October is designated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, we’ll be posting ways to stay safe online. We use the internet more every day than we realize, from banking, shopping and staying in touch with loved ones. Everyone has a role to play in cybersecurity, whether it’s protecting their families from identity theft, protecting their workplaces from cyber attacks, or protecting their communities from cyber predators.

Here are some tips to stay safe online:

• Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone;
• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates;
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety;
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely;
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; and
• Visit www.DHS.gov/StopThinkConnect to learn more about how you can help strengthen America’s cybersecurity.