A major challenge for many people is overcoming the sense of confusion when it comes to cybersecurity. That’s why the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) created the Core Four—a set of four simple yet powerful steps anyone can follow. By focusing on these four actions, you can put your energy where it matters most.

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1. Strong, Unique Passwords (and a Password Manager)

Your passwords are the keys to your digital life. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are constantly trying to steal or guess them. If you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, one stolen password could unlock everything.

Here’s how the Core Four approach simplifies this:

• Use long and unique passwords for each of your accounts. One easy method is to use a passphrase, a string of multiple words that’s easy to remember but hard to guess. In some cases, you may be also asked to include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Don’t try to remember all your passwords, let the password manager do the work for you. These tools generate strong passwords, store them securely, and fill them in automatically when you log in to your accounts. Think of a password manager as your personal security vault. Once you set a strong master password, it handles the rest, reducing stress and saving you time.

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2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even the strongest password isn’t perfect. That’s where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in. Also known as two-factor authentication or two-step verification, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring something in addition to your passwords such as a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint, or a security key.

Why does this matter? If a cybercriminal steals your password, they still can’t access your account without the second factor. Turn on MFA wherever possible, especially for your most important accounts.

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3. Automatic Updates

Cybercriminals are always looking for weaknesses in software and apps. When companies discover these flaws, they release updates to fix them. If you delay installing updates, you leave the door open for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. The easiest solution is to enable automatic updating on your devices, apps, and accounts. This ensures security fixes are applied in the background, often without you lifting a finger.

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4. Spot and Stop Social Engineering (Scam) Attacks

Cybercriminals don’t always need technical tricks; they often rely on manipulating people. This tactic is called social engineering, and it includes phishing emails, fake text messages, and phone calls designed to trick you into clicking links, downloading malware, or sharing your credit card information or password.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Urgency: “Act now or lose access!”
• Too good to be true: “You’ve won a prize!”
• Requests for sensitive information: Passwords, PINs, or credit union details

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When in doubt: stop, slow down, and verify.

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