Tag Archives: safe

How To Properly Secure Your Digital Assets

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Image Source: Unsplash

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Every year, our world and the technology we use continues to evolve, so much so that most of what we do is now done on a computer or smartphone. While tech can make life more convenient, it also means that you have more digital assets than ever before — if you aren’t careful, those assets can be quickly stolen by hackers and cybercriminals.

It may not be fun to think about, but you need to secure your computers, tablets, and smartphones now so you can protect yourself against malicious characters. To help, we will discuss some essential tips and information that you can use to safeguard your assets and data. Take care of it now, and you can protect yourself and your finances for years to come.

Your Digital Assets Are At Risk

Some people don’t bother to protect their unsecured data because they don’t feel that there is really a risk. However, by being negligent, you are making yourself a prime target. Studies show that cyberattacks occur, on average, every 39 seconds, and they can happen to businesses and individuals alike. It may not seem like a big deal, but hacking can have disastrous results for you, both personally and financially. It can even result in identity theft if you don’t take the proper precautions.

That is because every piece of data that you have online can be used for malicious purposes. While many of us realize that credit card information and Social Security numbers can be used to take out fraudulent loans and commit identity fraud, many don’t know that even phone numbers and email addresses can be sold on the black market or used to send scam emails.

Hackers can use many different tactics to try to get your data. If you ever leave your device unattended, someone could simply insert a USB drive and upload a virus. Even if you keep your computer at home, a hacker can still send a phishing email (a fake communication that appears to come from a trustworthy source, like your job or a store you like to shop at). When you open it and view the attachment, a virus is installed on your device. Criminals can even create fake alerts on your computer — like a warning that you have a virus — but when you click the button to “fix it”, malware is installed on your device.

The fact is that you need to be vigilant at all times, even when you think you are already protected. A good example is people who work from home. Although you may have an IT team at the office, if your personal device is infected and you send an email to your work account, the company can then get infected. That is why it is important to designate your home office a “work only” zone, where you separate your work and personal devices. Once you have that setup, then make it a point to keep a decluttered desktop where you keep all files in designated folders. That way, you won’t misplace your work, and you will know if a file has been compromised.

How To Secure Your Assets

Now that you know the importance of securing your digital assets, it is time to start putting the proper protections in place. The first step is to take your password security seriously. Your password should have a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and you should use a separate password for every system and website you use. You can combine your password with a form of two-factor authentication for additional protection

It is also important that you protect your entire system and disguise yourself from hackers by installing a virtual private network (VPN) on all of your devices. A VPN will hide your location and automatically encrypt your incoming and outgoing data, so even if a hacker was able to access your system, they couldn’t read your information. Using a VPN is especially important when you are working in public, where hackers love to hide.

Finally, it’s crucial to use an antivirus program installed on your computer and mobile devices. By having this software and running scans every week, you can ensure that any virus that does reach your computer is deleted immediately. Make sure to update your antivirus program often, so you are always protected against the newest threats.

Properly Disposing Of Old Files And Paperwork

Protecting your assets and data goes beyond the digital world.

These days, digital filing has become the norm as paper and filing cabinets become a thing of the past. This means it’s not uncommon for people to scan and upload their physical paperwork so they can file it on their computers to stay organized and save space in the office. However, while you are making a smart move, you need to be careful with the information you leave behind.

Once you have scanned and uploaded your physical paperwork, make sure to have that documentation properly shredded or disposed of. Do not simply throw out the full sheets because criminals are not opposed to going through your garbage.

When you are decluttering your computer and removing files you no longer need, remember that even though you press the delete button, it doesn’t mean that the file is gone forever. Hackers can still use special tools to recover those files if they get into your system. To ensure that the data is gone forever, you can install a wiping program to erase your hard drive.

If you plan to sell or give away your computer, then your best bet is to destroy the hard drive altogether. Your best is to bring it to a shredding center. They have the machinery necessary to ensure that the hard drive is properly processed and your data can never be accessed again.

As you can see, you must implement the proper protections today, or you could be hacked and your data exploited before you know it. Consider these tips and beware of common scams, and you can keep your assets, personal data, and sensitive information secure.

Planning a Road Trip For Your Mental Health

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Road trips are often associated with families looking to get away for the summer, or college students packing up an old van with as much gear as possible and trekking across the country.

pexels.com/photo/asphalt-road-through-cactus-fields-in-mountainous-valley-6039250/

However, this kind of travel can be beneficial for everyone – especially if you’re an older adult and adjusting to a new lifestyle. Whether you’ve still got kids at home, you’re recently retired, or you just became an empty-nester, planning a road trip can be great for your mental health and give you a new perspective on life.

