10 minute read
Ask Cappie the Computer Cat
ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT SECURITY TIPS FOR DEVICES
Because I have read that an extremely serious and severe security breach on our government and major corporations (called SolarWinds) occurred a few months back, I would like to know what can we do to protect our own computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices’ security? Terry from SCG
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Dear Terry, In terms of computer hacking, yes, this was one of the most serious attacks on national security in our country’s history. It has not been widely publicized outside of the tech community due to media focus on our current pandemic as well as major attention to the recent election. Also, the gravity of the situation is still being assessed. (https://www. nytimes.com/2021/01/02/ us/politics/russian-hackinggovernment.html) However, it has been verified that SolarWinds’ Orion monitoring and management software was hacked and compromised. The hackers inserted malicious code into software made by the Texas company named SolarWinds (hence the name of the hack is known as SolarWinds) to gain access into government and business servers: “Russia … used the SolarWinds' hacked program to infiltrate at least 18,000 government and private networks. The data within these networks, user IDs, passwords, financial records, source code…etc. can be presumed” to be taken. (https://www.zdnet.com/ article/solarwinds-the-morewe-learn-the-worse-it-looks/) The U.S. government was clearly the primary focus of the attack, with the Treasury Department, State Department, Commerce Department, Energy Department and parts of the Pentagon among the agencies confirmed to have been infiltrated. While the government is taking steps to plug the breach, you personally can remain vigilant in all your online activities: n Because your router connects to every device on your network, if it is compromised, hackers can then get access to your PC and all the other devices connected to the network so—update both your router’s administrator password from the factory default password and update the firmware regularly (firmware is the software that controls the router’s hardware). The firmware update is how security updates are added to your router. n Because Ransomware attacks are expected to become more prevalent, the only way to avoid paying to get your data back is by backing up your data frequently. Do multiple backups both online and on external drives. Since hackers can access external drives, disconnect the backup when not in use. n Review and monitor all your online accounts (banking, credit union, checking, savings, money market, shopping, etc.) regularly. https://efraudprevention. net/home/templates/?a=1 n To reduce banking and credit fraud, if you have no plans to apply for credit in the imminent future, freeze your credit files. (Note: You can request an annual free copy of your credit profile from each credit agency at AnnualCreditReport. com). When you put a security freeze on your credit profile, it prohibits lenders and companies that are trying to check your credit from accessing your profile. This prevents thieves from opening new accounts under your name, because creditors are unable to check your credit history. When you freeze your credit profile, you'll receive a PIN to use for temporarily lifting the freeze to allow specific credit checks.
n Use Two-Factor
Authentication on every website that supports it so you will be notified immediately in the event your password is compromised or the website itself is breached. This will allow you to immediately change your password.
Here is a list of the websites that support 2FA: https:// twofactorauth.org/ n Go through all your social media accounts (including email, desktop and mobile apps), for personal information you might have entered throughout the years, such as home address, home and mobile phone numbers, date of birth,
mother’s maiden name, etc. and immediately purge all personal information from each account. n Reset all passwords, especially those that are too short or too easy to hack. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Use a Password
Manager if you want to ensure the passwords are strong. It is outside this column’s purpose to explain in detail how to accomplish the above security measures. For more information, search the internet for reputable instructions, find a trusted friend to lead you through the steps, or be aware of Grand Computer classes, Tech Help, and zoom meetings that also address some of these technical topics.
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Nadine for this lovely photo of Jersey, her eight-year-old Yorkie (whose distinction is to never have had a haircut).
MARCH FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Here are a few activities to get you moving. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families.
Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.
2021 SURPRISE SPRING TRAINING TICKETS ON SALE NOW
The City of Surprise will welcome fans to Surprise Stadium for the 2021 Spring Training season GRANDKIDS Corner March February 28 through March 29 with additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place. The game Here are a few activities to get you moving. Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your schedule has been modified from what was previously families. released, and tickets are now on sale. The health and safety of fans and the Surprise community are the city’s top priority For more 2021 Surprise Spring Training Tickets On Sale NOW The City of Surprise will welcome fans to Surprise Stadium for the 2021 Spring Training season February 28 through March 29 with additional COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place. The game schedule has been modified from what was previously released, and information about Spring Training, ticket sales, and tickets are now on sale. additional events, please visit www.surprisestadium. The health and safety of fans and the Surprise community are the city’s top priority com or contact the Surprise Stadium Box Office at For more information about Spring Training, ticket sales, and additional events, please visit www.surprisestadium.com or contact the Surprise Stadium Box Office at 623.222.2222. 623.222.2222.
ASTRONAUT EXHIBITION— ASTRONAUT EXHIBITION–ONLY AT ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER ONLY AT ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Jump into your space suit and report for training, because Arizona Science
Jump into your space suit Center's latest exhibition has landed and it’s out of this world! This limited-time and report for training, because Arizona Science Center's latest engagement focuses on teamwork to solve problems, accurately perform tasks, and overcome challenges that an astronaut would exhibition has landed and it’s out face on a real mission to the cosmos. Guests will be captivated and surprised by this of this world! This limited-time absorbing study into the importance of engagement focuses on teamwork science in space and the future of space exploration. to solve problems, accurately • ArizonaScienceCenter • perform tasks, and overcome challenges that an astronaut would face on a real mission to the cosmos. Guests will be captivated 600 E Washington St. Phoenix, AZ • Hosted by:ArizonaScienceCenter Date: February 22, 2021 to May 31, 2021 Recurring daily and surprised by this absorbing study into the importance of science in space and the future of space exploration. n Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington St. Phoenix, AZ n February 22, 2021 to May 31, 2021 n Recurring daily n (602) 716-2000 n 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM n Member Admission: Adult: $6.95* | Child (3-17): $6.95* or General Admission: Adult: $8.95* | Child (3-17): $8.95* READ, DANCE, PLAY: “DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE”.
