Staying secure in the digital age

Technology has transformed the way we live and work. From how we shop and communicate to how we manage and move money, digital innovation has made life faster, more convenient and more connected than ever before. But with these advancements comes a growing challenge — protecting ourselves and our businesses from increasingly sophisticated forms of fraud.

Cybercrime no longer is confined to large corporations or government agencies. Today, individuals, small businesses and major enterprises alike face the same risks. Data breaches, ransomware and identity theft that can disrupt daily operations and erode financial confidence. As your digital footprint expands, so does your exposure to threats. Protecting your information is not just a matter of convenience — it’s essential to your financial well-being.

At Busey, we believe long-term financial success begins with financial security. Our goal is to help clients thrive — not only by offering sound financial guidance, but by ensuring the tools and technology that protect their assets are just as strong as those that help grow them.

The financial industry is leveraging remarkable innovations to stay ahead of cybercriminals. Advanced methods allow financial institutions to detect irregular activity within seconds, while biometric authentication and multifactor verification add layers of protection beyond the traditional password. These advancements are helping both businesses and consumers operate more securely in an increasingly digital world.

Still, technology alone isn’t a substitute for vigilance. The most effective cybersecurity strategies pair advanced tools with informed, proactive behavior. Fraudsters often rely on human error — phishing emails disguised as legitimate requests, fake invoices that appear routine or texts designed to create a false sense of urgency. Slowing down, verifying information and trusting your instincts can be your first line of defense.

Creating good cybersecurity habits is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your information. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication whenever possible. Keep software and security systems up to date on all devices. Verify requests for payments or sensitive data through a separate, trusted channel and review your account activity regularly to catch potential issues early. Just as importantly, take time to educate employees, colleagues and even family members about recognizing suspicious messages or links.

For business owners, cybersecurity should be a part of daily operations. Establish internal controls that require dual approvals for financial transactions, conduct regular security audits and ensure that your vendors and partners maintain the same standards of protection. A single compromised account can have far-reaching consequences — not just for your bottom line, but for your reputation and customer trust.

At Busey, our commitment to helping our clients achieve their goals extends to helping them protect the assets that make those goals possible. We’ve invested in advanced fraud detection tools, secure digital banking systems and dedicated teams focused on staying ahead of emerging threats. Just as importantly, we’re here to provide guidance so you can feel confident that you have a partner who takes your security as seriously as you do.

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort — it’s an ongoing partnership between individuals, businesses and their financial institutions. By combining awareness, best practices and the right technology, we can all play a role in building a safer digital future where innovation and security go hand in hand.

Learn more about our cybersecurity resources at busey.com/fraudprevention.

• Sean Gallagher is executive vice president and regional president at Busey Bank. A member FDIC.