This question was the subject at our last meeting,
“What you should know about Cyber Security?”
To address this topic, we were fortunate to have Scott Gingold come to Morning Star Rotary. Scott is the President of Lehigh Valley Technology Company/Computer Troubleshooters, the area’s most award winning Information Technology and Managed Services Provider. He and his wife Denise lead a team of dedicated professionals that serves businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies throughout our region.
Cyber Security consists of protecting the information, the hardware, and the software of an organization’s Information Technology Infrastructure. But as Scott highlighted, “It is also as much about a mental commitment to security.”
Scott’s recommendations for what you can do to protect your business:
• Constantly update passwords and login details
By changing your login details, at least once or twice a month, you can cut down your chances of being a target of cybercrime.
• A secure computer will deter cyber criminals
Always be sure to activate your firewall settings. Furthermore, installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software will protect your computer from various forms of malware, viruses, Trojan horses and other malicious software used to obtain your personal details.
• Be social media savvy
Make sure your social networking profiles (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MSN, etc.) are set to private. Check your security settings. Be careful what information you post online. Once it is on the Internet, it is extremely difficult to remove. Don’t announce when you’re away, or you’re telling thieves your house is empty!
• Secure mobile devices
More often than not, we leave our mobile devices unattended. By activating the built-in security features you can avoid any access to personal details. Never store passwords, pin numbers and even your own address on any mobile device.
• Protect your Data
Use encryption for your most sensitive files such as tax returns or financial records, make regular back-ups of all your important data, and store it in a different location.
• Be aware of what you do while using public Wi-Fi Hotspots
While these access points are convenient, they are far from secure. Avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions on these networks.
• Protect your e-identity
Be cautious when giving out personal information such as your name, address, phone number or financial information on the Internet. Make sure that websites are secure (e.g. when making online purchases) or that you’ve enabled privacy settings (e.g. when accessing/using social networking sites).
• Avoid being scammed
Always think before you click on a link or file of unknown origin. Don’t feel pressured by any emails. Check the source of the message. When in doubt, verify the source. Never reply to emails that ask you to verify your information or confirm your user ID or password.
The presentation was interactive from the get-go, as the topic resonated with our members. Numerous examples were shared of personal experiences of being hacked and data being stolen. There were many questions raised.
No one is immune from cyber attacks, be it a business or an individual. As Scott stated, “Being ever vigilant in your efforts will help provide your best protection.”
Thank you to Scott and Denise for sharing their expertise and a timely presentation which benefits all of us.
Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering Community Service Event THIS THURSDAY Feb. 18th
Morning Star Rotary Club will be providing dinner for the guests of the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter on February 18 at Cathedral Church of the Nativity. We need your help in three ways:
• Food donations (soup, salad, bread & dessert) and/or a cash donation.
• Serve on the Setup & Cooking Crew 5 – 7pm.
• Serve on the Serving & Cleanup Crew 6:15 – 8pm.
Feel free to invite any potential members for a hands-on Rotary experience.
Please see the sign-up sheet at the meeting and plan to support this event.
Contact Janet Kolepp if any questions, or if you can help but won't be at the meeting to sign up on the sheet. 484-241-1252 agjanetk@gmail.com
Thank you!
Save the Date - May 17th!
RI President K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran
of Sri Lanka will be coming to King of Prussia on Tuesday, May 17th, to recognize District 7430 for raising over $2 million for the Rotary International Foundation. District Governor Doug Cook extends an invitation to all Rotarians. We have not hosted a sitting RI President in over fifty years. This is truly a rare event. It is a very rare opportunity to meet the incumbent RI President in celebration that evening.
This Week's Meeting
Please join us on February 18th when Debra Lamb of Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers visits.
As a Grant Recipient, Deb will highlight Preschool Science Enrichment at LVCCs for 30 preschoolers age 3-5 in Bethlehem and Easton, and how this is done in conjunction with the DaVinci Discovery Center. See you there.
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