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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SRT employees are actively involved in improving the well-being of our communities on a daily basis. Early this year they continued the 18 year tradition of SRT blood drives with 33 employees participating.
The need for blood donations is especially high in the winter months when people are busy with the holiday season and staying home more in cold winter months. By hosting a blood drive at the SRT office, the company hopes to make it convenient for employees and their families and to encourage new blood donors.
Vitalant’s records of SRT blood drives date back to 2004, that is 18 years of employees donating blood for the community! Vitalant Donor Recruiter, Teresa Johnson, stated that SRT employees have “donated 835 units, which is about 104.375 gallons of blood” over the years. One blood donation unit can save up to three lives. “The total amount donated from SRT blood drives is the equivalent of saving 2,505 lives, or alternatively 80,995 premature babies being saved,” Johnson explained.
Blood drives are critical to ensure enough blood is readily available when a patient in our area needs immediate help. Each event, donation goals are set based on a projection of the amount of blood that will be needed. Johnson adds, “SRT is a blood drive I don’t have to worry about meeting goals. The employees understand the importance of the blood drive and what it means to our community.” At SRT’s February blood drive, 33 units of blood were donated, surpassing the goal of 29 units.
For a few employees, this blood drive was their first experience, but there were also 16 employees who have donated for five or more years. Six of those employees have donated blood for 20 years or more!
There are many reasons why someone chooses to donate blood. Vitalant Donor Recruiter Teresa Johnson shared “Donating blood is the ultimate random act of kindness. It doesn’t cost anything, and you are saving a life.”
Several employees began donating after family members received blood transfusions and it was eye-opening to see the great need for blood donations. One employee, Sheila D., shared that her first blood drive experience was at SRT 25 years ago and she continues to donate consistently. “I have the ideal blood type for donating,” Sheila said. “It’s a small contribution I can make to help save a life.” Paul I., who retired from SRT in 2018, has donated for over 40 years and keeps coming back to the SRT blood drive to help because he feels it is the right thing to do.
We thank all the employees who donated this year and appreciate their dedication to making this an even better place to live and work.
