HoweEnterprise.com
Are ransomware attacks something new? Hi Taylor: I’m hearing more and more about businesses and people getting hacked and it’s starting to freak Taylor me out a little. Kovar Is this our new normal? Has it always been this bad and I’m only now hearing about it? - Tiffany Hey Tiffany: Hacking and malware aren’t novel problems, but you’re definitely hearing about it more now than you used to. The problem is getting worse because, as security measures improve, the ransomware efforts seem to get smarter. It’s also important for individuals to take preventative measures because these attacks happen all over the place, not just to big companies and government officials. Simple but effective. If you read any of the details of the various attacks, whether on an individual or an organization, it almost always starts with a phishing email or post. Your account has been compromised or click this link to learn more. Once the target takes the bait, credentials are stolen and the criminal party can get to work on implementing whatever nefarious plan they’ve got. This is how the Colonial Pipeline hack happened. It’s how the city of Baltimore was attacked back in 2019. It’s how millions of people have their identity stolen every year. It’s why we all need to be careful before we click. Preventing hacks. The individual is more susceptible to identity theft than an actual ransom effort, but we’re all vulnerable to malware no matter what. Making sure your anti-virus software is updated frequently and you’re not constantly opening emails from unknown senders is a good place to start. Beyond that, you just need to be as safe as possible and keep your information backed up. Computer technology advances
15
June 7, 2021
by the minute, with protective software fighting to keep pace with the new practices of cybercriminals. At this point, we’re all still catching up with the level of the threat. Future of ransomware. There was never a question that people had the power to infiltrate networks and do devious things with sensitive information. The past year has laid bare the fact that many networks are no longer contained within an office space, but rather stretch as far as where the remote workers are. Shoring up internet defense systems becomes increasingly challenging with so many points of entry for hacking groups. As the best and brightest work on long-term solutions, our best safety resource is to have everyone act with caution. As long as everyone within a system makes smart choices, the rest of the team remains much safer. Our wealth and safety are inextricably tied to our devices and the internet to which they connect. It can be a little overwhelming and scary if you give it too much thought, so the better choice is to be conscious of the threats and take whatever precautions you can. Good luck! Legal Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.
Living with children Living with Children John Rosemond Copyright 2021, John Kirk Rosemond Q: My fifteen-year-old daughter is slowly driving me insane! She argues with me about everything and always wants the last word. No matter how well I explain the “why?” of a decision to her, she argues. Even when I offer a compromise, she argues. It’s her way or the highway. Is there a solution? John Rosemond
A: Yes, but you may not like it. Solving this problem requires that you admit YOU have caused it, not your daughter. It is not her hormones, her age, or some inborn stubbornness that propels these arguments. YOU cause them by explaining yourself to her. In so doing, you fling wide the door to argument, which she charges through before you can shut it. Then you blame her for capitalizing on an opportunity YOU presented. To end these counterproductive arguments, you must give your daughter the last word. Yes, you read that right. After all, you have never “won” the last word in an argument with her, and you never will. You can obtain the last word only with someone who will consider your point of view rationally. A child cannot understand an adult’s point of view; therefore, you cannot win the last word in any conflict with your daughter. Has your daughter ever agreed with one of your explanations? Has she ever said, “You know, Mom, when you explain yourself like that, I can’t help but agree”? No, and she never will. If a child does not like a parent’s decision, the child will not like the explanation the parent gives to support it. Period.
Giving your daughter the last word involves four steps: First, when your daughter does not like a decision you have made and demands an explanation, give her one that does not require more than five words, as in, “You’re not old enough” or “No time for that” – what I call Neanderthal answers. Second, when she begins to scoff, scream, mock, or otherwise demonstrate contempt for your explanation, as in, “That is the dumbest reason I’ve ever heard!” agree with her. Just say, “Oh, of course, if I was your age, I’d think the same thing. Yes, I remember thinking the same thing when my mother gave me reasons of that sort. You and I are a lot alike, dear daughter.” Third, walk away. I call this “pulling the plug on the power struggle.” You simply leave the scene and let your daughter “stew in her own juices.” Fourth, if she comes after you and tries to badger, just say, “Oh, yes, I’d have badgered my mother too. And my mom wouldn’t have changed her mind, either, but you’re welcome to give it the old college try. By following this simple, fourstep approach, you are guaranteed to drive your daughter crazy. Being younger than you, she can handle it better. Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, parent John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of family psychology. In 1971, John earned his masters in psychology from Western Illinois University and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.
Advertise Your Business in The Howe Enterprise Monte Walker—Ad Manager, Grayson Publishing, LLC news@howeenterprise.com
