The Newmark Grubb Zimmer Team of Michael VanBuskirk, SIOR, CCIM, CRE, Chris Robertson, CCIM and Trenton Wahl successfully brokered the sale of a 36-unit multifamily portfolio located at 201-219, 223-225 Barr Road, Grain Valley, Missouri.
      The property was 100% leased at closing. The Seller was T&T Real Estate, LLC, and the Buyer was an investor based in Utah..
 

     With the merriment of the holiday season behind us, the start of a new year brings less festive realities for businesses and individuals, including tax preparation and planning.
     Lorne Meinershagen, CPA, Managing Member of Meinershagen & Co., brought some practical advice and levity regarding business tax issues to the Grain Valley Partnership’s January luncheon.
     Meinershagen reviewed how the structuring of a business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, etc.) can impact a business owner’s liability as well as issues related to taxes. Meinershagen emphasized the importance of reaching out to and establishing a relationship with  a trusted tax advisor, preferably prior to setting up a business, to ensure the business is structured in a way to best protect the owner from liability and ensure proper tax planning.
     Meinershagen & Co. provides tax planning and preparation for businesses and individuals, preparation of financial statements, consulting on business start-up needs, payroll services, accounting software support, and assistance with business and personal tax problems.   
     To schedule an appointment, call 816-847-0536 or visit www.floydmeinershagenandco.com.
     The Partnership’s February luncheon will be held Tuesday, February 4th. For more information about the Grain Valley Partnership and their upcoming events, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
 

     One of the newest members of the Grain Valley Partnership is Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Oak Grove. One of only four wildlife rescue nonprofits in the state, Wild Souls is a free public service whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Missouri native wildlife mammals while educating the public on humane wildlife conflicts, evictions, and exclusions in a manner to peacefully coexist.
     The 501c3 organization does not receive state or federal funding. Instead, Wild Souls relies on donations, fundraisers, and volunteer caregivers to rehabilitate the wildlife they rescue. Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation was established in November of 2017 (receiving their state permit in August of 2018) by founder April Hoffman.
     Hoffman has been a lifelong resident of Eastern Jackson County. She has seen her work grow to having eleven team members and a transporter (someone who delivers an animal to the nearest wildlife specialist in the case of immediate emergency assistance for particular species free of charge) in every surrounding town in the area. Hoffman’s work is definitely a labor of love.
     “Three years ago, I found some orphaned baby squirrels. I realized there was basically no where to take them in Missouri. You have to be educated and possess a state permit to rehab and release, so I started Wild Souls for the smaller communities of Eastern Jackson County,” Hoffman said.
     “I definitely enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from pulling an injured owl out of a fence or a bobcat that’s been injured and needs assistance due to having a limp. To see the growth in our volunteers from the rare experience our work provides, and in witnessing the passion that comes alive from their work is rewarding.”
     Hoffman has logged 620 encounters of wildlife in need during the last twelve months. The exact number being known due to the reporting requirements of the Missouri Department of Conservation. That much work has not been without its hurdles to overcome.
     “Our biggest challenges have been finding volunteers, getting exposure, and people understanding wildlife rehabilitation and the responsibilities that come with it. I’m excited we are currently pulling from UCM (University of Central Missouri) students that are majoring in animal science or biology and they are getting hands on experience for their future career interests,” Hoffman said.
     “This is also not just about taking in animals and cuddling with them. These are wild animals that we are interested in getting back to their natural habitats.”
     Hoffman has also been motivated by increasing options to help support wildlife in need in the area and has paid her dues along the way.
     “My options when I found the orphaned squirrels on a weekend were to keep wildlife at my house for two days until the nature center in Kansas City opened up on Monday or drive to St. Louis to turn over the animals appropriately,” Hoffman said.
     “I flew around the United States for two years receiving the proper education at symposiums for consideration in receiving a permit. An apprenticeship was also completed by me at Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park while working under their permit for a year before applying for our own.”
     Wild Souls has chosen to unite with the Grain Valley Partnership due to the connectedness of the area and what it views as the closeness of communities like Grain Valley, Oak Grove, and Odessa along the Interstate 70 corridor.
     Hoffman wants the growth of commerce and the education of her mission to happen in Eastern Jackson County. Especially, since the only other options in the state to support wildlife in the vision of her mission currently exist in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbia.
     Wild Souls has received 200 phone calls in the last year due to its partnership with Burr Oak Nature Center in being a 24 hour hotline. That number is expected to increase during baby season from February to July. Animals like squirrels, rabbits, opossums, foxes, and racoons become the highest intakes for Wild Souls during those months.
     To support Wild Souls in their effort in “Healing Wildlife and The Human Spirit” you may volunteer or donate online at
www.wildsoulswildliferescuerehab.org. The organization may also be followed on Instagram or Facebook and by phone at 1-800-495-8403.  
 

