It’s every small business owner’s nightmare: opening a laptop or other device and discovering that ransomware or some other cyber attack is extorting their data and information. And with cyber attacks on the rise, more and more small and midsize businesses are coming to grips with the need to step up their own online and digital security.
Trailblazer brings fast, reliable 100% fiber directly into your business and leases the modem and router combination Nokia Gateway to facilitate service.
Beyond that, businesses and residents are responsible for setting up and managing their own internal networks. Basic elements of a computer network include hardware, software, and protocols. The interrelationship of these basic elements constitutes the network’s infrastructure, which may include multiple computers, terminals, printers, firewalls, data backup and storage, VPNs, ethernet cables, WiFi access points, and more.
At Trailblazer Broadband, we take cybersecurity extremely seriously, doing all we can to safeguard our high-speed fiber network at its source and keep it as reliable as possible. But individual internet users, including small businesses, must take precautions, too.
Below, we detail six of the ways small and midsize businesses can keep their devices, networks, and data—including their customers’ most sensitive information—protected from cyberattacks.
- Install Anti-Virus Software on Your Devices
Believe it or not, many small businesses fail to ensure that all their devices are properly protected with strong anti-virus software. While keeping the main server protected is paramount, other devices like laptops and tablets (and yes, even cell phones) also need protection.
McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are four of the most popular and well-regarded anti-virus software programs available, and many small businesses rely on them. These companies stay on top of cyber threats as they emerge and have features and options to better customize protection depending on your business’s particular needs and potential exposure.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Your anti-virus software is only as protective as it is updated—so be sure to keep on top of it by regularly checking for and installing updates. But don’t forget to update the built-in security settings of your devices as well!
Operating systems, such as Windows and Mac, dedicate entire teams of software engineers and programmers to outwit clever cyber criminals and their latest schemes. They also test for previously unknown vulnerabilities in their operating systems’ codes, which necessitate frequent updates to overcome.
Though it can be a hassle to plan software updates for your business (and getting staff members to do so, as well), do not neglect this necessary part of doing business in the 21st century!
- Establish a Firewall
After installing anti-virus software, another way to make your small business’ cybersecurity more robust is to set up a firewall. Firewalls protect your system from viruses, malware, and ransomware before they enter the company’s network and jeopardize the devices and data connected to it. In a sense, the two measures—firewalls and anti-virus software—perform similar and complementary functions at different points in your system’s security.
A firewall helps prevent cyber threats from breaking through your system and network, while anti-virus software identifies and eliminates them once they are infected. Hence, ideally, a savvy small business will employ both anti-virus software and a firewall to improve overall protection.
- Require—and Enforce—a Strong Password Policy for All Staff
Let’s face it—no one wants to remember onerous and lengthy passwords when logging into devices and applications. But as annoying as it is, strong passwords really do make a significant difference in small business cybersecurity. Thus, it is essential that everyone in the business employs difficult and unique passwords for their login credentials.
And no, the family dog’s name with an “!” won’t cut it—especially if it’s also being used for every streaming TV channel, shopping app, and social media login already! Discussing the importance of strong passwords with your team is critical, as is modeling good behavior by regularly changing the passwords of even the most senior staff—and even the business’ owner, too.
- Consider Encryption
For businesses handling a large amount of sensitive information from customers and other third parties—especially credit card numbers, Social Security Numbers, and banking details—encrypting that data is essential.
There are many professional encryption software options available for small businesses. Check out the details for more specific information and pricing to find the best fit. Also, make sure that the encryption “key” is kept in a safe and easily accessible place!
- Set Up a VPN
Our final suggestion is to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can make remote access to the business’ server and network by staff much more protected. Once enabled, a VPN securely transmits all the data sent from and received by the business’ devices online through a secure “tunnel,” before reaching a private server, where that same data is encrypted before being sent out again on the internet.
According to many cybersecurity experts, businesses employing remote workers or staff that travel or work from public areas like airports, hotels, or coffee shops should view VPNs as a requirement, not an option. However any business can benefit from the extra level of protection a VPN offers.