Plus, taking a road trip with the ones you love is one of the best ways to create lasting memories.

Still not convinced? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of planning a road trip, and how you can make the most of one by staying safe and embracing something new.

Travel and Your Mental Health

Maybe you’ve had the travel bug your whole life but haven’t had many opportunities to go places. Or, maybe you’ve been somewhat of a homebody and you’re ready for something new. If you’re considering a road trip, it’s important to know how beneficial it can be for your mental well-being.

Traveling can boost your creativity and mental power, reduce stress, and give your mind and body an opportunity to “reset” if you’re experiencing a lot of tension or frustration from your everyday routine.

You’ll also be able to see the world from a different perspective. Even if you’re just traveling to a different state, you’ll experience new cultures and customs, which can make you more appreciative of your surroundings.

Traveling also helps to take your mind off things. As you get older, life changes. Most women are quick to recognize the symptoms of menopause, including

  • Hot flashes
  • Chills
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood changes

Taking a trip won’t slow down the hands of time or keep these changes from happening, but it can make it easier to manage your symptoms and keep a positive attitude. Keep in mind that your spouse might be dealing with similar changes. Men experience a drop in testosterone after age 40. Between that drop and certain lifestyle choices, they can experience male menopause, which comes with many of the same symptoms. Traveling together can help you both accept these changes and serve as a support system for one another.

How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

If you’ve decided to hit the road, the next step is planning out your trip so you can make the most of it. Traveling can increase confidence in those over the age of 50, and it can keep your stress levels low long after your vacation ends. Keep that in mind as you go through your planning, and remind yourself why you’re taking this trip.

It shouldn’t be a stressful event to plan. Rather, it needs to be something you’re looking forward to.

With that in mind, there are a few tips you should consider to make sure you’re prepared for any road trip challenges. Consider some of the following planning tips to make your experience easier and less overwhelming.

  • Choose a destination that is interesting and easy to get to, especially if it’s your first time traveling.
  • Travel with your spouse, a group of friends, or other family members.
  • Give yourself enough time to enjoy the scenery without having to rush from destination to destination.
  • If you require special accommodations, take them into consideration while planning your routes.

The “perfect” road trip depends on what you’re hoping to experience and the memories you want to make. While planning ahead is important to make sure things go smoothly, the most important thing you can plan for is how to make the most out of your trip and everything you want to experience along the way.

Keeping Yourself Safe

Another important aspect of planning is ensuring your safety long before you hit the road.

You’re not going to be able to predict everything. Things like flat tires and car trouble can happen. However, you can reduce that risk by making sure your car is properly maintained before you go. Visit a trusted mechanic for a tune-up to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

If it is, continue to plan ahead with safety in mind by being a precautionary packer. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for yourself and your passengers. This will keep everyone’s energy levels up, and prevent you from having to make such frequent stops.

There are also a few essentials you should have in your vehicle in case of an emergency, including a first aid kit, extra clothes, blankets, and nonperishable food.

The more you start to take road trips, the easier it will be to learn the basic “rules” of safety, including not sleeping in your car, and knowing the local laws of your destination(s).

If you’ve been wanting to travel for a while, planning a road trip is the perfect way to see the country and experience lasting mental health benefits. You’ll be able to enjoy your freedom at this stage of life while managing your stress levels, boosting your self-esteem, and finding more happiness and joy in experiencing new things.

Easy & Cheap Way To Child Proof Your Door Handles

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This is not my setup but it was where I got the idea from. Credit to the original owner of the photo.

We recently ran into a problem with our young daughter. We went to visit relatives and she found her way out of the front door and was playing with the neighbors children. To think of the nightmare that could have happened. I get sick thinking about it.

I couldn’t very well ask the relatives to add child protective locks on their doors. So we had to come up with a simple cheap and effective solution to keep her safe.

We went to the dollar store and bought a rubber main salad bowl. We cut an X in the lid just big enough to force the door handle through. This lid screwed on to bowl tight. So we pushed the lid onto the handle and screwed the bowl on when we went to sleep. For a dollar it was a bit more protection – although not fool proof.

Safety Solution For Your Vehicle Save The Lives Of Children & Pets

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I am very excited to talk to you all today, as there has finally been a technical breakthrough in protecting children and pets from being run over by vehicles or equipment.

Our friends North of us in Canada have developed a revolutionary way of protecting people, environment, and assets. This Canadian company is called National Safety Solutions, and they have patented the Start Right Safety Device. Now that they have completed all their vigorous testing of the prototypes National Safety Solutions is proud to say that they have begun manufacturing in Vancouver, Canada.


