October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the risks that matter most in our connected lives. A recent VikingCloud survey of U.S. consumers highlights just how exposed many people still are to protecting their data, accounts, and digital identities.
The findings are clear: data breaches (39%) and identity theft (32%) top the list of fears, and for good reason. Nearly one in three respondents experienced a cybersecurity scare in the past year, from hacked accounts to stolen money.
Despite this, too many everyday habits still put people at risk:
- 43% admit to reusing or using weak passwords—one of the simplest ways attackers gain access.
- 22% can’t remember the last time they updated key passwords, while 8% haven’t changed them in three years or more.
- Nearly half (49%) have “zombie accounts”—unused online logins that remain active and vulnerable.
- 53% admit to logging into work, banking, or personal accounts over public Wi-Fi without protection.
When it comes to proactive defenses, adoption is still lagging. While multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the strongest security tools available, only 36% say they use it regularly. That leaves the majority of accounts just a single password away from compromise.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the message is simple: small steps can close big gaps.
- Strengthen your passwords with unique, complex credentials stored in a password manager.
- Turn on MFA wherever possible.
- Audit your digital footprint—delete or secure old accounts that are no longer in use.
- Stay alert for phishing attempts, and pause before clicking links or sharing information.
- Protect your connections by avoiding unsecured public Wi-Fi or using a VPN.
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a personal responsibility. By addressing these everyday vulnerabilities, you can reduce your risk, safeguard your identity, and help keep the digital world safer for everyone.
Stay secure beyond October. Explore our infographic Cybersecurity Awareness Month: The Ultimate Cyber Scare for more insights and protections or contact us at VikingCloud.
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