It’s easy to get comfortable and let your guard down—but you’ve worked too hard to let cyber criminals take it all away from you. Implement these six steps as soon as possible to keep your company protected. If you need additional support with networking, you may want to review this list of Estes Park IT Contractors.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to call us at 970.577.3770 to find out how to connect your business to the fastest, most reliable internet network in Estes Park!
Trailblazer Broadband is not affiliated with and does not endorse any cybersecurity or networking provider or protocol.
Not all fiber internet is the same, not even close. A 100% Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet connection and a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable (HFC) connection differ primarily in the technology used to deliver internet service to homes or businesses. A 100% FTTH employs optical fibers for direct end-to-end data transmission to residences or businesses, ensuring superior speeds and reliability. In contrast, an HFC connection integrates fiber optic and coaxial cables, potentially leading to slightly slower speeds and decreased reliability due to shared bandwidth on the coaxial segment.
Let’s explore these differences and how they impact your internet experience.
100% FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home)
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HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Cable)
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| FTTH involves running fiber optic cables directly to individual residences or businesses. |
HFC networks use a combination of fiber optic cables for the backbone and coaxial cables (copper) to deliver internet service to individual homes or businesses. |
| Fiber optic cables consist of strands of glass or plastic fibers that transmit data using light signals. |
In HFC networks, data travels via light signals through the fiber optic portion of the network but is converted to electrical signals over copper coaxial cables for the last mile. |
| Pure fiber is FAST; it’s typically a requirement for the highest speeds, such as 2 or 5 GIG. It also offers extremely high bandwidth and low latency. |
Bandwidth and speeds vary depending on the distance from the internet service provider’s hub to the end user’s location. |
| With FTTH, there’s a dedicated fiber optic line for each customer, providing consistent speeds and reliability. |
HFC networks are typically shared among multiple users in a neighborhood, which can lead to congestion and slower speeds during peak usage times. |
| FTTH is capable of delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning the upload speed is the same as the download speed, which makes it ideal for activities demanding high data transfer rates like video conferencing, gaming, streaming, large file uploads and multiple devices using the internet at the same time. |
Generally, HFC networks provide higher download speeds compared to upload speeds. The upload speeds are often slower than the download speeds due to the limitations of the coaxial cable technology. |
| 100% FTTH is typically considered the most advanced and future-proof technology for broadband internet access. |
Although HFC connections are an improved technology, they are more susceptible to signal interference than a 100% Fiber network. This can affect service reliability and speed. |
| Because FTTH connection is more scalable than other broadband technologies, future upgrades as technology advances are easier and happen faster. |
Networks that aren’t 100% fiber can become outdated or overloaded and may require large overhauls as newer technology emerges. |
Bottom Line:
As a rule of thumb, if you can get 100% FTTH, as you can with Trailblazer Broadband, you’ll never go wrong taking that route, especially in our weather-rich Rocky Mountains environment. Fiber-optic cables aren’t affected as much by weather conditions, environmental factors, or other external factors that commonly impact traditional copper-based cables. That means you get a stable, more reliable connection.
Finally, 100% fiber-connected homes have also been shown to experience enhanced real estate values, up to 5% according to a recent study. As an internet consumer, you’ll want to consider your priorities and make an informed decision. Fortunately, the future of high-speed internet connectivity continues to evolve, and the future is 100% Fiber!
Even if this reaches you on a 60-degree day, we all know Winter is upon us for a little while longer—and with it are cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls and ice, and dry, chafing air. While parts of the country are lovely in winter, there’s no escaping the fact that colder temperatures and bleak weather can take their toll.
Wintry weather also brings higher energy expenses. Home heating units often pump out warm air constantly just to keep the house comfortable—and at great costs, too. Thankfully, today’s technology can help make winter more bearable, utilizing Trailblazer Broadband’s high-speed fiber internet not only connects you to the most reliable network available but also helps keep your home warm and snug.
Together with “smart technology,” it all adds to saving money this winter and beyond! Below we highlight some of our favorite tech to help you get through the coldest months more comfortably. These unique items will make you and your loved ones feel cozier all winter, from Bluetooth devices to smart thermostats and even smart clothing.
