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SRT Staff and Board of Directors Attend NTCA RTIME Conference

Feb 14 2022

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

Feb 08 2022

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: Treat all Wi-Fi links with suspicion. Don’t just assume that the Wi-Fi link is legitimate. It could be a bogus link that has been set up by a cybercriminal that’s trying to capture personal information from unsuspecting users. Verify it’s a legitimate wireless connection. Some bogus links set up by malicious users will often have a connection name that’s deliberately similar to the real one used by the business. If possible, speak with an employee at the location and ask for information about their legitimate Wi-Fi network including the connection’s name. Change your device’s settings so it doesn’t automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi. That way, you have more control over when and how you use public Wi-Fi. Consider using your phone’s mobile data. If you’re on the go and don’t have the option of using a secure website, consider using your phone’s mobile data instead of a public Wi-Fi network, especially if you need to access any websites that store or require the input of sensitive information such as your bank. Following these basic security tips will help you stay connected when you’re out and about without exposing yourself to identity theft.

February Tech Tip

Feb 08 2022

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.

COOKING DEMO

Feb 01 2022

COOKING DEMO


		20 Sheet Pan Dinners Cooking everything in one pan is one brilliant way to minimize work. Check out the many delicious recipes here.		Morning Glory Muffins Start your day off right! These yummy muffins have whole wheat flour, grated carrots and apples, pineapple, and nuts.

CUSTOMER ALERT

Jan 25 2022

CUSTOMER ALERT

While you’re looking for your next job, scammers could be looking for their next victim. There are fraudulent offers out there involving illegal jobs or ones designed to facilitate identity theft or fake check schemes.

Be careful during your job search and watch for these warning signs:

You’re offered a job without an interview. Scammers might say they’re out of town, too busy, or have another excuse for not talking to you by phone or in person.
You get a check before you start a job. The person “hiring you” might say it’s your first paycheck and to use the money to buy supplies. But later they’ll tell you to send part of the money to someone else or return it to them. They’ll have excuses, but the main thing to know is that the check is fake. By the time the bank realizes it, the scammer has your money (if you sent it), and the bank will want you to repay the money you withdrew.
You’re contacted through non-company email domains and teleconference applications. For example, an actual IBM recruiter would contact you using a company email such as johndoe@ibm.com, as opposed to johndoeibm@gmail.com.
You’re required to purchase start-up equipment from the company, such as is the case of work-from-home job scams, or are asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee.
You’re required to provide your bank account information or Social Security number BEFORE you start working.

To avoid being scammed, check out potential employers thoroughly before giving them any sensitive information. Search online for their name, email address, phone number, and even the text of the message they sent. You might find that others have had bad experiences and been scammed by the same people in a similar way. It’s also a good idea to check on the business with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

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