San Diego, CA — October 2025 — As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and scale, Independent Financial Group, LLC is proud to join the global community in recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October. This annual initiative, now in its 22nd year, serves as a powerful reminder that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s a shared responsibility across every department, every role, and every individual.
This year’s theme, “Secure Every Click, Strengthen Every Layer,” aligns with IFG’s ongoing commitment to building a culture of cyber resilience. From frontline employees to executive leadership, IFG is reinforcing the importance of proactive defense, continuous education, and collaborative vigilance.
“Cybersecurity is woven into the fabric of how we operate,” said Mason Moore, Director of Information Technology at IFG. “This month is about more than awareness—it’s about empowerment. We want every team member to feel confident in recognizing threats, reporting suspicious activity, and understanding their role in protecting our digital ecosystem.”
Practical Tips to “Secure Every Click, Strengthen Every Layer”
Cybersecurity starts with small, consistent actions. Here are a few ways IFG employees can contribute to a safer digital environment this month—and every month:
Think Before You Click: Hover over links before clicking, especially in emails or messages that seem urgent or unexpected. When in doubt, report it to the cybersecurity team.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Use a password manager to generate and store complex credentials securely.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection—even if your password is compromised, your account stays secure.
Lock Your Devices: Whether you’re stepping away from your desk or working remotely, always lock your screen to prevent unauthorized access.
Update Software Promptly: Regular updates patch known vulnerabilities. Don’t delay those system or application updates—your security depends on it.
Report Suspicious Activity: If something feels off—whether it’s a strange login alert, a phishing email, or a device acting oddly—report it immediately to [email protected].
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
IFG’s cybersecurity team, led by Matthew Hennigan, has made significant strides in 2025, including automation of SecOps metrics, enhanced phishing detection, and integration of Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Azure Arc across the enterprise. These efforts reflect IFG’s proactive stance in aligning with industry best practices and regulatory expectations.
“At IFG, cybersecurity isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset,” said Matthew Hennigan, Cybersecurity Analyst. “We’re constantly evolving our defenses, not just to meet today’s threats, but to anticipate tomorrow’s. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great opportunity to reinforce that mindset across the organization.”
Join the Movement
IFG encourages all employees, partners, and clients to take part in Cybersecurity Awareness Month by staying informed, asking questions, and embracing secure behaviors—both at work and at home.
For more information, resources, or to get involved, contact the Cybersecurity Team at [email protected].