Smart Thermostats
One of the best upgrades you can make to your home this winter (or any season) is to install a smart thermostat that monitors and controls your heating and air conditioning. Smart thermostats can sense temperature changes in different rooms and can be easily programmed to get warmer or cooler at various times of the day. Smart thermostats can connect to your home’s internet network, and through Bluetooth, to your smartphone and other devices for easy control.
Even more conveniently, many smart thermostats are controllable through voice-activated technology like Alexa or the Apple Home Kit (using Siri). And according to the federal government’s Energy Star program, which researches and provides consumers with reliable information on energy-efficient products and services, smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
Several solid options exist, including the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. Google’s device is particularly impressive because, over time, it learns your temperature preferences in each room and at different times of the day. Using a Smart Thermostat can more effectively heat your home than conventional thermostats—and because of its “smart” features and controls, it saves energy costs, too!
Smart Space Heaters
If you’ve reduced your energy bills by lowering your home’s temperatures a tad, but find that you or others in your household still feel cold, consider adding a smart space heater to those chillier rooms. Smart space heaters are ideal when one or two people prefer the temps just a bit warmer than everyone else or when the temperatures drop drastically. The Atomi Smart Ceramic Tower Space Heater is one option to consider. The Atomi can heat up to 750 square feet, perfect for small rooms.
Its safety features are also top-notch, including notifying your smartphone if the heater tips over. Then, you can easily shut it off from your phone. Its base sits evenly on multiple flooring types reducing the likelihood of tipping over at all.You can also connect the Atomi Smart Space Heater to Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice control through your home network.
Smart Clothing (Jackets and Shirts)
Have you heard about smart clothing for personal warmth? Smart clothing, especially jackets and shirts, can safely and steadily heat your body in different zones that you can control. And you can even quickly recharge them when you’re on the road with your car’s charging ports.
The DEWBU Heated Jacket, for example, has multiple heating zones. It also comes with a convenient 12V Battery Pack that can keep it powered longer on the go. Also, check out smart shirts from Venture Heat, which makes different styles for women and men. Bluetooth-enabled, you can control Venture Heat’s smart shirts ten-temperature settings with your smartphone, helping to fine-tune the perfect temperature to keep you feeling comfortably toasty on even the most frigid days!
Smart Hats
Growing up, you may remember hearing that you can lose nearly half your body heat just through the top of your head. While science has proven that that was not exactly accurate, you can still lose around 10% of your body heat off your head alone. So grandma was right—you should keep your head covered in colder weather!
Believe it or not, there are actually smart hats available for you to get the most coverage for your noggin! For example, iLive Beanie is not only fashionable in a cute, wintry way, Its Bluetooth-enabled speakers connect directly to your smartphone, doubling as a music-listening and hands-free calling device, too!
The internet and smart technology can’t stop Mother Nature’s annual blast of wintry weather. By utilizing these smart devices and a reliable fiber internet connection like Trailblazer Broadband’s, we bet you’ll cope better than you ever have before!
Trailblazer Broadband and the Town of Estes Park provide this article for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse any of the companies or products mentioned in the article.
If you’ve ever signed up for an Internet/TV “bundle” from an internet or cable company, you know that you have to decide which TV package is right for you. While Trailblazer Broadband doesn’t offer an Internet/TV bundle, we have partnered with an independent company called MyBundle that makes streaming easy.
MyBundle helps you to find the best streaming platform combinations for your household. You simply answer a few questions about your viewing habits and what you like to watch, and MyBundle gives you options of which combination of TV and streaming products will deliver everything you want to see easily and often much more cost-effectively than cable TV options.
With MyBundle:
- You can build your own custom bundle, including Live TV and streaming services you’d like to have and see MyBundle’s recommendations before committing to anything at absolutely no cost.
- Most of the same shows you find on cable can also be watched on streaming services, so you won’t miss out on the programs and movies you love! Instead, you’ll have far more content to choose from.