​     If you're like me, nothing makes you happier than being able to find that perfect holiday gift for friends and family members.  Obviously I'm going to say technology is the best gift to give because it's the gift that keeps on giving ... because tech is so cool and useful.
     The challenge is there are so many technology devices out there, it's hard to find the right tech to get.  Fear not, I've taken the time to pick out some of my favorite tech items for anyone on your list.

Great Stocking Stuffers
     As a kid, I would sometimes get more excited about what was hiding in the stocking than what was wrapped up under the tree.  Get your loved ones excited about reaching into their stockings by purchasing these cool tech items.

Mophie 3 in 1
     For years, I've always recommended people to get Mophie's Juice Pack as a backup charger for their Android and Apple smartphones. Now Mophie has stepped up their game and created the Mophie 3 in 1 which is a wireless charger pad that will allow you to charge up to 3 devices such as a smartwatch, wireless headphones, and a smartphone.

Amazon Echo Buds
     These earbuds work with your Alexa to stream music, make calls, and they are wireless. As an added bonus, they also feature Bose noise reduction which means you can enjoy music without outside interference.

Apple AirPods Pro
     Apple's second-generation AirPods are a vast improvement over the first-generation headphones.  Better fit and better battery life. The wireless charging case makes this a great gift.

For The Kids In Your Life
     There's nothing more exciting to see your kids scream in delight at the awesome gifts they are about to get.  These tech gifts are bound to be a hit with your kids.

Kindle Fire Kids Edition
     The 10.1-inch version of this smart tablet is the perfect gift for your young kids.  A 2-year warranty and protective case mean you don't have to worry about your clumsy kids in your life.

Nintendo Switch
     One of the best things about the Switch is the fact your kids can play this device as a handheld or hook it up to a television. This means you can enjoy your TV and your kids and still enjoy gameplay. Robust parental controls mean you can limit how many rounds of Fortnite they play.

Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition
     This device does everything the Echo does, but it's kid-friendly and has parental controls to block inappropriate content.  You can also take advantage of the FreeTime Unlimited which offers educational activities, audible books, music, and games.

For Your Smart Home
     If you haven't experienced the features of having a smart home, you're missing out. With the right devices, you can control your home with an app or your voice.

Amazon Echo Show
     Yes, there is the Google Home View, but the Echo show offers the best features for your smartphone.  The skills you can add to your Echo Show are endless which makes a great hub for your smartphone, allows you to easily monitor your house and can offer your family hours of entertainment.

Ring Products
     Known as the company that makes smart doorbells, Ring now offers cameras, smart lights and alarm systems which quickly integrate into your smart home

Google Nest Wi-Fi
     Google Nest is a mesh system that extends your Wi-Fi network throughout your house.  I'm not a big fan of mesh networks, but Google's Next will help you get wireless in those hard to reach areas of your house.

Smartphones, Tablets, and Computers
     Everyone is on these devices all of the time, so why not choose the holidays to pick out a new gadget to help your loved ones stay productive and entertained.

iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S10
     These Apple and Android phones offer the best speed, screen size, battery life, and camera.

Galaxy Tab S4 and iPad Air
     I hate to say it, Apple and Samsung make the best tablets on the planet.  Give one as a gift and watch their eyes light up.

Dell XPS and MacBook Pro
     Want to pick a computer for a gift this year, Dell and Apple won't disappoint you.  They are both a little pricey, but would you rather have a laptop that only lasts a year and a half or get one that will last 10 years or longer?

For Those Who are Tech Challenged
     We all know someone in our lives who would use some cool technology, but they aren't too tech-savvy.  Here are some items that will get them engaged in tech.

