Security Archives - Alpine Communications

Privacy Settings Every Smart Home Assistant User Should Consider

May 5, 2023

Smart home assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and its Echo and Dot smart speakers, Apple’s Siri and its HomeKit, and Google Home Assistant and its Nest product line have become extremely popular in recent years. Also known as voice-controlled smart devices or digital assistants, it's getting harder and harder to find a home that doesn't have at least one smart home assistant device in it. As smart home technology continues to improve and better integrate into the home, more and more families are finding them indispensable. But some consumers are less-than-enthusiastic about the seemingly ever-present smart speaker just waiting to be woken by its trigger word—and they’re rightly concerned about their privacy. Fortunately, there are privacy settings you can implement and adjust for the most prominent smart home assistants and devices on the market today.

Secure Your Smart Home and Business

October 25, 2021

One element of Cybersecurity Awareneess Month is making security a priority. For businesses, this means building security into products and processes. Make cybersecurity training a part of employee onboarding and equip staff with the tools they need to keep the organization safe. For individuals, keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your mind as you connect daily. Before purchasing a device or online product, do your research. When you set up a new device or app, consider your security and privacy...

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.

Beware of COVID-19 Computer Scams

April 15, 2020

Stay ready, even indoors! Many of us are spending more time than normal on our screens, whether we are working from home, homeschooling our children, or binge-watching our favorite shows to help pass the time indoors. While COVID-19 has many of us staying home to help save lives, unfortunately, it’s not only outdoors that we need to take care of. Scammers and hackers are taking this opportunity—while the country is vulnerable—to launch new phishing and malware attacks. Phishing is when...

Preparing Your Furnace for the Winter

December 13, 2019

The weather turned cold, and the snow fell a little sooner than we anticipated in Northeast Iowa. While cold weather has been upon us for over a month, it’s not too late to prepare your home for freezing temperatures ahead. Check the following to be sure your furnace is ready to handle the wrath of winter, so you and your home are warm and cozy this winter. Turn on the thermostat. Switch from cooling to heating and set the temperature...

Smart Devices – DIY or DIFM

June 27, 2019

Alpine Makes the Choice Clear Spare time is a rare commodity these days. Between work, families, school, chores, and other commitments – who has time to tackle technology? If you are part of the 1-in-4 Americans who are interested in a video doorbell this year, what is keeping you from installing one? For many, the first step holding them back is choosing the right technology. The vast array of smart home devices to choose is overwhelming, and selecting the right...