- My Bundle tracks the latest streaming platform specials, discounts, and free trials on many popular streaming services so you can see them all in one place.
- As a Trailblazer customer, you will have the bandwidth and internet speed to stream all your programs, and according to MyBundle, the average Live TV streaming bundle is 50% less than your old cable TV.
- We’d love to have you as a Trailblazer customer more than anything in the world, but even if you’re not, you can use MyBundle for free!
Once you’ve made the wise choice to sign up for MyBundle and optimize your streaming entertainment experience, it’s time to take advantage of MyBundle’s many tools and features.
We’ll walk you through a few first steps you should take after creating your MyBundle profile.
By taking these steps, you’ll get the most out of your MyBundle experience and enjoy more streaming entertainment immediately. So let’s jump right in so you can get busy streaming!
#1 Sign Up For Streaming Platforms
There are plenty of streaming entertainment options available today. Indeed, the sheer number of streaming apps, channels and platforms can be dizzying! MyBundle offers a convenient and quick way to cut through the clutter and confusion of selecting streaming platforms.
The best way to start this process is with MyBundle’s Find My Bundle tool.
The Find My Bundle tool is a simple “quiz.” It starts by asking you a series of questions about the size of your household, your zip code, and the apps and other streaming services you already have.
Then, you’ll be asked which channels you and your family need. Once you’ve completed the quiz, let MyBundle do the rest!
Based on your preferences and viewing habits, the Find My Bundle tool will customize a package of streaming platforms you’ll use, helping you find the services that get you the live channels you want.
In this way, MyBundle helps save money by avoiding streaming apps and channels you probably wouldn’t watch! You’ve also saved time by letting MyBundle research for you.
#2 Find and Add TV Series and Movies To Your Watchlist
Next comes the fun part—creating your MyBundle watchlist and adding your favorite shows!
Some people find creating a watchlist of content daunting since they must search for their shows and movies across multiple apps and platforms. But MyBundle’s interface lets you search for content across all your apps and channels in one place—without needing to log in and out of every platform.
Best of all, MyBundle’s tools help you find new entertainment.
MyBundle’s algorithm uses your preferences and previous watches to present content recommendations from your app subscriptions and plans. By simply utilizing its search tools, you’ll receive suggestions for great new shows and movies that are most relevant to you and your family.
There’s also a separate MyBundle movie watchlist for when the fam is ready for movie night. And the watchlists you’ve created in MyBundle show you all of your content from every app, eliminating the need to check each streaming service.
#3 Get Content Recommendations from Family and Friends
After using MyBundle’s tools to help find new content, utilize one of our favorite MyBundle features—friends and family recommendations!
Here’s how it works.
First, create your MyBundle Binge List and start selecting the TV shows or movies you might be interested in watching. MyBundle will generate a list of content just for you. For each title you might be interested in, click “Add to Vote List.” Then, click “Save and Share,” and voila—your Vote List is created!
After setting up your Vote List, share it via text message, email, or other social media with anyone you’d like, and let them review it and vote on their favorites.
Lastly, once they’ve voted, you’ll see their recommendations in your profile and you can start your next great series! It’s a terrific way to round out your watchlist with new content.
#4 Track Your Streaming Budget
Now that you’ve used MyBundle’s tools to find the streaming apps and channels you’ll use and loaded up your watchlists with hours of incredible content, it’s time to take stock and track your budget.
Establishing your streaming bundle in MyBundle has helped you declutter your streaming content and reduce overall costs. But it can also help you make streaming budgeting decisions as well.
For example, after looking through your watchlists in MyBundle, you may decide to take a hiatus from a few streaming platforms you don’t watch as much.
Or perhaps it’s better to take advantage of free trial periods or discounted rates just to binge-watch a particular series before deciding to join for a longer time. Seeing it all in one place on MyBundle helps you track your streaming budget and make better financial choices.
As you can see from the steps above, MyBundle helps you enjoy streaming more conveniently and efficiently. And it can help save you money, too.
For more information about MyBundle and how it makes streaming easier, click here. And be sure to follow Trailblazer Broadband’s social pages and News for more ways to get the most out of your high-speed fiber internet!
