Your phone connects you to just about everything: friends, shopping, games, school, social media and even your money. That convenience is great, but it also means knowing how to protect yourself online is an important life skill.

Cyber safety doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. It starts with awareness: knowing what to look for, protecting your personal information and speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.

Here are a few habits that can help you swipe, scroll and spend more confidently.

Start with awareness, not fear

Not every strange message or unfamiliar account is a scam. But learning to pause before you click, reply or share information can help you make smarter decisions online.

Before acting, ask yourself:

Was I expecting this message?
Do I recognize the person or company contacting me?
Am I being asked to act immediately?
Am I being asked for personal or financial information?
Does the offer sound too good to be true?

That quick pause can give you time to recognize when something isn’t quite right.

Learn to spot the red flags

Scams can show up in texts, emails, social media messages, gaming platforms and other places you spend time online.

Be cautious if someone:

Says you must send money or provide information right now
Asks for your password, PIN or verification code
Sends an unexpected link and tells you to sign in
Claims you won something you don’t remember entering
Pretends to be a friend, family member or company and asks for money
Offers a deal, job or prize that seems unusually easy or generous

If something feels off, don’t let urgency make the decision for you. Stop and verify the request another way before responding.

Make passwords and privacy non-negotiable

Your password is one of the first lines of defense for your accounts. Treat it like the key to your house: don’t hand it out.

A few good habits can make a big difference:

Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password for several important accounts. A password manager can help you create and keep track of unique passwords.
Turn on multifactor authentication when available. It adds another step to the sign-in process, making it harder for someone else to access your account.
Keep verification codes private. If you receive a security code to access an account, don't share it with someone who contacts you asking for it.
Check your privacy settings. Review who can see your posts, location and personal details. Think twice before publicly sharing information like your birthday, address, school or daily routine.

Think before you tap

Links and QR codes make it easy to get where you’re going, but they can also send you somewhere you didn't intend to go.

If you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from your credit union, a retailer or another company, avoid using the link in the message to access your account. Instead, use an official app or type the website address you know into your browser.

And remember: a message can appear convincing and still deserve a second look.

Asking for help is a smart move

This might be the most important cyber safety habit of all.

If you clicked something suspicious, shared information you wish you hadn't, or notice a transaction you don’t recognize, tell a trusted adult and contact your financial institution promptly.

There’s no reason to feel embarrassed. Scammers can create convincing messages designed to catch people off guard. Asking for help quickly can make it easier to figure out what happened and what steps to take next.

Swipe smart. Stay safe.

Being cyber smart isn't about being suspicious of everything online. It's about developing habits that help you slow down, recognize red flags and protect what belongs to you.

Pause before you click. Protect your passwords. Keep personal information private. And when something doesn't feel right, ask for help.

Those are smart habits today, and they'll continue to serve you well as you become more financially independent.

Peake Federal Credit Union is here to help

If you believe your Peake Federal Credit Union account or card information may have been compromised, contact us at 410.828.4730, 800.234.4730 or memberservices@peakefederal.com.

Cyber Safety Tips Every Teen Should Know