Wheat State's Hello Central Summer 2016

2 / 4

Tips for a More Secure Home Network
Many families have a variety of Internet-connected devices—including computers, lap-
tops, gaming systems, TVs, tablets, and smartphones—that all access a home Wi-Fi
network. To protect your network and your family from online threats, the National Cyber
Security Alliance offers these tips:
• Keep a clean machine. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating
system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Automate software updates. Many software programs will automatically connect and
update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that’s an available option.
• Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. This includes computers, smart-
phones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices. They all need protection from
viruses and malware.
• Plug and scan. USBs and other external devices can also be infected by viruses and malware.
Use your security software to scan them.
• Use a firewall. A firewall is like a guard, watching for attempts to access your system
and blocking communications with sources you don’t permit. Your operating system
and/or security software likely comes with a pre-installed firewall, but make sure you
turn on these features.
• Secure your wireless router. Make sure wireless security is activated on your router.
Change the name of your router from the default ID (called a “service set identifier” or
“extended service set identifier”) to a name that is unique to you and won’t be easily
guessed by others. Prevent your router from broadcasting the router name. Also change
the pre-set password on your router to a new password that’s long and strong, using a
mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.
• Back it up. Protect your valuable work, music, photos, and other digital information by
making an electronic copy and storing it safely.
Wheat State can help you set up a secure home Wi-Fi network.
Call 1/800 442-6835 for details.
Wheat State Telephone • 1/800 442-6835 •
You Can’t Beat
a Burger With
Everything on It
May is National Hamburger Month,
so Wheat State hopes you have the
chance to fire up the grill and enjoy
your favorite burgers with family and
friends. If you’re hungry to try some
new burger recipes, check out the
ones at or
.
Speaking of burgers, Wheat State is
a little like a burger with everything
on it. The “meat” of our business
is the infrastructure that brings you
essential Internet and home phone
services. Then stacked on top of
that are all kinds of complementary
services including:
• Online Data Backup
• Internet Security Products
• Voice Mail and Calling Features
• Digital TV Packages
To get details on any of our
services, call 1/800 442-6835.