In the News

starbust image edu-ref image

In the News

starbust image

Be safe online

| September 25, 2023

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of online security. Take these four simple steps to protect yourself from cyberattacks.
  1. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on your accounts to make it twice as tough for hackers to gain access to your accounts. It just takes a few minutes per account, and you only have to do it once.

  2. Use a password manager: Unique, complex passwords are hard to remember. A password manager keeps track of your passwords in a secure online vault and securely auto-fills your passwords when you log into a site. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password – make sure it is:

    • Complex – using upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
    • Long – at least 15 characters, making it much harder to crack
    • Hard to guess – avoid real words or personal details like names, birthdays and pet names.

  3. Update your software right away: Set up your devices for automatic updates. Adopt the simple habit of doing software updates right away rather than procrastinating – and putting your data at risk.

  4. Spot phishing scams: A phishing scam happens when a cybercriminal sends you a fake email, direct message, text or even a pop-up ad to try to trick you into taking an action such as clicking a link, providing personal information, or making a payment. Phishing messages are cleverly disguised to look like real messages from a familiar company. Stop and think before acting. Here are some clues to help you spot a phishing attack.

    • Alarming “news” about an account
    • Unexpected or odd-looking links and attachments
    • Generic greeting that omits your name
    • Poor grammar or misspellings
    • Offers for free stuff of any kind
    • Unprofessional language

Remember, online security is always a priority for your business, but being safe online also protects you and your family. Protect what matters by paying attention to cybersecurity basics.

 

About AgWest Farm Credit

AgWest Farm Credit is a financial cooperative with approximately $35 billion in total assets as of 2025. It provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers in seven Western states. AgWest is part of the 109-year-old Farm Credit System, the nation's leading provider of credit to agriculture. With 59 locations across the West, AgWest is committed to serving its customers and supporting local communities.  

###

Contact:
Cori Draper
Vice President, Marketing Communications
Cori.Draper@AgWestFC.com

Return to news home