For many, summertime means rest, relaxation and a little extra vitamin D. But for those looking to thwart cyberattacks, summer is not the time to take your foot off the gas. Fraudsters are always on the prowl and cybersecurity usually becomes top-of-mind after there has already been a loss of data security – and financial loss. The average total cost of a data breach is no small change either – upwards of $4 million. Unfortunately, it's a matter of when a cyberattack occurs, not if a cyberattack will occur.

The bad guys aren't going on summer vacation either. They aren't always looking for open cyber doors, just weak ones to barge through. Staying safe online starts with protecting your personal data and identity. As our lives (and banking) become more fortified with digital architecture, cybersecurity measures must also ramp up. Before you roll out the beach towel and throw on your sunscreen, check out some ways you can protect yourself and your institution from attacks this summer (and all year long).