Roku Box or Stick
     With streaming services becoming more popular, turn that dumb TV of your loved ones into a smart tv with a Roku.  Roku devices are easy to set up and easy to use which will bring enjoyment to anyone regardless of their level of tech expertise.

 
Roomba Smart vacuums
     These devices can make household chores much easier. They charge themselves and can avoid most obstacles.

Jitterbug Smartphone
     Have a loved one in your life who could use a smartphone? Consider getting them a Jitterbug. This easy to use phone offers all of the features of an Android phone, but with an easy to use interface.

Cool and Unusual Tech Gifts
     You might have people on your gift list all of the tech out on this list, but there are some cool and unusual tech items out there that will make them jump for joy.

Oculus Quest
     Do you have someone who is looking for a new way to game?  Consider getting them this wireless headset doesn’t require a computer or a gaming system. It will allow games to interact with an immersive virtual reality gaming experience.

Ember Smart Mug 
     This smart mug will keep your hot drink at the temperature you want.  A charge lasts for up to an hour and a half on a single charge. Never worrying about drinking cold coffee or winter drinks again.

Husqvarna AutoMower
     Reclaim your weekends with this automower.  This self-guiding mower will make sure that you don't have to spend long hours taking care of your lawn. It clips the grass short which will also fertilize your lawn as well.

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

​     This is an important time of year for all nonprofits, with Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, marking the start of the charitable giving season. This holiday season, as you consider the ways your year-end gifts to nonprofits can make a difference make time to talk with your family members about the traditions and values that are important to you.
     At this year’s Grants Luncheon on November 15th, we continued our tradition of welcoming new members to our Heartland Legacy Society. The 150 members of our Heartland Legacy Society have many things in common – they have worked hard, saved wisely and through a planned gift to Truman Heartland from their estate, will continue to support causes they care about. In the case of Legacy Society member James D. Browning, his gift supports the community as a whole.
     In 2009, Browning, a retired Bank of Lee’s Summit president and farmer, left an estate gift to Truman Heartland to create an endowed grantmaking fund to benefit nonprofits serving the Lee’s Summit community. This year, your Community Foundation awarded $43,432 in grants to 12 nonprofits on behalf of the Browning Fund, supporting programs ranging from education and human services to arts and community betterment.
     The Browning Fund has made cumulative grants totaling $466,000 over the past 11 years, all while the endowed fund has grown from the original gift amount of $875,000 to $945,000 today. That’s the power of an endowment.
     J. D. Browning’s legacy of giving will make a positive impact in the Lee’s Summit community into perpetuity and is projected to make cumulative grants of more than $3.7 million in the next 50 years.
     For many, a planned legacy gift is a way to honor loved ones, establish a scholarship fund or by naming a child successor, make charitable giving a family tradition. Our community is blessed with many generous individuals and families, who like Browning, have a vision for the future of our community and want to ensure that the causes they care about continue to receive the funding they need year, after year, after year.
     We had the great pleasure of awarding $306,954 to 48 nonprofits at this year’s Grants Luncheon. More than $191,000 was made available by legacy gifts and $62,700 thanks to current Foundation fundholders. Our grants are an investment. We are investing in the people and organizations who have a passion and vision for the community and are helping strengthen our cities and those in need.
     So, as you gather together with family over the holidays, remember what the season is about, count your blessings and take time to talk about the ways your family’s traditions can help make a difference here in our community.
 
     Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors.
     THCF serves the region with assets of more than $50 million and annual grants surpassing $4.4 million.
     For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
 

     You probably didn't know this, but the holiday shopping season is prime time for identity thieves. Cyber-criminals know that during this hectic season, you and millions of others like you become more lax with their personal and financial information, leaving a great opening for thieves for stealing everything from your credit card numbers and more importantly, your personal identities.
     Think about it, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we all get caught up in purchasing and gift giving, that we lose track of keeping up with finances. Stealing credit card information is one of the goals of criminals, but ultimately they want your identity. Want to keep your identity safe, follow these steps during the Holiday Shopping Season and beyond.
 
1. Check your financial accounts often. Get with the times and sign up for online banking with your financial institution. If you have members of your family who haven't signed up, convince them to do the same as well. You might think you're opening up yourself to risk by signing up for online banking, but it's one of the best things you can do to stay on top of your money. Check your debit and credit accounts often to ensure nothing is amiss.
 
