, anywhere.

What you can do with card controls:

• Turn your card off or on instantly.
• Set spending limits to keep track of household budgets.
• Restrict by location or merchant type (great for parents giving teens a card).
• Block international purchases unless you’re traveling.

Members love this feature because it puts control back in your hands.

Member-Friendly Tips: What You Can Do Today

Here’s a practical action plan to kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month:

• Update your three most-used passwords today.
• Enable MFA on at least one financial account.
• Sign up for Ozark FCU’s real-time alerts in online banking.
• Explore the card controls feature in the mobile app.
• Schedule a “cyber checkup” day once a year to review passwords and alerts.

Remember: Small steps add up. Each action you take lowers your risk and strengthens your peace of mind.

Security Is a Team Effort

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is about empowering people to make smarter, safer choices online. Protecting your accounts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the four basics—strong passwords with MFA, spotting phishing attempts, keeping devices updated, and monitoring your accounts—you create a strong shield.

At Ozark Federal Credit Union, we go one step further by giving you real-time alerts and card controls that help you act fast. Because when it comes to protecting your money, speed and awareness are everything.

Your digital life deserves protection. Your finances deserve peace of mind. And with Ozark FCU, you never face cybersecurity challenges alone.

Stay safe. Stay empowered. And let’s kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month with confidence.