Public Wi-Fi connections are super helpful, especially when you are in a building like a mall or sports stadium where your cell phone reception is lacking or even non-existent. However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to safely using a public network. Make sure to be aware of the following potential scenarios before you connect!
Attackers can create networks that are similarly named, with slight differences. Be sure to check signs in your area, the building’s website, or contact a building manager for details on the proper network to connect to.
When you are on public Wi-Fi networks, it is much easier for hackers to access your phone than it is on a private network. That being said, it is important to steer clear of logging into your banking accounts or other financial transactions while connected. Try to keep these sensitive and important logins for your own personal, private Wi-Fi source.
If you have your phone set to actively search for networks to connect to, and connect automatically, it is much more likely that you will accidentally connect to a fraudulent network. In order to avoid this, after you are finished using any public network, select “Forget This Network” in your Wi-Fi settings. You will have to manually reconnect each time, but it will ensure that you are safe from attackers!
While public Wi-Fi is convenient, it is not always secure. Use the network for necessary tasks. Try to stay away from online shopping, social media scrolling, logging into any accounts, or working. They contain information that you do not want others to access, so do not use them on a public network.
If you do need to log into an account or make some sort of transaction in public, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. If possible, sit with your back against a wall and shield your screen while you are typing in important information. You could also purchase a privacy screen, which will make it impossible for someone next to you to read what you are typing on your phone.
Public Wi-Fi networks certainly do not have to be scary, there are just some minor precautions to take in order to avoid anything bad happening. Be safe, and happy public surfing!
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SRT has long recognized the value of access to the Internet, and it became even more evident in 2020 due to the pandemic. While many were forced to turn to online shopping, the importance of shopping local is more important than ever. Therefore, SRT found it to be an easy match when Dakota Square Mall asked to continue a Wi-Fi partnership. Not only are many local businesses housed in this anchor institution, but added Wi-Fi to the mall experience was a win-win.
As part of the Wi-Fi partnership, mall goers can access Gig Internet for free in the main corridors at the mall. While the system was not designed to provide service into each retail store, the Wi-Fi signal spans throughout the facility.
Additionally, SRT is pulling fiber optic cable throughout the mall so each store has access to their own secure internet. The value of a retail store having their own secure, dedicated internet protects that company, but also adds to consumer safety.
SRT is proud to provide free community Wi-Fi at Dakota Square Mall and throughout our service area including places such as the MAYSA Arena, Mouse River Park, and the State Fair Center.
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MINOT, ND – SRT announced today that Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Steve Lysne, will retire after 27 years with the organization. Lysne will retire at the end of the year. The cooperative’s board of directors will immediately begin the search for a new CEO/General Manager.
Lysne has served as CEO/General Manager since January 2003. Prior to that, he was the Chief Financial Officer for eight years. Known to many as a financial innovator, Lysne has been instrumental in strengthening the cooperative’s current financial position, which will allow for the completion of SRT’s fiber-optic build throughout its territory. Upon completion, approximately $110 million will have been invested in SRT’s network upgrade.
“Steve’s decision-making throughout his tenure put our members’ needs first, while his wealth of industry knowledge and financial acumen has taken this cooperative to a new level of success. On behalf of the board, we wish him nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement,” SRT Board President Allan Engh said.
Throughout his time, Lysne guided the cooperative to build an independent wireless network that served north central North Dakota for 20 years. He also secured nearly $90 million in loans from USDA’s Rural Development Rural Utilities Service program to deliver fiber-optic technology to customers. Under Lysne’s guidance, the cooperative has nearly doubled in assets from $95 million in 2002 to $180 million in 2020.
Lysne stated, “It has been a privilege to work for this cooperative, alongside the talented past and present employees. I would be remiss if I did not thank the SRT Board of Directors for allowing me to lead the organization. It was my intent to be fiscally responsible with our members’ equity while being a leader in the telecommunications space and offering the best services available. I am grateful for the opportunity to have done that.”
Lysne serves as a member of the DCN board of directors, vice-chair of Trinity Health, and president of the board for the North Dakota Telephone Association. Previously, he was president of the board of the Rural Wireless Association, a former board member on the Minot Area Development Corporation and former board member of Integrity Mutual Funds. Lysne and his wife, Kari, look forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren.
SRT Communications located in Minot, North Dakota is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. SRT is completing a fiber optic network build throughout its service area and offers Internet, Security, TV, Phone and Business Services. SRT has served north central North Dakota since 1951, employs nearly 200 people, and serves approximately 40,000 customers.
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