2. Beware of Credit Card Skimmers. Credit card skimming at ATMs, gas stations and other locations are becoming more common, so pay attention to your surroundings. Skimmers attach to existing devices and are designed for quick removal. If you have to use credit card reader you aren't use to using, look for signs of tampering before placing your card into the reader.
 
3. Sign up for alerts from your financial institution. Your bank and credit card company offers mobile alert services that let you know when suspicious purchase has been made. These services will help you catch fraud faster, which makes remedying the situation that much easier.
 
4. Keep track of your smartphone. Your phone contains tons of information about your financial habits and accounts. Keep track of your smartphone at all times. Enable “find my phone” feature just in case you lose your phone, Make sure you keep your phone protected with a strong passcode.
​
5. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi. Yes, it's convenient to use that public Wi-Fi, but you don't want to use them to make purchases online or to log into your financial accounts. Criminals can set up shop and tap into your computer to siphon your data.
 
6. Only enter personal information on secure websites. Sites with an HTTPS address have a stronger security protocol than sites with the regular HTTP address. Only enter information in secure sites.
 
7. Monitor your credit score. There are many services that offer free credit reports. Check your credit before the Holiday Season and after the holidays to make sure you haven't been taken advantage of.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Point your email program to burton@callintegralnow.com and send it in! If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.

     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.   
 

     In our digital world, a strong Wi-Fi signal is important to keep all of your smart devices working. If you don't, you won't be able to perform cool things like printing from your smartphone, streaming music or movies or interacting with Google or Alexa.
     Are you frustrated by the lack of Wi-Fi in certain areas in your home or office? Are you not getting the Wi-Fi speed you're paying for? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you need to take a look at how your wireless is configured in your home or office. 
     At Integral, we get calls all of the time from frustrated customers not getting good Internet speed and spotty wireless coverage. If you're one of those struggling with Wi-Fi, you might want to read on to find out what steps you need to take to get full wireless coverage.


1. Speed is King or Queen.
     Your Internet service provider doesn't control your wireless coverage, but your internet speed is important when it comes to streaming music or movies.  It's possible that you already have good wireless coverage, but lousy internet speeds. If you're curious about what your current Internet speeds are, point your smart device to www.speedtest.net.
     This website will check your current Internet speeds which you can compare to what you're paying for.  If you're not getting the speeds you want, contact your Internet provider to fix any issues with speed. 
     One of the common problems with slow Internet is a slow modem.  If you've had your Internet modem from your provider for over 5 years, it's time for a replacement. With most Internet companies, you can simply take your old modem in and exchange it for a new one.

2. Find Your Center. 
     If at all possible, have your Internet provider company place your cable modem or wireless gateway in the center of your home or office on the main level.   When your wireless router is in a central location, you get better coverage. 
     Wireless routers transmit a signal similar to a mushroom which means if you place it in the basement, it will only cover the main floor. If it's placed in the attic, you will be sending more of your signal out of your roof. 
     If your cable provider is unable to place your modem or wireless gateway near the center of your home or office, you will have to resort to the following options.


3. Check Out Power Line Adapters.
     A power line adapter allows you to send your Internet signal over the power lines in your home or office to an area that has poor coverage. You plug one powerline adapter in an outlet next to your router and another one in an outlet in an area where you want wireless. 
     Once you install a power line adapter, you can use what's called a wireless access point to boost the wireless signal in an area that has a weak signal.  A great brand of power line adapter to purchase is the TP-Link Powerline Adapter.  For an access point, Ubiquiti makes the best wireless access points.


4. Mesh Might be the Answer. 
     You might need a mesh network to fix your poor Wi-Fi. What is a mesh network? Well, think of it as casting a Wi-Fi net over your entire home or business. Usually, mesh networks consist of hubs that create a bubble to expand your wireless.
     Most homes and businesses need 2 - 3, but if you have a larger area to cover, you can easily add hubs to fix those nasty dead spots. Also, mesh networks are capable of handling the faster fiber-optic speeds that AT&T, Comcast, and Google offer.
      If you’ve had fiber optic installed in your home and didn’t upgrade your extenders, it’s very possible you’re not taking advantage of the speed you’re paying for. A mesh system will help carry that super-fast fiber speed throughout your home.

