Jou r nals

Don’t ignore these notifications. Firmware and system updates often include new security features that are essential for device and network security. An easy way to protect devices is to enable the auto-update setting. By allowing devices to update automatically, you can always have the latest security updates and firmware running.

4. Review your connected devices. On average, Xfinity households have 15 connected devices, with power users averaging as many as 35. Often, someone bought a new device, connected it to the home network and neglected to disconnect the old ones. However, just because you’re not using older devices doesn’t mean there isn’t a security threat.

To secure your home network and accounts, take inventory of all your devices. Use your internet provider’s apps and tools to check which devices are currently connected in your home. Find the devices you no longer use and erase personal information before recycling.

5. Read up on phishing. Get educated on common phishing tactics to protect yourself from scams. According to the Xfinity report, only 39% of respondents said they could confidently explain what phishing is. Not understanding phishing means it’s unlikely you can protect your household. Many cybercriminals impersonate a friend, family member or organization, like banks or schools, to get you to divulge sensitive information.

Phishing emails can be convincing, but telltale signs of phishing include spelling errors in the subject line or email body, suspicious links or attachments, tones of misplaced urgency, unfamiliar senders or slightly misspelled company names in the sender’s email address. If you have doubts, reach out to the family, friend or organization the email is from to inquire about its legitimacy.

Using these five tips will safeguard your devices and digital information in 2023 and beyond.l

Xeriscape doesn’t have to be ‘zero scape’

With record-breaking snowpack flowing rapidly off the mountain filling up reservoirs and natural aquifers across the state, many may think it is the perfect year to forget about water conservation. David Rice, of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, insists that it has never been more important to continue striving to be more water wise in individual landscaping. In a seminar offered at the Centerville Library, Rice cautioned that we will “continue to get dry years along with wetter years and conservation in our desert environment will always be part of meeting the demands of our growing population.” He showed aerial photos of many of the shrinking lakes nearby highlighting empty lakebeds at Echo reservoir, boat docks far from the water in Pineview and even an old dam in East Canyon that has not been seen since the large dam had been built in front of it several decades ago.

Currently, Utah has a population of 3.6 million, and if population growth continues at current pace, that number could grow to 6 million by 2060. Meeting the need of nearly double the number of people will involve infrastructure improvements tapping into different water supplies and conservation throughout the state. “Low-water-use doesn’t mean sand dunes, dried up sage brush, an old wagon wheel with a cow skull, or a typical desert scene,” Rice said. “Xeriscape is not ‘Zero Scape.’ Water-wise and xeriscape are used synonymously, but they don’t imply that it can’t be lush and green.”

Grass even has a place in a yard in central areas providing a soft playable surface that is very resilient. Keep in mind, Rice cautions, that grass takes nearly twice the water to maintain as almost any other kind of landscape so should be lim-

Missionary dies in tragic accident in Clearfield

Amissionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was involved in a tragic accident Sunday night in Clearfield. According to Sam Penrod, spokesperson for the church, “Elder Isaac Heninger, 19, of Searsville, New Brunswick, Canada, suffered a traumatic head injury and passed away in a Salt Lake City hospital in the early morning hours of May 8, 2023. Elder Heninger and his companions were walking to an appointment and along the way stopped to visit with a group of young men who had electric scooters. At some point, he attempted to jump over one of the scooters, which resulted in a head injury. Elder Heninger began his missionary service in December 2022 and was serving in the Utah Layton Mission. We express our deepest condolences to Elder Heninger’s family and friends as they mourn his passing. We pray for all those who are impacted by this tragedy. May they feel the Savior’s love during this difficult time.” l

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By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com

ited to usable area. He recommends the “localscape” method of planning the yard which involves specifying areas that fit familial needs such as: outdoor living, playgrounds, a putting green, a trampoline surrounded by untrimmed meadow grass, a playground surrounded by impact-lessening mulch or play sand, a stone chessboard with opposing benches and grass. All these areas are connected by paths and the remaining area becomes plant area covered in shade trees, fruit trees, shrubs, and flowers. He notes that less mowing can be replaced by spending 10 minutes a day in the yard deadheading flowers, pulling some weeds and enjoying the outdoor space.

