Wilson Communications eNewsletter


		November 2021


		Doggone Impressive Agility A Border Collie named Verb becomes the 2021 Masters Agility Champion at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.		Gigantic Model Railroad November is Model Railroad Month. You'd walk almost a mile around North America's largest model railroad display.


		Security And Your Devices A protected home network means your family can use the internet more safely and securely. This includes your home wireless network and even that mobile phone in your pocket that we have all come to rely on. Following are a few tips to keep your home network secure. Securing Your Wireless Router A wireless network means connecting an internet access point to a wireless router. Going wireless is a convenient way to allow multiple devices to connect to the internet from different areas of your home. However, unless you secure your router, you're vulnerable to people accessing information on your computer, using your internet service for free and potentially using your network to commit cybercrimes. Here are ways to secure your wireless router: Change the name of your router: The default ID — called a "service set identifier" (SSID) or "extended service set identifier" (ESSID ) — is assigned by the manufacturer. Change your router to a name that is unique to you and won't be easily guessed by others. Change the preset passphrase on your router: Leaving a default passphrase unchanged makes it much easier for hackers to access your network. A strong passphrase is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember (for example, "I love country music."). On many sites, you can even use spaces! Review security options: When choosing your router's level of security, opt for WPA2, if available, or WPA — these levels are more secure than the WEP option. Create a guest passphrase: Some routers allow for guests to use networks via separate guest passphrases. If you have many visitors to your home, it's a good idea to set up a guest network. Use a firewall: Firewalls help keep hackers from using your device to send out your personal information without your permission. While antivirus software scans incoming email and files, a firewall is like a guard, watching for attempts to access your system and blocking communications with sources you don't permit. Your operating system and/or security software likely comes with a pre-installed firewall, but make sure you turn on these features. Keeping your Mobile Phone Secure That smartphone in your pocket — or your tablet or laptop — contains significant information about you and your friends and family, including contact numbers, photos and locations. Your mobile devices need to be protected. Take the following security precautions and enjoy the conveniences of technology with peace of mind while you are on the go. Keep a Clean Machine. Keep security software current on all devices that connect to the internet: Having the most up-to-date mobile security software, web browser, operating system and apps is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats. Delete when done: Many of us download apps for specific purposes, such as planning vacations, and no longer need them afterwards, or we may have previously downloaded apps that are no longer useful or interesting to us. It's a good security practice to delete all apps you no longer use. Protect Your Personal Information. Secure your devices: Use strong passphrases, passcodes or other features such as touch identification to lock your devices. Securing your device can help protect your information if your device is lost or stolen and keep prying eyes out. Personal information is like money — Value it. Protect it.: Information about you, such as the games you like to play, what you search for online and where you shop and live, has value — just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it's collected through apps and websites. Own your online presence: Use security and privacy settings on websites and apps to manage what is shared about you and who sees it. Now you see me, now you don't. Some stores and other locations look for devices with WiFi or Bluetooth turned on to track your movements while you are within range. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use. Connect with Care. Get savvy about WiFi hotspots: Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your laptop or smartphone while you are connected to them. Limit what you do on public WiFi and avoid logging in to key accounts like email and financial services. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal/mobile hotspot if you need a more secure connection. When in doubt, don't respond. Fraudulent text messages, calls and voicemails are on the rise. Just as with email, mobile requests for personal data or immediate action are almost always scams. Traveling and your Online Security As we travel this holiday season, it is important to remember to keep you and your devices safe. Here are some tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance.


		Frugal Can Be Fun You can live large on a small budget. Learn strategies for saving money, life hacks, frugal living tips, and much more. Learn more...		Explore Our World View the latest content in History & Culture, Science, Animals, and Travel. Watch intriguing Nat Geo TV shows. Learn more...		90 Holiday Decorations Now's the time to plan your holiday décor. Get inspired by Good Housekeeping's fun and festive gallery of ideas. Learn more...


		4 Slow Cooker Meals At the end of a long day, enjoy delicious Chicken and Dumplings, Lasagna Soup, Beef Ragu Pappardelle, or Pot Roast.		Apple Upside Down Cake No oven is needed for this old-fashioned dessert! You make it on the stovetop, then flip it upside down onto a serving platter.


		Magical Shooting Stars In Greater Manchester, England, a local photographer captured this video of a cute little shop with shooting stars above it.		A Cheer-ful Proposal During a Marshall University football game, a cheerleader lifts his girlfriend high in the air, then drops down on one knee.


		12 Easy Paint Projects You'll be amazed at what a little paint can do. Transform old tables, soup cans, lamps, rocks, and more into colorful home accents.		Fix a Chewed Chair See how an ugly free chair (with a dog-chewed leg) goes back to being beautiful thanks to sandpaper, wood filler, and paint.

Wilson Communications · 2504 Ave D · PO Box 508 · Wilson KS 67490

877-576-4599

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