5. Run Network Cable to the Wi-Fi   Trouble Area.
     Many people don't want to do it because of the cost, but actually running cable to the area of your home or office that has a poor signal and installing an access point is probably the best solution.

     Want to ask me a tech question? Point your email program to burton@callintegralnow.com and send it in! If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals, and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.
     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

     Wendy and Dan Calvert are pleased to announce the launch of their new company – Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit.
     This new senior-focused relocation and estate-clearing company serves Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Independence and the surrounding areas. Caring Transitions’ specially-trained professionals handle decluttering, organizing, packing, moving, resettling, in-home estate sales and online auctions, estate clearing and preparing homes for market.
     “Caring Transitions is a start-to-finish support service for transitions. From the moment you start organizing to resettling in your new place to getting your old house ready for market, we can help every step of the way,” Wendy said. “As members of the sandwich generation, we saw the need for a company like Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit.”
     Caring Transitions’ services are perfect for managing the many aspects of a senior move, including assisting with the process of downsizing to provide a safer living situation, as well as for busy families and people clearing out the home of a loved one who has moved into assisted care or passed away. All of Caring Transitions’ services are customizable, so clients choose the solution that best fits their needs.
     Dan and Wendy live in Lee’s Summit. They have two married daughters – Lyndsi and Chris McCale and Courtney and Jimmy Powell – as well as a son, Brian Calvert, and six grandchildren. They both have corporate backgrounds in project management – Wendy in construction and Dan in construction and e-commerce. Dan was semi-retired but, when Wendy’s company downsized, they decided it was time to start their own business journey together.
     Caring Transitions of Lee’s Summit, which is part of the national Caring Transitions franchise, is bonded and insured and all employees are CRT trained and background checked. For additional information, call 816.272.4900 or visit www.CaringTransitionsLeesSummit.com
 

​     Adding a gate to the front of your property may be about more then just aesthetics. A gated entrance increases a home’s value in many ways. The curb appeal created by the design and craftsmanship of a fence with a gate that provides a sense of safety tends to catch the eyes of a passerby. That’s why investment by property owners in a quality fence and gate maximizes the value of a home.
     Realty Times cited in February of 2017 five ways a gate can enhance your home’s appeal:
Greater curb appeal. You only get one chance to make a first impression, which is why curb appeal is so important. Anyone who pulls up to your home will immediately form an opinion about your property, usually in those first few seconds after arrival. What they’ll notice is an overall sense of style and quality created by the combination of factors like landscaping, property maintenance and so on. You can greatly enrich your curb appeal with a gated entrance.  Thanks to its eye-catching, commanding nature, a gated entrance becomes the first thing new visitors see. When chosen to complement your home’s architecture and overall property design, it can also be a wonderful finishing touch to your exterior appeal.
Increased property security. Enclose your property with fencing and a gate, and you immediately create a physical deterrent to unauthorized visitors. This means before someone — solicitors, political campaigners, marketers or other uninvited individuals — can walk on your driveway or approach your front door, he or she must get past the gate. Likewise, a gated entry communicates an investment in security that many guests will assume extends to more security measures inside. This sense of enhanced security further adds value in the minds of potential buyers, who recognize the protection a gated entrance provides.
A prestigious feel. It’s hard to put a price on the luxury feel a gated entrance gives your home. Because it’s a high-end feature typically afforded only to high-priced homes, a gated entrance tends to communicate an upscale feel. This likewise adds a sense of value to your home, bumping it into the ranks of estates and luxury properties.
Protection for kids and pets. Just as important as keeping unauthorized visitors out is keeping your pets and little ones in. A gated entrance helps you do just that: It keeps your children and pets from accidentally running into the street or being approached by strangers, by creating a barrier from the world outside your property.
More privacy. Whether you already live in the country or are in the middle of a hectic city, adding a property fence with an entry gate is an excellent way to increase your home’s privacy. Enjoy time on your lawn without worrying about everybody watching. Step outside without having to talk to the neighbor who’s walking by. To give yourself greater privacy at home, a gated entrance is an excellent choice.
 