For your celebration this year, you may have strung lights on your house, and your trees, and lit candles in celebration. But have you thought about the light that fiber brings to your home?
Here are some innovative uses of your fiber internet that can make the 12 Days of Christmas – and all the days after – even brighter and easier.
12. Light the Smart Lights. Smart device outlets allow you to control the timing of your holiday decorations, so you don’t have to think about unplugging the tree or turning off the light decor outside before going to bed.
11. Don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday cheer! Smart Home security and camera systems depend on reliable internet to function properly and alert you when something is amiss. Don’t forget the battery backup (check out the article below!).
10. Watch TV Together – or separately. Togetherness is fun, but what if you can’t watch another Hallmark Christmas Movie? Time for Die Hard? Everyone can watch what they want when they want – at the same time in the same room or different ones without fear of buffering. Get started with all the Holiday Streaming Deals from our partner, MyBundle.
9. Design Holiday Greetings. Using mobile apps such as Canva and Shutterfly, upload family photos and capture moments such as the first snow or a burst of candid laughter to make an exciting canvas for your family greeting card.
8. Create Gifts Online. Use favorite photos to create banners, blankets, mugs, and memory books for your loved ones. You can even fill a Create My Cookbook with treasured photos and family recipes.
7. Share Photos and Videos with loved ones without posting them for the entire world to see. Use an app like Cluster, which provides an Instagram-like feed but only for the people you invite into the group.
6. Share photos with “unplugged” family members. A Wi-Fi cloud frame from Nixplay provides a digital experience for the less tech-savvy folks in your life. This digital photo frame creates a slideshow of the photos you add, and you can easily use your phone to add more at any time — even if the photo frame is on the other side of the world. All the user has to do is turn on the digital frame and watch.
5. Plan Your Next Vacation. While the family is all together, it’s the perfect time to plan next year’s vacation. Experts like Jay Jaishankar, CEO of Visitor Insurance Services, a travel insurance company say plan early! “Ideally, plan six months to a year in advance to get the best deals,” he says. And according to a Statista survey, in 2023, 72 percent of travelers plan trips online.
4. Reindeer and other games are among the family’s favorite ways to engage with each other. Find multi-player games (such as Mario Kart or Overcooked) on Wii or PlayStation gaming consoles for the whole family to participate in.
3. Telecommute. It sounds better than playing hooky, right? The holidays are a great time to work from home if you can, particularly during the snowiest days.
2. Connect with Friends and Family. With Trailblazer Broadband’s unmatched upload speeds, you can virtually share holiday feasts and open presents “together,” keeping the holiday spirit alive, no matter the distance.
1. Disconnect! Get it all done and shut it down. Fast reliable internet keeps you from having to wait for the “wheel of doom,” that little spinning circle that appears on the screen whenever your connection is too slow for whatever it is you’re doing, giving you more time for fun and family holiday pursuits.
‘Tis the season for joy, and Trailblazer Broadband is here to make it even brighter. Happy Holidays from the Trailblazer Broadband Team!
Trailblazer Broadband and the Town of Estes Park do not promote or endorse any private entities or service providers referenced in this newsletter, linked references or in any other published materials. Resources and links are provided for informational purposes only.
Despite all the benefits that the internet brings to our lives every day, there is also a nefarious side that people need to be aware of and smart about—scamming. Unfortunately, like with just about every other technology, fraudsters persist, always concocting new ways to acquire personal information or access unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts or credit cards.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the latest scams, especially because they have spent far less of their lives engaging with the internet than Millennials or Gen Z! And given the kinds of scams out there, seniors are more likely to click on links that seem innocent but that are anything but.
At Trailblazer Broadband, we take your online safety and security extremely seriously. But our technicians and online security experts can’t do it all. Nor can they watch out for scams that might hit your email account, social media feed, texts or web browser. You need to be vigilant as well.
Below we discuss ten signs that you are about to be scammed. As you will see, some of these signs are more obvious, while others can be cleverly sneaky about persuading you to “just click right now.” With even a little knowledge and some extra caution, you can avoid most scams, while enjoying Trailblazer Broadband’s fast and reliable fiber internet with greater confidence.
