News
SRT Staff and Board of Directors Attend NTCA RTIME Conference
SRT Staff and Board of Directors Attend NTCA RTIME Conference
This week, SRT is well represented at the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting and EXPO (RTIME) in Dallas, TX. The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association’s (NTCA’s) signature annual event, RTIME is the largest conference in the country geared toward rural internet providers like SRT. This conference is a great opportunity for telecommunications industry peers to connect and learn the latest in relevant industry topics like cybersecurity, emerging technology, broadband funding, and economic development.
SRT’s CEO/General Manager Cassidy Hjelmstad, Chief Growth Officer Robin Anderson, and Director of Sales Paul Gillund are in attendance, as well as several directors from SRT’s Board.
NTCA is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America.
TUTORIAL/FAQ
TUTORIAL/FAQ
 |
Question: I use my laptop frequently when I’m away from home. How can I safely use public Wi-Fi?
Answer: Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, and other public places are convenient, but they can present security risks. If the Wi-Fi network isn’t secure, and you log into an unencrypted site, other users on the network could potentially hijack your session and log in as you. New hacking tools — available for free online — make this easy, even for users with limited technical know-how. Your personal information and even your login credentials could be up for grabs. There are ways, however, to minimize your risk:
|
|
||
February Tech Tip
February Tech Tip
Bad actors are getting good at making emails seem realistic and tricking unsuspecting people into clicking malicious links or opening infected documents. Often, phishing emails will have a company logo, and at first glance, seem quite realistic. However, there are some simple things to do when opening an email that can save you time and stress in the long run.
1. Check the sender address: hover over the from address to see if the email is who it says it is. A quick Google search will often provide you with what the legitimate email address should be.
2. Look for grammatical errors: legitimate companies are less likely to have grammatical errors as opposed to someone posing as a legitimate company.
3. Check the salutation: If you receive an email with a generic salutation such as “hello sir/madam,” or “hi dear,” it is likely to be a scam. Legitimate companies will have your name on file and are unlikely to address you as dear.
4. Check for urgency: If an email is flagged or the subject line includes words like “urgent, time-sensitive, immediate action required” it is likely not a legitimate email.
5. Question the need for credentials or personal information: Rarely will a legitimate company or agency request personal information through an automated email. If you are requested to provide personal credentials, it is best to call a verified company phone number and confirm the request.
6. Watch for documents or links: If there are documents or links to open documents within an automated email, it is unlikely to be legitimate. Think critically about whether an attached document seems reasonable given the type of email.
7. Think critically: Some bad actors are trying so hard to fool unsuspecting people that they don’t think to ensure you utilize the service or company they are pretending to be. For example, you receive an email from someone claiming to be from Netflix and you panic and open the link. However, you didn’t even stop to remember you don’t have a Netflix account. Something as simple as knowing you do not use the service or business can save you from opening a bad link. However, if you do have an account with the company and you receive an email from, it is always best practice to give them a call and verify. Companies will always be happy to clear up any misconceptions and set your mind at ease.
