Community Weekly Report 30

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COMMUNITY WEEKLY REPORT

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Volume 3, Edition 30

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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July 28 - August 3, 2022

Page 3

HBCUs, Industry Partners Launch Initiative to Diversify and Strengthen Cybersecurity Workforce D-MARS.COM INFO

5 Ways Your Family Can Avoid Security Risks During Your Summer Travels

Page 2

Is It Time to Break Up With Your Internet Service Provider?

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2 | July 28 - August 3, 2022

Community Weekly Report TECHNOLOGY

5 Ways Your Family Can Avoid Security Risks During Your Summer Travels By d-mars.com News Provider

S

chool is out, and it's time to start looking forward to your family's summer travel plans. As you make your packing lists and research the sites and activities for your destinations, don't forget to review digital safety rules.

According to the Better Business Bureau, between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the busiest time for domestic travel in the U.S., which coincides with an uptick in travel scams during the summer months. The bureau reports that from May to July 2021, consumers reported losing nearly $350,000 to travel scams, representing 33.5% of all money lost to travel scams last year.

"The digital world is filled with sophisticated security threats," said Kelly Merryman, president and chief operating officer of Aura, an all-in-one intelligent digital safety platform for consumers. "When planning trips, think about how you can protect yourself online from these very real risks."

As you prepare for your summer vacation, check out these five tips to avoid security risks and keep you and your family safe.

1. Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is great for staying connected on the go, but it also allows bad actors the opportunity to place malware on your device and access your identity and finances. Be proactive and use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi. If you don't have a VPN already, consider trying Aura's all-in-one digital security solution to protect you and your family online wherever you go. With just

one tap on the company's app, you can activate the VPN, which encrypts your internet traffic to protect your sensitive information on unsecured networks.

2. Store your important documents digitally While it might be reassuring to carry physical copies of your important documents like your passports and vaccine cards, you're leaving yourself and your kids vulnerable to identity theft. During vacation, it's easy to get distracted and leave your backpack or purse behind as you move on to your next adventure.

Instead of carrying paper copies, store copies of your important documents online digitally in a secure app.

Since you'll likely be accessing these documents on your phone, make sure your phone is locked with a complex password.

3. Don't overshare your vacation details on social media It's fun to share your fun moments and fond memories of your vacation with friends and family, but what you share on social media may make you vulnerable to cyberattacks and even physical ones. For example, sharing where you're planning to travel or announcing your location while on vacation creates opportunities for someone to find you or break into your home while you're away.

Be mindful of what you share and teach your children to be selective about the information they put on social media at home and when they vacation.

There are plenty of travel scams on the internet. As you look for flights, rental cars and accommodations, do so through a legitimate, trusted site. Remember, you're entering sensitive information about your family's identities and financial information.

An easy way to make sure the website you're shopping on is secure is to check the URL. If the link says "HTTPS" instead of "HTTP," you're good to go. The "S" in the URL means the site is secure, so you can feel confident that your information is safe.

5. Use your credit cards during travel When making purchases during your vacation, use your credit card instead of your debit card. Credit cards tend to offer more financial protection than debit cards, and if you spot a suspicious purchase on your recent transactions or latest statement, you'll likely be able to get your money back.

To simplify your cybersecurity and maintain peace of mind while you travel, try Aura. With just one subscription, you and your family will have access to: * A secure VPN to protect you on public Wi-Fi * A smart network to help identify and flag scams like fraudulent travel websites * Financial transaction monitoring that watches for unusual activity * Identity theft protection in case you leave behind or have important documents stolen while traveling.

To learn more about this digital safety platform, visit Aura.com.

Source: BPT

4. Book travel on trusted websites TECHNOLOGY

Is It Time to Break Up With Your Internet Service Provider?

By d-mars.com News Provider

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urprise fees, contracts, price hikes – it’s no wonder that broadband customers are the least satisfied customers in America according to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

But having reliable and affordable internet access is no longer a luxury. Today, the home internet is essential for everyday activities, like connecting us to our classrooms, workplaces, healthcare providers, loved ones, and so much more.

Here’s what to know about the biggest pain points broadband customers experience and a few tips for avoiding them.

Switching Switching According to industry leaders working to disrupt broadband, switching internet providers is often easier said than done.

“Broadband customers are stuck and switching almost never happens. Internet providers rank dead last in customer satisfaction out of all industries year after year and people want to switch,” says Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile.

“Internet providers make switching such a nightmare. You have to wait for your installation window, sometime between now and next February, drill holes in your walls, then spend the next week resetting all your connected devices. All that before you even know if it is going to work for you.”

New services that offer a trial period without locking you into a long-term contract, as well as help cover the cost of terminating your current contract, can make things easier, says Sievert.

Pricing Pricing Internet providers are notorious for luring customers in with low promotional prices, then jacking them up after the first or second year. On average, providers raise prices more than 30% after the promotional period ends. And that’s before all the fees -- fees for activation, equipment, installation, even self-installation. In 2020 alone,

internet providers charged customers more than $9 billion just in monthly fees. At a time when prices for everything are going up, locking in your price for internet access can help you plan your long-term budget.

Look for a modern contract that locks you in at an affordable price, and then read the fine print to ensure there are no hidden taxes or fees -- or future price hikes planned.

Cable Cable Millions of Americans are still stuck in a costly cable TV and internet bundle, where the price for one service skyrockets as soon as you drop the other.

