By Steve Rowland, Senior Information & Security Manager
Staying safe online has never been more important than it is today. Cyberattacks are on the rise, with phishing attempts increasing by over 200% in recent years. As someone who’s witnessed the digital landscape evolve firsthand, it’s clear that the risks we face online are growing more sophisticated by the day.
That’s why Safer Internet Day, celebrated on February 11th, is a great time to reflect on the steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our families, and our businesses. At United Communications, cybersecurity is not just a priority—it’s our commitment.
As a local internet provider with a deep connection to our Middle Tennessee community, we’ve built a legacy of delivering fast and reliable internet services for our customers. Whether investing in advanced technologies or training our team on the latest security measures, we take a 360-degree approach to safeguarding our customers and employees.
In my role as Senior Information Technology and Security Manager at United Communications, I’m passionate about equipping people with tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly.
In this blog, I wanted to offer a few practical tips, helpful tools, and additional resources to empower you to stay safe online.
Internet Safety Tips
Here are three foundational steps to improve your online safety:
1. Be Proactive About Internet Safety
The best defense is a strong offense. Start by upgrading your password game. Instead of basic words, opt for “passphrases” based on memorable quotes, song lyrics, or book titles. Mix in numbers and special characters for added security.
Checklist for proactive security:
- Use passwords that are at least 14 characters long.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical accounts like email, banking, and medical portals.
- Invest in a reliable password manager to store and organize your credentials securely. Before choosing one, research its reputation and history.
2. Recognize Common Cybersecurity Threats
Phishing is one of the most prevalent cyberattacks today. Scammers use emails, texts, phone calls, or even QR codes to trick you into sharing personal information. They often create a false sense of urgency with messages about package delivery issues, banking problems, legal troubles, or loved ones in danger.
If something feels off, take a moment to verify the source. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to act immediately or share sensitive information without proper authentication.
3. Educate Your Inner Circle
Online safety isn’t just about you—it’s about everyone connected to your network. Talk to family members, especially children and elderly relatives, about common online risks. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help if they encounter something suspicious.
Tip: Share resources about how to recognize scams and set up secure accounts to help them feel empowered rather than intimidated.
United’s Online Safety Tools
At United Communications, we’re dedicated to equipping our customers with tools to make cybersecurity more manageable. Here are three solutions we offer:
The UControl app is an essential tool for United customers. It gives you a snapshot view of your network, allowing you to manage connected devices, set parental controls, and receive real-time notifications. With UControl, you can take charge of your online environment.
For advanced protection, ProtectIQ enhances your network security by shielding all connected devices. It identifies and blocks potential threats while providing intrusion prevention. Alerts keep you informed so you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Designed to bolster our cybersecurity commitment to local businesses, BizControl delivers robust security features like malicious website protection, intrusion detection, threat blocking, and antivirus solutions. It’s a comprehensive way to safeguard sensitive business data.
Additional Internet Safety Resources from United
For those looking to dive deeper into online safety, check out these resources from United Communications:
- 6 Cybersecurity Do’s and Don’ts for Internet Use — Explore or share this practical guide to protecting your home or business network.
- 10 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from Hackers — Protect your family with this simple, actionable advice to secure every device in your household.
- Kid Internet Safety Tips — Make cybersecurity accessible for little ones with an easy-to-understand guide for teaching children the basics of online safety.
Building a Safer Digital Community Together
At United Communications, we’re continually enhancing our tools, technologies, and processes to protect our systems and the networks that serve you. Whether you’re streaming, working, or managing a business, we aim to provide highly secure, reliable internet solutions that keep you connected and protected.
We’re proud of the role we play in helping to safely make Middle Tennessee a more connected community. Personally, it’s deeply rewarding to know that our work is making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors, allowing families to stay in touch, businesses to thrive, and everyone to feel safer online.
Author Bio:
Steve Rowland, Senior Information Technology & Security Manager
Steve Rowland is the Senior Information Technology & Security Manager at United Communications, bringing over 20 years of diverse industry experience. In 2020, Steve joined the team at United after being drawn to the company’s shared value of serving others and his passion for continuous learning. In his current role as Senior Information Technology & Security Manager at United Communications, Steve leads a team of IT professionals who are responsible for supporting the company’s employees and ensuring its IT systems are secure. He holds certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Project Management Professional (PMP), demonstrating his expertise in IT and security management.