What is Phishing?
Before highlighting the most common signs that you’re about to be scammed, let’s briefly discuss the most common schemes plaguing internet users today, especially seniors: phishing. Phishing attempts to “lure” a victim into providing something to a scammer: personal sensitive information like full name, address, or telephone number, or an official identifier like a Social Security Number, or bank account or credit card information, or direct access to a computer or other device.
They come in many forms and some scammers can be quite ingenious about their phishing methods. But there’s almost always something “off” about phishing attempts and scams. Let’s now move on to the top ten signs to be aware of to prevent phishing attacks and other scams.
- Emails Arrive in Your Inbox at Strange Times
Many email scams originate from outside the United States in different time zones, some between six and twelve time zones away. Receiving emails in the middle of the night is a first sign that something is amiss. Further, if a hacker has taken over the email account of someone you know and sends you an email at an unusual hour (for them), that’s another indication to be suspicious—and extra careful.
- Email Address Irregularities
While scammers can easily disguise themselves in the Subject Lines of emails, it’s much more difficult to establish an email address that fits the company, government agency or other entity they are pretending to be. Look for addresses that employ @yahoo.com, @gmail.com, or similar services. No legitimate major company or agency would use such addresses to conduct business.
- Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Scammers are notoriously bad spellers. And their command of the English language is frequently lacking. Astute and vigilant email users should note that misspelled words or blatant grammatical errors are a common sign of a phishing attack and should be ignored.
- Fishy Attachments and Files
Beware of messages with odd or intentionally vague attachments. Attachments marked “Invoice “or “Shipping Notification” are particularly common—especially if you are not expecting either from a vendor. And the type of file employed in the message is another signal, too, including zip and Microsoft Word document files. Some email programs or services automatically scan such files for viruses, but if you’re at all suspicious, just ignore the message entirely and not let your curiosity get the better of you.
- Urgent Demands
Another common trick many scammers use to get your attention is to demand action from you, often with an overwhelming sense of urgency. “Time is short!” “Respond immediately!” “Your reward expires in one hour!” These are just examples of demands designed to pique your interest and get you clicking. Don’t fall for them!
- Requests for Your Personal and/or Financial Information
Any email from any source whatsoever requesting that you enter your personal or financial information should be ignored immediately. Indeed, most companies state outright that they will never ask you to enter such information through an email correspondence. Such a request is one of the biggest indicators of a phishing scam.
- If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Phishing scammers have taken a play out of junk mail schemes dating back decades, promising rewards and riches if you act now. From dangling Amazon gift cards or cash prizes, these fraudsters know how to grab your eyes with such false promises—and hope to snag your bank account information through them.
- Phony Delivery Notifications
Increasingly common in text messages sent to your smartphone, fake delivery notifications are another scam. The first sign that something is “off” is if you weren’t expecting a delivery in the first place. Even if you are, proceed with caution. For example, before clicking on such a message, try to remember how the online vendors you usually use (e.g., Amazon) typically contact you. It probably isn’t through this type of text message!
- Surveys About Major Topics of the Day
Watch out for emails asking you to respond to surveys unless you know the source. Common topical surveys relate to COVID-19 vaccines and other public health matters. Again, scammers are trying to get your attention to get you to click. Don’t fall for it over the hot topic of the times!
- Strange Greetings and/or Tone in Emails
Our last indicator of a scam is less straightforward—especially if some scammers have avoided some of the more common examples above. Watch for overly generic greetings like “Dear Friend.” Or if they use your email address instead of your actual name in the greeting! Also consider if the tone of the email is “off.” If it comes from a familiar email address but doesn’t sound like the person you know, don’t respond. Or perhaps the email is geared toward subjects or purchases that are irrelevant to you. When in doubt, trust your gut.
We hope this guide will help you fish out phishing and other scams, and make you feel more confident when utilizing the internet. And for more valuable tips and advice about staying safe online, follow us on Facebook and visit us online at TrailblazerBroadband.com.
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