October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, Bank of us is embracing the theme “Building our cyber safe culture".

Digital safety isn’t just for tech experts—it’s for everyone in our community. That’s because the way each of us manages our online security has a ripple effect.

A weak password or one missed update can open the door not only to personal risk—like identity theft or financial loss—but also to threats that affect families and workplaces. To help bring this message home, David Kamphuis, our new Cyber & IT Risk Manager, shares his top insights and advice.

“Building our cyber safe culture is about making good cyber habits a natural part of how we live, work, and bank. At Bank of us, we believe that every safe step you take helps protect our entire community. When you practice strong security, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re helping to safeguard your friends, family and colleagues.”

When it comes to protecting your digital life, David stresses that simple actions truly matter. “Those software update pop-ups might seem annoying, but they’re your first line of defence. I always say, if your device is connected, it should be protected. Enable automatic updates, so you’re always running the latest security patches. It may seem like a small step but staying updated helps close the gaps that cybercriminals are constantly looking to exploit.”

David points out the importance of never reusing passwords, especially for online banking, email, and shopping: “If one account gets compromised, you don’t want the rest to fall like dominoes.”

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another key ingredient in cyber safety. “MFA is like adding a deadbolt to your front door. Even if someone cracks your passphrase, they’d still need your phone or fingerprint to get in. It’s an extra step, but it’s one of the most effective ways to keep cyber criminals out.”

Bank of us is committed to helping our customers stay secure, not just during Cyber Awareness Month but all year round. We continuously update our digital services with the latest security features and support. “We’re always here to help—whether it’s updating your app, enabling MFA, or if you’re ever unsure about a suspicious message. Our focus is people helping people, and that’s what a cyber safe culture is all about,” says David.

David’s quick checklist for building your own cyber safe habits:

Turn on automatic updates for all your devices and apps.
Create a unique, strong password for every account—especially banking, email, and shopping.
Enable multi-factor authentication wherever you can.
Be wary of suspicious emails, texts, or calls—if in doubt, contact us directly.
Log out of accounts when you’re done, especially on shared devices.
Look for official communications from Bank of us, and use our website for the latest advice.

David’s final message is clear: “Cyber security is a team effort. Every action counts, and by working together, we make our bank—and our community—stronger and safer. Let’s make cyber safety a habit this October—and every day after.”

For more tips and updates on Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit the website.