Tag Archive: cybersecurity

woman eye closed computer

Watch Out for Tech Support Scams

May 14, 2021

When you communicate with tech support, you want them to help you solve computer problems, not create them! Yet, that’s exactly what scammers pretending to be tech support personnel are doing. Here’s how it works: Pop-up ads claiming to sell fixes for your computer lead you to a website to download the software. The website includes a phone number for you to call to “register” the software. When you call, the person on the other end of the line requests...

Read More →
Couple Using Computer Taxes

Stay Safe From Cybercrime During Tax Time

February 1, 2021

Tax season is prime time for online scams. With the April 15 filing deadline just two months away, cybercriminals are looking to lift your personal information to cash in on a refund request and/or steal your identity. The problem is rampant: in 2015, the Federal Trade Commission received close to half a million complaints, and nearly half (45 percent) – were tax fraud-related. Cyber thieves are crafty: they can break into your account or device and literally steal your online...

Read More →
Data Privacy Day

January 28 is National Data Privacy Day

January 25, 2021

Alpine Communications a Data Privacy Day Champion! Data Privacy Day is a global effort every January 28th that generates awareness about the importance of privacy, highlights easy ways to protect personal information and reminds organizations that privacy is good for business. 

Read More →
man computer compromised

Ransomware Facts and Tips

January 16, 2021

What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware that accesses a victim’s files, locks and encrypts them, and then demands the victim to pay a ransom to get them back. Cybercriminals use these attacks to get users to click on attachments or links that appear legitimate but actually contain malicious code. Ransomware is like the “digital kidnapping” of valuable data – from personal photos and memories to client information, financial records, and intellectual property. Any individual or organization could...

Read More →
Two men playing video games

Understanding Internet Connection Speeds

July 22, 2020

It’s important to understand how Internet connection speeds work to ensure you select the right package for the needs of your home or business. Speed is often the most important factor since a faster Internet connection will improve your overall online experience. The challenge is that the fastest Internet speeds are typically the most expensive.  Alpine Communications provides a variety of Internet plans to choose from. How is Internet speed measured? Let’s start with the concept of speed, or bandwidth,...

Read More →
Work From Home Rockstar Image

Make the Most of Your Work-From-Home Experience

April 10, 2020

Working from home presents many challenges, especially during a pandemic. You may be largely confined to home, surrounded by family and pets we adore, but who can also be distracting while we try to work. The entire household is trying to access the internet at the same time and cybercriminals are trying to take advantage of the current situation. We want to be healthy but being stuck at home makes that difficult, especially when the gym is closed and snacks...

Read More →

​​Watch Out for Coronavirus Scams

March 24, 2020

​​​Criminals are opportunists. They will often capitalize on major news events to create scams to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is a perfect example. The fear evoked by the COVID-19 creates the perfect opportunity for criminals to prey upon individuals with phishing, social engineering scams and more. ​​Some of the potential scams to watch out for include:​ ​​Phishing: The fraudulent practice of sending emails disguised as coming from reputable companies in order to entice people to...

Read More →

Covid-19 Telework Cybersecurity Strategies

March 17, 2020

Alpine Communications is tenaciously seeking information that will protect our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminals will take advantage of this crisis and everyone needs to be vigilant and safe.  We received a news release from the State of Iowa and want to make sure you have these cybersecurity tips and resources if you are a remote worker or distance learner. Release: from the Office of the Chief Information Officer, State of Iowa CONTACT: Gloria Van Rees, 515.782.3661 DES MOINES,...

Read More →

Small Business Owners: Protect Your Tech with Cybersecurity

April 29, 2019

Did you know two-thirds of all cyber-attacks are directed at small business and that number is expected to rise? Cybersecurity is a top concern for many businesses. We hear daily news reports of data breaches, identity theft, and cybercrime. The risk is compounded by the increasingly sophisticated hackers who target businesses of all sizes with online threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing emails. Let’s face it, most small businesses are not prepared or are adequately protected to thrive in...

Read More →