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Beware of Public Wi-Fi Scams

Watch Out For Charity Scams You may love using public Wi-Fi networks, but unfortunately, so do cybercriminals. They can hack devices, get access to your private data, and potentially steal your identity.

The biggest security threat is the ability of hackers to position themselves between you and the Wi-Fi connection point. So instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you’re unknowingly sending your information to the hacker.

The first precaution you should take is to make sure your phone or laptop’s Wi-Fi settings don’t automatically connect to unknown networks. That way, you retain control over the public Wi-Fi networks you choose to use. Keep in mind that scammers can easily create networks with legitimate-sounding names, like “Free Public Wi-Fi,” to trick users into joining. When in doubt, ask the staff at the business the exact name of its Wi-Fi network.

Here are additional precautions:
  • Be careful what you do while on public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid banking transactions, online shopping, and visiting any sites requiring you to enter a username and password.
  • Consider tethering your laptop to your phone and using your mobile provider’s data network instead of public Wi-Fi. You may incur charges, but you’ll be more secure.
  • Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you’re not using them.
  • Use antivirus software and keep it up to date.
  • Consider signing up for a virtual private network, or VPN. It will encrypt your data, even on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
The good news is that the vast majority of hackers will go after easy targets. So taking these precautions should help to keep your information safe.

Renville Cemetery Gets Improvements with SRT and RDFC Grant Funds

Renville Cemetery Gets Improvements with SRT and RDFC Grant Funds

MINOT, N.D. – Renville Cemetery recently unveiled newly planted trees and other improvements partially funded by an RDFC grant matched by SRT Communications.

In 2021 RDFC awarded a $500 grant to Renville Cemetery, which SRT matched with an additional $500 donation. The cemetery used the funds to plant rows of spruce trees along the adjacent farmland and replace the white chain fencing around the cemetery borders.

The Mohall community also helped in the fundraising for this project, which speaks to the local support of the cemetery. The result is an idyllic resting place amid corn and wheat fields for the farming families who have been in Renville Cemetery since 1902.

Jay Rice, the sexton for the Renville Cemetery, had a hand in the tree planting and chain replacement to beautify the space. Rice volunteers his time to maintain the grounds, ensuring it’s mowed and looking tidy. For decades, area residents have assumed the responsibility of upkeep and in recent years Rice took on the work. “We like the history and legacy here,” he said. “We’re happy to keep it up.”

SRT is among the North Dakota rural telecommunication and electric cooperatives that are members of the Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC). The RDFC is a nonprofit finance and development corporation that provides funding for economic development and diversification projects in rural North Dakota. Applications are submitted to the RDFC. If approved, funds are matched 100% by SRT.

“Matching RDFC grant funding is one way SRT shows its support to help communities thrive,” said Kristi Miller, SRT Board President.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Established in 1951, SRT employs nearly 190 people and serves more than 48,000 customers across north central North Dakota. SRT is committed to bringing the benefits of fiber to rural and urban communities alike and earned the distinction as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider in 2017. Services include internet, phone, and security/surveillance systems for home and business.

The Rural Development Finance Corporation (RDFC) is a nonprofit corporation that encourages economic diversification and community vitality through the generation of funding that supports sustainable asset building. Funding for RDFC programs comes from fee income generated by Dakotas America LLC, a community development entity providing New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed census tracks across the United States. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives provides support to RDFC.

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September Tech Tip: Backing Up and Storing Data

September Tech Tip: Backing Up and Storing Data

Techtip_backupstorephotos

There are three basic ways to back up important documents and photos:

1.       External hard drives
2.       Flash drives
3.       Cloud based storage

Each option raises a few things to consider. External hard drives and flash drives are a one-time purchase that you place your documents or photos onto via a USB port. Storage size and price vary by brand, so it’s best to research based on your specific needs. Cloud-based storage often charges a monthly fee to house your photos, which are uploaded to the cloud via the internet or an app. Some examples of reputable cloud-based storage include Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, iDrive, pCloud, and OneDrive.

Since none of the options is perfect and all have drawbacks, consider using a combination of two or three options. Hard drives and flash drives have the potential to corrupt or fail over time, while cloud-based storage has the potential of being breached or the company shutting down unexpectedly. Having multiple back-up options such as a cloud-based and physical-based combination is your best way to ensure you always have access to your valuable information. Setting reminders or scheduled backup dates throughout the year minimizes the risk of losing information in the event of a device malfunctioning, getting lost, or being stolen.