n Virtual 2835 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ n Hosted by: Ballet Arizona n March 20, Apr 17, May 15, 2021 n 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM n Free
While many extracurricular activities for elementary age children have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The School of Ballet Arizona will keep kids engaged with a soon-tolaunch, free interactive workshop that will get little bodies moving and creative juices flowing.
“Read, Dance, Play” allows children ages 5-7 to listen and/or read along with a book of the month as they use movement to interpret and understand the story’s events and themes. Taught by School of Ballet Arizona Division Faculty Member, Rebecca Needhammer, these monthly interactive Zoom sessions allow kids to practice their listening, thinking and communication skills through words and movement.
Class spots are expected to fill up quick and registration is required. To sign your child up for “Read, Dance, Play!,” visit www.balletaz.org/readdance-play. Books are not provided but will be read aloud. If you would like to have your child follow along, links to purchase each book are available at the “Read, Dance, Play” landing page.
Schedule:
“Dance is for Everyone” by Andrea Zuill on Saturday, March 20 – Time to be announced – Visit balletaz.org for updates EASTER BRUNCH AT THE WIGWAM
Join the Wigwam Easter Sunday for a delicious Easter served Buffet in the Wigwam Ballroom, or a seasonal 4-course plated brunch at The Wigwam's signature restaurant, Litchfield’s. n The Wigwam 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ n Hosted by: The Wigwam n April 4, 2021 n (844) 285-9042 n Brunch Served Buffet: 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Litchfield's Brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. n Brunch Served Buffet: $62 adults, $22 kids 4-12. Litchfield's Brunch: $74 pp.
welcome march
Alyson "Aly" Cline
Council Member District 2
Greetings District 2 residents! Welcome to March! Please take a moment to read the information below, which contains important city updates and information on upcoming events. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me anytime at aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov, or by calling 623-222-1322. You can also find me on Facebook @CouncilmemberCline for frequent notifications.
Help spread the word about keeping our beloved community clean.The “Keep it beautiful, Surprise”campaign consists of videos, social ads and a webpage with information on how you can get involved at surpriseaz. gov/keepitbeautiful! Please also consider volunteering at the upcoming Surprise Day of Service on March 20 at 8 a.m. To register, please contact Larry Garcia at larry.garcia@ surpriseaz.gov.
SPRING TRAINING
Spring Training has begun! MLB has approved our Capacity and COVID mitigation plan, which includes social distancing, seating pods, limited capacity of about 25%, and increased safety and sanitization protocols. For ticket information and a schedule of game times, please visit surprisestadium.com.
SPEED LIMITS IN SURPRISE
The City of Surprise has a Street Speed Limit Map where you can easily view the speed limits of our streets. The map can be found online at surpriseaz.gov/1611/Know-thespeed-limit. Speed limits are established based on careful examination of all the factors affecting safe driving in that stretch of roadway.
A NEW LEAF WEST VALLEY VITA PROGRAM
The City of Surprise has partnered again with A New Leaf who facilitates the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax preparation assistance. The program will be available until April 15 at the Surprise Resource Center and April 14 at Riverboat Bingo. To make an appointment call the Surprise Resource Center at 623-222-1600. For additional information visit www. turnanewleaf.org/services/ financial-empowerment
SURPRISE RESOURCE CENTER WALK-IN SITE
Closed on Monday, Feb. 15 12425 W. Bell Road Bldg. A, Suite #124 Surprise, A 85378 Mondays: 4–6 pm Tuesdays: 4–6 pm and Thursdays: 9–11 am
COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES
Community Legal Services is proud to offer Lunchtime Law Lessons every Friday on a variety of topics. Every session is a Zoom Virtual Workshop. To register and join Legal Staff for live No-Cost workshops visit: https://clsaz.org/events
March 5 – Consumer Law and Federal Student Loan updates
LIBRARY SERVICES FOR VETERANS
Maricopa County Library District is offering library services for Veterans. Brainfuse VetNow is an online platform that offers a testing & education reference center, live online veteran navigator, live resume and interview coaching, and Book-ALibrarian, just to name a few! Visit MCLDAZ.org for more information.
MEET AND GREET
Please join me for my Monthly Meet and Greets:
March 10 at 10 a.m. via zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/908 9130407?pwd=a3dSVE5IOXJK NzIvN0tXSm8zRmpVQT09 Meeting ID: 908 913 0407 Passcode: BOOKS
March 23rd at 6 p.m. at The Grand Café in Sun City Grand.
19781 N. Remington Drive, Chaparral Building. This will be a reoccurring event on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Community Survey coming soon – What do you love about living in Surprise? The National Community Survey will be mailed to select households this month and offered online to the community at large beginning in mid-March. Details will be provided at www.surpriseaz. gov when they become available.
Surprise Progress Magazine – Free. Check out what is happening in Surprise! View at surpriseaz.gov/ ProgressMag
