October is also National Cybersecurity Month, and the perfect time to take a few minutes to check up on your digital security. With the holidays just around the corner, where a lot of online shopping occurs, and a new year a few months away, a little preparation now can help keep your information safe and secure.

Here are a few simple tips to take control of your digital footprint this month:

Strengthen your passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.

Turn on two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of protection to your email, banking, social media, and other important accounts.

Update your devices
Make sure your phone, computer, apps, and other connected devices have the latest software and security updates to fix bugs and reduce the risk of security breaches on older versions.

Think before you click
Be cautious of unexpected emails from odd email addresses or text messages from unknown numbers that ask for personal information, request unexpected payments, or require account verifications. When in doubt, contact the company directly rather than responding to a suspicious attempt.

Keep an eye on your accounts
Regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity and report anything suspicious.

Back up important files
Protect your photos, documents, and other important information by keeping a secure backup.

Shop smart this holiday season
Online shopping often becomes a big part of the holiday season, so be especially cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, unfamiliar websites, and unexpected messages about purchases or deliveries. Before entering payment information, make sure you’re shopping on a legitimate, secure website.

Don’t forget about your connected devices
Start TVs, cameras, doorbells, routers, and other smart-home devices should also have strong passwords and be kept up to date with software updates.

A few minutes of preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. Use October as your reminder to refresh your digital security so that you can head into the holidays and the new year feeling content, secure, and ready for what’s ahead.