By Michelle Skinner, Communications Director

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming. New scams pop up every day, artificial intelligence is changing the threat landscape, and anyone can fall victim. It’s scary! But it’s Halloween season, so that’s okay.

Ready for the good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself because we’ve brought in two to teach you how.

In a recent podcast, I sat down with Haley DaVee, President and CEO of Millennium Corporate Credit Union, and Kip Poe, Millennium’s Vice President of IT, who shared a reassuring message: simple habits can make a lasting impact when it comes to cybersecurity.

As Haley explained, “You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert… You just really need a few good habits and a healthy sense of skepticism when you’re managing your finances.”

The Biggest Threat Isn’t Always Complex

Many people imagine cybercrime as highly sophisticated attacks carried out by expert hackers. While those threats certainly exist, some of today’s most successful scams are surprisingly simple.

According to Kip, one of the most common examples is fraudulent emails designed to look like legitimate security notifications. The goal is often to trick people into entering their login credentials or providing sensitive information.

Why do these scams work? Because scammers understand human behavior. They create a sense of urgency that makes people act before they think. When it comes to something as emotionally charged as our finances, we want to act fast when we think we’re protecting it.

“Transfer must be cleared before market close. You’ve only got fifteen minutes to respond,” Kip noted as an example of the pressure tactics criminals use. “That should be a red flag.”

Slow Down Before You Click

If there was one theme repeated throughout the conversation, it was this: slow down.

Cybercriminals count on people being busy, distracted, and eager to solve problems quickly. Whether it’s a text about a suspicious transaction, an email about a password reset, or a delivery notification for a package you’re expecting, scammers want you to react emotionally.

That’s why Haley emphasized the importance of pausing before taking action.

“I think just a moment of pause is one of the most valuable cybersecurity tools we have,” she said.

Instead of clicking a link in an email or text, take a moment to verify independently. Call your financial institution directly, visit a trusted website through your bookmarks, or log in through an official app. That extra minute could save you from a costly mistake.

Three Habits That Offer Big Protection

The good news is that cybersecurity doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. A few simple practices can significantly improve your security:

• Use strong, unique passwords. Reusing credentials across multiple accounts is one of the biggest mistakes consumers make. A compromised password on one site can put multiple accounts at risk.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password when logging in. Both speakers identified this as one of the most important tools available.
• Consider a password manager. Tools that securely store and generate passwords make it easier to maintain strong security without relying on memory alone. Kip described password managers as one of the most effective cybersecurity steps consumers can take.

Your Credit Union Is Here to Help

Even the most careful people can fall victim to fraud. If you suspect your personal information or financial accounts have been compromised, act immediately.

“The faster you can act when you think you are in that situation, the more options will be available to help get you out of that situation,” said Haley.

Credit unions are often the first line of defense when something doesn’t seem right. They can help identify suspicious activity, secure accounts, guide recovery efforts, and provide practical next steps. Most importantly, don’t let embarrassment keep you from reaching out. Fraudsters are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating convincing scams.

Cybersecurity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building habits that help you stay one step ahead. By slowing down, verifying before trusting, and taking advantage of simple tools like password managers and multi-factor authentication, you can dramatically reduce your risk and better protect what matters most.