Tower City, North Dakota

Tower City is proud to share this cybersecurity awareness page as part of our community's effort to help residents, families, and local businesses stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Just as we look out for one another when it comes to severe weather on the North Dakota prairie or keeping our parks and streets safe, we believe it is important to look out for each other online as well. This page provides basic information about common cyber threats and simple steps that anyone can take to protect themselves, their families, and their personal information.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Matters in Small Towns

It is easy to think that cyber threats are only a problem for big cities and large corporations, but that is not the case. Scammers and hackers target people in rural communities every day through phone calls, emails, text messages, and fake websites. In fact, residents of small towns can be especially vulnerable because many people in tight-knit communities are naturally trusting and may not have had reason to think much about online security in the past. Whether you are checking email, shopping online, managing a bank account, or simply browsing the internet, understanding the basics of cybersecurity can help protect you from fraud, identity theft, and financial loss.

Common Threats to Be Aware Of

Phishing emails and text messages are one of the most common ways criminals try to steal personal information. These messages often look like they come from a trusted source such as a bank, a government agency, or a well-known company. They may ask you to click a link, verify your account, or provide personal information. If something feels urgent or too good to be true, it is best to contact the organization directly using a phone number you know is real rather than clicking any links in the message.

Phone scams remain a persistent problem, especially for older adults. Callers may impersonate the IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, or utility companies and demand immediate payment or personal information. Remember that government agencies will not call you to demand immediate payment over the phone, and it is always okay to hang up and call the agency directly if you are unsure.

Weak passwords make it easy for criminals to break into email accounts, bank accounts, and social media profiles. Many people still use simple passwords like birthdays, pet names, or the word "password" itself. Using a unique, strong password for each of your important accounts is one of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself online.

Outdated software on your computer or phone can contain security holes that hackers know how to exploit. Keeping your devices updated with the latest software and security patches closes those holes and makes it much harder for anyone to break in.

Simple Steps Everyone Can Take

You do not need to be a technology expert to improve your online safety. Here are some practical steps that anyone in our community can follow:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your email, banking, and social media accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of them.
• Turn on two-factor authentication whenever it is available. This adds a second step to logging in, such as a code sent to your phone, which makes it much harder for someone else to access your accounts even if they have your password.
• Think before you click on links in emails or text messages, especially if the message is unexpected or creates a sense of urgency.
• Keep your devices updated by installing software updates and security patches when they become available.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi at rest stops, hotels, and other public locations along the I-94 corridor. Avoid accessing bank accounts or entering sensitive information on public networks.
• Talk to your family about online safety, especially children and older adults who may be more vulnerable to scams and deceptive messages.

Resources for Learning More

There are excellent free resources available from trusted organizations that can help you learn more about staying safe online. We recommend the following, which are also listed on our Helpful Links page:

• CISA Secure Our World – Simple, actionable cybersecurity tips from the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• National Cybersecurity Alliance – Free educational materials for individuals and families on topics like password safety, recognizing scams, and protecting personal data.
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Where to report internet crimes and read about current scam trends affecting Americans.

Looking Out for Each Other

In a community like Tower City, we have always looked out for our neighbors. Cybersecurity awareness is simply an extension of that same spirit. If you receive a suspicious email, phone call, or message, share what you have learned with your friends and family so they can watch out for it too. If you know someone who may be vulnerable to online scams, take a few minutes to talk with them about the basics. Together we can help keep our community safe both on the prairie and online.

For more information about technology awareness in our community, visit our companion page on managed IT services awareness. If you have questions or would like to suggest additional resources for this page, please contact us or email contact@towercitynd.com.