Companies like T-Mobile are helping customers cut the cord. With T-Mobile’s Internet Freedom, you can get great streaming deals, like $50 off any streaming device with Home Internet and any T-Mobile voice line, and 50% off YouTube TV for 12 months with Home Internet and Magenta MAX. YouTube TV is a good alternative to cable TV at a fraction of the cost. Plus, T-Mobile customers can get Netflix, Paramount+, and other streaming deals when they sign up. Internet Freedom will also cover any early termination fees up to $500.

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Business BusinessInternet Internet The frustration doesn’t stop with residential internet customers. Most business owners know how messy, complex and costly staying connected can be. Many internet providers slap additional fees onto contracts just to label it “business internet.” Even worse, businesses with multiple locations are forced to navigate a patchwork of providers, all with different contracts, prices, policies, equipment, service level agreements, and customer care teams. With Internet Freedom from T-Mobile, businesses can get high-speed internet at affordable rates, with features like static IP addresses and content filtering, so businesses can be sure their connection is used only for business purposes.

To learn more about Internet Freedom from T-Mobile or to see if broadband service is available at your address, visit www.t-mobile.com/isp.

If you’re unsatisfied with your current internet provider, there’s no need to feel stuck. New services can help make the switch affordable and stress-free.

Source: StatePoint

July 28 - August 3, 2022 | 3

Community Weekly Report EDUCATION & CAREER

HBCUs, Industry Partners Launch Initiative to Diversify and Strengthen Cybersecurity Workforce By d-mars.com News Provider

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o address the urgent cybersecurity talent needs in the U.S., Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) announced a new collaboration to support cybersecurity education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Together with industry partners Abbott, Microsoft, and Raytheon Technologies, the HBCU Cybersecurity Industry Collaboration Initiative Pilot aims to build curriculum capacity within HBCU engineering schools, positioning them as premier national academic institutions for cybersecurity, while creating a strong workforce of students well-prepared for the world's essential cybersecurity careers. The initiative expects to support HBCUs through curriculum development, research collaboration, faculty support, and other resources.

Right now, there are nearly 600,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. and experts anticipate there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs open globally by 2025.

"Our hope is that the initiative will enhance cybersecurity programming at HBCUs, helping connect students, especially AfricanAmerican students, with opportunities to pursue cybersecurity certifications and degrees," said Veronica L. Nelson, AMIE's executive director.

"This effort couldn't come at a more critical time.

The U.S. greatly needs skilled cybersecurity workers. HBCU Engineering Schools represent a rich pipeline of untapped, diverse talent."

The 15 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited HBCU Schools of Engineering produce more than 30% of the African-American engineers in the U.S. while representing less than 3% of the engineering universities in the U.S. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows Blacks and African-

Americans make up only 11.8% of information security analysts in the U.S. The initiative's pilot incorporates expertise and support from Abbott, Microsoft, and Raytheon Technologies with the goal of aligning business needs to the pilot schools' cybersecurity curricula and research capabilities. The four HBCU pilot engineering schools of the 15 member schools of the Council of HBCU Engineering Deans are Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Virginia State University.

• Professionals from Abbott, Microsoft, and Raytheon Technologies will be guest lecturers, participate in mentoring programs and meet with faculty to better understand existing strengths and collaborate toward educating more cybersecurity professionals to help address the nation's talent gap.

• Microsoft is providing funding and support as part of its Cybersecurity Skills Initiative.

• Abbott is providing funding and hosting two Prairie View A&M University cybersecurity students for customized intern experiences during summer 2022.

• Raytheon Technologies is providing funding and works with local students to showcase their cyber capabilities and provide opportunities for students to explore cyber careers.

"With the complete integration of Industry 4.0 or 'smart' technologies into so many aspects of our lives, VSU now sees almost every company we work with needing cybersecurity-trained professionals to secure their products, services, and their business operations," said Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University. "This includes industries that we never would have previously considered in this context, like manufacturing, construction, and energy. VSU understands that cybersecurity skills are now part of a critical core knowledge base and we are committed to delivering a strong pipeline of students who are well-prepared in this area."

The pilot will run through the end of 2022 with the goal of extending the initiative to the remaining 11 ABETaccredited HBCU Schools of Engineering in the future: Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of the District of Columbia.

"In today's digital-first world, skilled cybersecurity workers are critical to ensuring the safety of our enterprise as well as the products and technologies we provide people to live better, healthier lives," said Sabina Ewing, Chief Information Officer, Abbott. "That's why, as a founding member of Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering, Abbott supports efforts like the HBCU Cybersecurity Industry Collaboration Initiative Pilot, which develops HBCU talent to build a diverse, innovative workforce that will meet the demands of today and tomorrow."

"We are excited to embark on this collaboration with AMIE to broaden education in cybersecurity at HBCUs," said Valecia Maclin, Microsoft Partner, Strategic Cloud Solutions, and AMIE board member. "The pre-eminent role that HBCUs play in graduating the best and brightest engineering talent in the U.S. coupled with our passion to extend global cybersecurity skilling is a unique collaboration and critical for the time that we are in. As part of our commitment to address America's cybersecurity workforce shortage, we look forward to working together to create a workforce that represents the diversity of our society."

"Closing the enormous cybersecurity skills gap and driving diversity in our talent pipeline are critical business imperatives for our company and industry," said Shanda Hinton, Chief Diversity Officer, Raytheon Technologies.

"This alliance offers real-world education, experience, and mentorship opportunities to HBCU engineering students to help cultivate the next generation of cyber defenders."

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Source: Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering

4 | July 28 - August 3, 2022

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