At our board meeting this week, Oklahoma Disciples Foundation board members heard timely information from our partners at the Bank of Oklahoma about the importance of remaining vigilant when it comes to Cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Cybersecurity might sound complicated, but there are easy things you can do to keep your personal information safe and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Start with the basics: use strong passwords and don’t use the same password for everything. A good trick is to use a phrase you can remember, like “ILove2FishInMay!” instead of something simple like “12345.” Also, be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails or text messages unless you are sure they’re from someone you trust.

Another key step is to keep your devices—like your phone, tablet, and computer—up to date. Those little reminders to install updates aren’t just annoying pop-ups; they fix security problems that scammers might use to get into your accounts. It’s also wise to regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any charges you don’t recognize. Catching suspicious activity early can help stop fraud before it becomes a big problem.

If you’d like to learn more, there are simple, easy-to-follow videos online that explain these tips in plain language from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA.gov)

Taking small steps today can make a big difference in protecting your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. At the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation, we take these issues—and the trust you place in us—very seriously. Your generosity allows us to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of others. We invite you to continue touching lives by supporting the work of the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation by donating here.