CENTRE– A convincing message, an unfamiliar link, or an unexpected request for money can be the start of an online scam. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to slow down before responding.

The sheriff’s office advises people to pause before clicking, use strong passwords, and turn on multifactor authentication. If a message seems suspicious, residents should contact the person or organization using contact information they already trust.

The office did not identify a specific local scam or case in its general safety reminder. Its advice is meant to help residents protect their money and personal information through everyday caution.

Why October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The National Cybersecurity Alliance says it launched the October campaign with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2004. Since then, it has grown from an American effort into a campaign involving governments, businesses, schools, and individuals worldwide.

Today, the alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, lead the October effort. The alliance’s 2026 theme, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” emphasizes habits that make scams harder to pull off.

More Ways to Protect Your Accounts

CISA and the alliance recommend four habits: recognize and report suspicious messages, use strong and unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication, and keep software updated. A password manager can help create and store a different password for each account.

Multifactor authentication adds a second check when someone signs in, such as a code, an authentication app, or a fingerprint. That extra step can make an account harder to access even if its password is stolen. Start with important accounts, including email and banking, and use the protection wherever it is available.

Software updates matter, too. They can fix security weaknesses that criminals might exploit. Enabling automatic updates can make it easier to keep phones, computers, and apps current.

The Federal Trade Commission says phishing messages often impersonate a familiar company. For example, they may claim an account has a problem, urge payment, or ask for sensitive information. A message that appears to come from someone familiar also deserves a separate check if it makes an unusual request.

Instead of responding through the message, look up the organization through a source you already know is real. For a bank, for example, use its official app or the number on your card. Do not share a login code with someone who contacted you unexpectedly.

If You Already Responded

The FTC advises changing a password you gave out, including on other accounts where you reused it. Then turn on multifactor authentication. If you sent money, contact your bank or payment service immediately and ask whether it can reverse the transaction.

The FTC directs people who shared sensitive personal information to IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps. You can report a suspected scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you clicked a link that installed software, update your security software and run a scan.

The sheriff’s office’s central advice remains the simplest first move: pause, verify through a trusted channel, and only then decide whether to respond.