Understanding Your Smart Home Dashboard

Cyber Safety Basics

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on best practices for protecting your devices, data, and privacy online. You can protect yourself online by following a few simple steps. Here are a few cybersecurity essentials that everyone should be aware of:

Using Strong, Unique Passwords
Your password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Ensure your passwords are strong, unique, and not easily guessable. Avoid using common passwords like “password123” or “admin” and consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.

Being Alert for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent online threats. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. Always scrutinize unexpected emails, especially those requesting personal or financial information, and verify the sender’s authenticity.

Thinking Before Clicking on Links/Attachments
Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments, even if they appear to come from trusted sources. Hover over links to preview the actual URL and ensure it matches the expected destination. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping Software Updated
Outdated software can leave your devices vulnerable to security exploits. Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections.

Using Antivirus Protection
Invest in reliable antivirus software to protect your devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats. An effective antivirus program can detect and prevent malicious software from infiltrating your system.

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi for Shopping and Banking
Public Wi-Fi networks may not always be secure, making them hotspots for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data. When conducting online shopping or banking transactions, opt for secure, private networks or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added protection.

Recognizing Secure Websites
When sharing personal or financial information online, ensure you are on a secure website. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating a secure, encrypted connection.

So, as autumn arrives make sure that cybersecurity is at the top of your list. Arm yourself with cyber smarts and safeguard your digital life!

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps you secure your internet connection and protect your online privacy. It creates a private tunnel for your data, shielding it from prying eyes and ensuring that your activities are kept confidential. Imagine it as a secure, encrypted pathway for your data to travel through the internet, away from potential hackers and snoopers.

How Does it Work?
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure server before reaching its destination. This means that your IP address is masked, and your data is encrypted, making it much harder for anyone to track your online movements or intercept your information.

Why is it Important?

Access Restricted Content: With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be limited in your region.

Who Should Use a VPN?
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or simply someone who values privacy, a VPN can be a valuable addition to your online toolkit. It’s especially useful for anyone concerned about data security or who wants to access global content safely.

Curious to learn more about VPNs and how they can enhance your online security? Check out this detailed guide from Microsoft Azure: What is a VPN?

Gibson Connect does not provide VPN as a service.

Member Appreciation Events

Another Look at Broadband Labels

It’s #TechSupportTuesday again and we’re taking another look at the new broadband labels. These new labels allow you to have a clear view of what you’re paying for with your home, business, or mobile internet. Let’s look at these two labels, one from Gibson Connect and one from a national competitor as an example. When comparing plans or providers, make sure to pay close attention to the “Monthly Price” and “Additional Charges & Terms” sections. These will show you what you can expect to pay monthly, when you first sign up, and what you will be charged for things like Managed Wi-Fi, Professional Installation, and Late Payment Fees.

It’s also important to compare the “Monthly Price” on the label to what the company is advertising, so you don’t have any billing surprises in the future. We don’t do temporary discounts, but many companies do, which is why it’s so important to check the label.

How to Use Wi-Fi Calling

Living in rural areas often means dealing with a spotty cell signal, but with Wi-Fi calling, you can make clear, reliable calls using your internet connection. Here’s a quick guide to setting up Wi-Fi calling on both iOS and Android devices:

Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling:

Reliable calls even in areas with poor cell reception

High-quality audio

No extra cost, it uses your existing Wi-Fi connection

For iOS:

Go to Settings.
- Tap on Phone.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Toggle on the option for “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your emergency address.

For Android:

Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Calls
- Tap on Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on.

Follow any additional prompts to complete set up.

Why Your Internet Speeds Matter

Wondering why synchronous internet speeds matter? Check out our latest Tech Support Tuesday video to learn how equal upload and download speeds can transform your online experience. Whether you’re working from home, gaming, or video calling, find out why speed symmetry makes all the difference!

How to Share Your Wi-Fi with the App

This Tech Support Tuesday we’re going to help you easily share your Wi-Fi with friends and guests right in your Gibson Connect Smart Home App. The video below shows you how to share the guest network, but you can do this same process with your regular network if you don’t have guest Wi-Fi (or don’t want to use it). Don’t have the app? Visit gibsoncoops.com/protect on a smartphone or tablet to download it.

Setup Parental Wi-Fi Controls

With your kids and their friends at home more often, we want to help you enforce the rules you’ve made for their online activities. Hop on the Gibson Connect Smart Home App and follow this video to set up parental controls for your whole home and for each individual in your home. Don’t have the app? Download it now at gibsoncoops.com/protect!

Understanding Broadband Labels

It’s Tech Support Tuesday again and today we are talking about the new Broadband Labels. Over the last few months you may have heard about the new “Broadband Labels” all internet providers are required to start using this year. They look and work just like the nutrition labels on your food, allowing you to see what’s really inside that internet plan you are considering. Today we are starting to use labels on all of our available plans. We recommend watching this video for a quick overview of what goes on a broadband label. Go to gibsoncoops.com/labels to see all of our broadband labels, or visit fcc.gov/broadbandlabels to learn more about this new initiative.