Hackers Getting More Aggressive

Computer Experts Warn of Increasing Security Threats

By Ray Newton, FBN

Two Prescott-based computer authorities are in absolute agreement about the need for exceptional caution about computer protections.

One – Edward Fisher, owner of Fisher PC Help – said this: “Be absolutely paranoid about your computer security.”

The second – Theo Soumilas, who owns Northern Arizona IT – put it this way: “We are at the point it’s no matter a question of ‘if’ but of ‘when’ your computer is hacked. It’s getting worse daily.”

Both Fisher and Soumilas are adamant that computer passwords need to be carefully determined and multi-layered. They also emphasize that, regardless of how tempting incoming messages such as “You’ve won an award” or “Contact this site to claim your prize” are, NEVER open a message if you do not recognize the source.

“Never respond to a pop-up,” said Fisher. “And if they keep coming up, turn off your system. Do not let them contaminate your files or get into your personal records.”

He also advises to shut down your computer at night when it’s not used. “That makes it less vulnerable.”

Soumilas put it another way. “You need to make cybersecurity a priority. A password alone is not enough to protect you. Passwords are created by people and are easy to crack. Using the same password over and over is a data breach waiting to happen. You really need two-factor authentication.”

He said multi-layered security approaches are even better, especially in business, and antivirus and antimalware software is needed for all computers.

HACKERS ARE AGGRESSIVE

Fisher said hackers are getting more and more aggressive and have everything to gain. They can make a lot of money if they successfully obtain access to personal files, especially financial ones, that people often keep in their computers. “They often live in Third World counties, so their native incomes are low. If they can hack into an account of someone here, they can make more in one successful incident than they could in a year at home. If you keep your bank records, bill payments or any other fiscal information that has your credit cards, bank or credit company accounts – any identifiable data that will allow them to find your personal files – you need absolute security.”

He also warned to be very cautious about Facebook, Twitter or any other social media formats. “That means the messages you receive and messages you send. They are open to almost anyone who wants to see them. That makes you a potential recipient of messages and pop-ups you do not want.”

A recent study published by Princeton University Center for Information Technology Policy reported that clicking in on Facebook may seem easy, but it is not necessarily secure. A security breach could put other accounts at risk.

“Do not disable your antivirus program – ever,” said Fisher. “Those programs are at work 24 hours a day to keep a virus and sometimes spam from inserting itself into your system. Once that happens, the risk is that it will cause you to waste time and overwhelm your mailbox.”

Soumilas stated in an earlier QCBN column that spam filters scan email messages before they come to your computer. They not only repress spam emails but can also stop a virus from intruding.

Beth Fisher and Soumilas have years of professional experience in computer and information technology.

Fisher, a native of North Carolina, spent more than 12 years in the U.S.

Computer expert Edward Fisher wants to convince computer users to be more rigorous about their security. Photo by Ray Newton

Continued on page 35

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New Solar Co-Op Launches for Northern Arizona Residents

With the support of the City of Flagstaff, City of Sedona and Coconino County, the non-profit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is launching the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op to help area residents go solar.

“The co-op will enable Northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Flagstaff, Sedona, Coconino County and surrounding Northern Arizona communities. Together, coop members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a discounted group price.

Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.

After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. SUN provides guidance on the process but remains vendor neutral, empowering the co-op members to decide.

The county and municipal governments are partnering with SUN on the co-op to help residents go solar and meet local climate and sustainability goals.

“The City of Flagstaff is excited to partner with and welcome Solar United Neighbors to our region,” said Mayor Paul Deasy. “We are confident that the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op will help make the process of owning a rooftop solar system more accessible and affordable for interested homeowners and businesses in our community.”

“The city of Sedona is committed to both modeling sustainable practices and helping our residents to make sustainable choices in their homes and businesses,” said McKenzie Jones, sustainability coordinator for the City of Sedona. “By joining the solar co-op and installing solar panels, Sedona residents can help to reduce harmful emissions, increase energy security and save money.”

“Coconino County is thrilled to be a partner in this effort,” said Amanda Acheson, sustainability manager for Coconino County. “The program supports our county’s commitment to being good stewards of the environment while also providing a resource for our community members.”

SUN has hosted six solar co-ops in Arizona since 2019. According to the group’s estimates, the 102 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent 681 kW of solar power; $1.8 million in local solar spending; and more than 26 million lbs. of lifetime carbon offsets.

SUN will host several free informational webinars to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions on the co-op webpage: https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/coops/ northern-arizona-solar-co-op/. FBN

Beautifying Alleyways

The work of artist Roberta Rogers now adorns the alley next to the Sweet Shoppe Candy Store on Aspen Ave. in downtown Flagstaff. The installment of the colorful and whimsical scene, depicting snowy peaks, the town, Route 66 and classic cars is part of the City of Flagstaff Beautification Arts and Sciences Program. “This painting was used earlier for a Route 66 car show,” said Rogers. “Route 66 is so loved by everyone so I tried to squeeze one end of the town to the other in this painting. I think people connect with the historic buildings and the early pioneers that worked so hard to build the city. Flagstaff is so forward thinking to be protecting the history and giving shoppers a chance to pause and appreciate the artwork or sculpture while shopping.” Realtor David Stephens with Realty Executives of Flagstaff and one of the owners of the building came up with the idea for a Rogers vinyl wrap in the alley and applied for a grant in 2020 to fund it. Supported by the Bed, Board and Beverage (BBB) tax, the project is a part of a larger vision. “We’ve been working on this for a while,” said Beautification, Arts and Sciences Manager Eliza Kretzmann. “The idea started a few years back from groups like the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) as well as local artists.” FBN