Don’t Let Hackers Score This Fall

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, fall brings with it some of our favorite traditions: football weekends, pumpkin patches, cozy sweatshirts, and Halloween fun. But while you’re enjoying cider and carving jack-o’-lanterns, cybercriminals are hard at work.

So, don’t let hackers score this season. They’re hoping you’ll miss a block or fall for their tricks, giving them access to your personal information.

At WoodmenLife, we’re all about protecting what matters most: your family’s financial future. As you settle into the season, Rob LaMagna-Reiter, Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer at WoodmenLife, offers some timely cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe and secure.

Don’t Fumble Your Passwords

Just like a quarterback protects the ball, you need to protect your passwords. Weak or reused passwords are like handing the ball to the opposing team.

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Consider a password manager to keep track of them all.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. (It’s like adding an extra layer of defense to your digital playbook.)
• Try passkeys and password-less options (when available) to eliminate passwords and simplify logins.

Watch Out for Fall-Themed Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals love to dress up their scams in seasonal disguises. Be cautious of:

• Fake charity emails asking for donations after natural disasters or community events
• Bogus ticket offers for fall festivals, haunted houses, or football games
• Too-good-to-be-true sales on Halloween costumes or decorations

Verify sources before clicking links or entering payment information.

Avoid the Tricks in Public Wi-Fi Treats

Whether you’re tailgating at a game or sipping a pumpkin spice latte at your favorite café, public Wi-Fi can be a hacker’s playground.

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (like banking or email) on public networks.
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
• Turn off auto-connect features on your devices.

Keep Your Devices from Becoming Digital Zombies

Outdated software can leave your devices vulnerable to malware — turning them into “zombies” under a hacker’s control.

• Update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software.
• Delete apps you no longer use.
• Back up your data in case of a cyberattack or device failure.

Decorate Your Home, Not Your Inbox

Spam and scam emails often increase during the fall shopping season. Be wary of:

• Unsolicited emails with attachments or urgent requests
• Fake shipping notifications or order confirmations
• Social media ads that lead to sketchy websites

When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s website instead of clicking links.

Don’t Let Hackers Score

Just like raking leaves or prepping for Halloween, cybersecurity is about staying ahead of the mess. A few simple habits can help you avoid digital disasters and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

At WoodmenLife, we’re proud to support families with tools and tips to stay safe — online and offline. So, grab your flannel, pour some cider, and don’t let hackers score this season.

For more information about WoodmenLife and how we can help protect your financial future, visit WoodmenLife.org.

Written by: Gary Peterson, Senior Copywriter

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