The device operates like this; when the driver or operator of any type of vehicle jumps in and starts the engine an 85-decibel alarm sounds within 5 seconds, for those of you unsure of how loud this is, it is comparable to a food blender (88db) or a Vacuum Cleaner (70db). Once the alarm has sounded the driver knows immediately that they have forgotten to walk around the vehicle and ensure that kids or pets are not playing behind, around or even under the vehicle or leaving hazards such as bikes, or skateboards that are out of sight of the back up camera (if your vehicle has one).

With the alarm sounding, the driver turns the vehicle off and takes a small handheld Scanner and proceeds to pass the Scanner over each strategically place Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags usually on each corner of the vehicle. When you have completed these steps, the driver returns to the driver seat and turns the ignition on. The Scanner connects with a few quick beeps to the Data Logger inside the vehicle, and the alarm will not sound. This device has taken the complacency out of drivers that never look around the vehicle or the drivers that solely rely on their mirrors and back-up cameras. In our busy lives we all make a very common mistake, that is not making sure it is safe to move or vehicles. So many folks have done this and now live with the grief of being responsible for one of these horrific accidents. Nothing will ever replace the simple ‘feet on the ground’ approach to ensuring that your vehicle is safe to move.

If you could take a minute to check out KIDSANDCARS.org http://www.kidsandcars.org/ you will see just how often this really happens. I am sure many people have said ‘It would never happen to me’, ‘I have a back up camera’ or ‘I checked my mirrors I know it is safe to go’! How many of us really think about if it is safe to move our vehicles? I know I look for the obvious when sitting in the driver’s seat but after following up with the website of KIDSANDCARS.org, I now realize how big the blind spots really are while sitting in my vehicle. This has been a huge eye opener for me, therefore I envision this safety device to be on all types of vehicles and equipment, from personal vehicles, school buses, government cars and trucks, as well as many industrial and commercial applications.

The folks at National Safety Solutions tell me that if there is enough interest in their product within the USA then they will begin manufacturing the Start Right Safety Device right here in America. It is always nice to say, ‘Made in America’ and not somewhere offshore. When you follow up with this great product, you will contact Byron@nsslca.com and use the promo code: B2018K01T which will entitle you to a promotional discount on your purchase. The best part about this whole concept is that we can prevent so many horrific incidents for under $725.00 CND. With the Promo discount and exchange rate it will be approximately $500.00 USD or possibly less. Now that is what I call inexpensive peace of mind.

This product is an exciting and innovative resource that we all can utilize to help protect our children, grandchildren, pets, our fellow workers, and our property and assets. If you have been, or know someone that has ever been, impacted by this type of incident please share this with them as you could be that person that has helped prevent the next life changing event.

Trick Or Treaters Safety On Halloween Night

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Tripping

Some giddy ghosts and ghouls will race excitedly to your door. Be prepared.

In the full light of day, inspect your lawn, driveway and front path for trip hazards like exposed tree roots, cracks in concrete or missing pavers. Make repairs where possible or, at the very least, cut off access to unsafe areas.

Meanwhile, if you’ve decorated the front yard with decorations like light-up pumpkins and animated figures, relocate the electrical cords so they’re not in anyone’s way.

Lighting

Make sure the path to your house is bright enough for trick-or-treaters to approach safely.

You don’t need to install a full suite of year-round landscape lighting simply to accommodate visitors on Halloween night. There are plenty of temporary and affordable options for illumination, from glow sticks to tea lights.

And although it may seem more in keeping with the mood of this spooky night to switch off your porch light, it’s much safer — not to mention more inviting — to keep it on.

Flammable Decorations

Whether vandals or accidents are to blame, there are many more fires on Halloween than a typical October night, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Holiday decorations are often quite flammable, involving materials such as paper, hay and dried cornstalks.

If you can’t resist adorning your home and yard with such potentially dangerous items, then be sure to keep them away from candles and other heat sources. If jack-o’-lanterns or luminaries figure into your celebrations, illuminate them using LED tea lights, not open flames.

Put Doggie Up

Chances are yours is a friendly dog. But if some Halloween costumes are so convincing as to be frightening to small children, those same getups could be equally disturbing to your pooch — particularly on such a high-energy night.

It’s good sense to contain your dog in an indoor space that’s both comfortable and secure.

A festive parade of goblins and ghouls, princesses and superheroes will soon be marching to your house. Do your part by clearing the path and lighting the way. Be safe out there, and have a Happy Halloween!