October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. As part of a global cyber security awareness campaign, the Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office are partnering with “STOP.THINK.CONNECT.” to help digital citizens stay safe online.

Both organizations encourage online users to take extra security measures this month by completing a few simple steps.

• Keep a clean machine. Whether it’s a PC, mobile device or laptop, make sure security software is current and up-to-date. Having the latest software on all devices can be one of the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
• Protect personal information. Secure accounts by making passwords long, strong and unique.
• Connect with care. Avoid opening unsolicited emails or links. Use caution when logging on to public Wi-Fi hotspots and send personal information only to websites that are fully encrypted.
• Stay current. Keep pace with new ways to stay safe online. Check trusted websites for the latest information, and share with friends, family and colleagues to encourage them to be web wise. Visit staysafeonline.org for more ways to spot online problems and keep devices clean and safe.
• Share with care. A good online citizen only posts about others what he would want posted about himself.