Rice divides paths into two types, primary paths that will need to be kept clear in the winter and secondary paths that connect less-used areas. Smooth mortared rock and concrete are best for primary paths, while large flagstones and gravel are attractive options for the rest. Side yards are usually not big enough to justify grass, so he recommends paths in these areas surrounded by mulched plants. Rice showed slides of attractive low-water landscapes, many of which are located in the demonstration gardens at the Weber Basin Offices in Layton. Gardening classes at the site started in April. The gardens are meant to be explored and contain a variety of plants all labeled to make imitation possible.

When water is scarce, priority for water use goes first to life sustaining drinking water within the house, then agriculture and industrial/manufacturing use and then maintaining stream flow in recreation/wildlife areas. Of lowest priority is maintaining personal landscapes. Utahns love their yards but without careful planning, the state will be back to rationing water. l

Utah’s new social media laws raise constitutional concerns

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

WhenUtah’s new social media laws go into effect in March 2024, the state’s residents will face restrictions when trying to access social media platforms. This will be particularly problematic for children under 18.

The Social Media Regulation Act requires age verification for all social media users in the state, and minors will need parental permission to have an account on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

Responding to research about the use of social media and the correlation with increased rates of suicide, depression and selfharm in teens, the Utah legislature passed two laws it hopes will help improve mental health for the the state’s youth. Gov. Spencer Cox appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in March to talk about the unprecedented legislation.

“This is about empowering families, it’s about empowering parents and it’s about holding these social media companies accountable for what we know now,” he said. “We know this is killing our kids. We have to start there.”

But while proponents of the new laws praise the state’s stand on social media, the legislation faces extreme backlash from first amendment groups and constitutional scholars, concerned the laws violate freedom of speech.

Michelle Quist, an attorney with the Utah firm Holland & Hart, is a legal issues expert. She said the laws raise a lot of constitutional questions. With teens using sites to express themselves, to communicate with others and to find support when facing issues like sexual orientation, parental abuse or gender identity, the legislation can effectively cut off those avenues of connection.

“You have constitutional rights and they don’t start at age 18,” Quist said. “Case law has always protected their rights.”

Most people think of TikTok and Instagram as the platforms targeted by the new laws, but it will affect any app that has more than 5 million users. That includes platforms like AllTrails, Canva, Spotify and LinkedIn. Every Utah resident will have to prove they are over 18 to use the sites.

“It’s all-encompassing. We don’t under- stand how far it will go,” Quist said. “We’ll protect the privacy of our youth by collecting information for every Utah resident using these platforms.”

The legislation also includes a curfew.

Between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., children under 18 will not be able to access sites, including messaging apps. Quist said this could be problematic for students who have early morning classes or practices, or for teens who work later than 10:30 p.m. since parents communicate with their children through apps that won’t be accessible.

Parents will also be able to access a child’s account, including all messaging, which raises a concern for privacy issues. Allowing access to parents who are emotionally or physically abusive could have dire consequences.

“Legislation doesn’t start until March 2024 and [legislators] are working out all the problems this year,” Quist said. “I don’t know how to work it out other than to change it.”

Utah might be the first state to impose restrictions on social media, but it won’t be the last. Some states are considering bans for minors under 16 and Texas is considering a law that would not allow anyone under 18 to have social media accounts.

Cox wants social media companies to be held accountable. The new laws don’t allow advertising directed toward minors and prohibits companies from creating addictive programs and designs. It also provides an avenue to seek legal action against social media companies.

He understands there are issues that need to be addressed with the legislation but is optimistic moving forward.

“All the law that is in question here around the first amendment really was established in the late ‘90s, early 2000s, before social media even existed,” Cox said. “We feel very confident that we have a good case here. We expect there will be lawsuits and we feel confident we’re going to prevail.” l