     Christopher Williams and Kathryn Zumwalt started Williams Gates Services in Grain Valley in April of 2018. Both Williams and Zumwalt grew up in and are residents of Eastern Jackson County. Their regard for this community, geographical knowledge of the area, and the people they know and have met is why they wanted to establish their roots here.
     Williams has been involved in the gate industry since 2005. He first started his professional career working for a garage door and fencing company during the day and working at a restaurant at night. Falling in love with the access control portion of the gate automation section of the fencing industry is what first sparked the idea in Williams that he might want to start his own business in the trade at some point. Further confidence was provided from growing up on a farm and learning how to mend or replace fencing at a young age.
     “The automation control and gate access of fencing has intrigued me because there’s almost always something new you encounter every day. I’ve learned a lot and continue to do so a decade later in this business. I’m still as excited about what I do now as when I first started,” Williams said.
     “Having an automated gate keeps out undesirable trespassing. Gates and fencing provide people with a sense of security and convenience with the push button aspect of automation when opening and closing a gate. Property value increases with a good looking gate that may also display a sense of pride one has in their family name or something unique about their property they want to display.”
     Ornamental or custom gates and fencing are the most popular item Williams Gates Service sells. Williams has options that fit most budgets and examples can easily be found on their website or within their portfolio. Options available to customers include everything from prefabricated to custom built gates (a host of options abound from tube style farm gates, pivot gates, to chain link fencing).
     “There’s an abundance of gate operator manufacturers. They are all in competition. It’s kind of like buying a car or washing machine. A vast variety exists to choose from,” Williams said.
     “The newer electromechanical machines will have D/C motors in them with battery backup built in already. So, if you have a power outage, you’re not losing security as your gate will still function for a certain amount of cycles. A lot of the machines we sell like the high security Lift Master, Allomatic, or Door King have manufactured their operators with D/C motors so that is has ample power while being able to convert to solar as well.”
     Williams Gate clients have included local property management companies, farms, lawn companies, and private residences. Service calls, maintenance plans, as well as installation makes up the case load. Williams is a certified IDEA Gates System Designer and Gates Operator Installer.
     Williams Gate Services may be found online at www.williamsgateservices.com or at 621 NW Valley Ridge Circle, Suite C in Grain Valley. They may also be reached by phone at 816-355-0327.
 

     October is 'National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and what better time to make sure you are protected from all of the real threats on the Internet and informed of what the latest scams and hoaxes are. If you read what's in the news and on social media, it seems everyone is getting hacked these days and you probably think you're next.  Relax, if something strange is going on with your devices, it's probably a random glitch and not some shady hacker trying to break into your computer, smartphone or tablet. 
     To help give you piece of mind and to keep you better informed, I'm going to share some tips to let you know if you’ve been hacked and what to do if you’ve been a victim of a cyber-crime.
     The majority of hacks and viruses that attack your devices can not infect your computers, smartphones and tablets without human interaction. This means for a virus to get into your devices or for someone to steal information from your devices, you have to initiate it.
     Remember that file you downloaded that wasn't from your co-worker or family member? That link you clicked on in that email or text? Remember that time tech support called to alert you about the problems with your computer and you let them log in? That's how your devices are infected. 
     Criminals don't concentrate as much on attempting to break in individual devices (home and small businesses) and are more focused on 'social engineering', not hacking to get your information. 
     What is social engineering? It's the act of using deceptive means to get your data.  That is why you see a rise in robocalls, spam and scam texts. Don't want to compromise your information or get hacked from your devices?
     Always be careful when using your computer or other devices. Don't click on links in unknown emails, ignore those scary calls you receive and watch what websites you visit.
     Even if you're careful with your devices and watch what you do when surfing the web, you still need to keep an eye on your personal data.  Large company data breaches occur frequently, which means some or all your data is being leaked on the Internet or being sold on the dark web. 
     Obviously, large companies need to do a better job of protecting its customer's data, but there are some things you can do to find out if your data has fallen into the wrong hands.  First, you need to visit Fighting Identity Crimes (fightingidentitycrimes.com).
     Once there, visit the 'Breach Tables' section to get a list of all the companies that have been breached, what information was stolen and what steps you need to take to protect your data.  This web site has tracked data breaches back to 2012. Next, you should visit 'Have I been Pwned' (www.haveibeenpwned.com). 
     This web site will check to see if your email was part of a data breach.  Why is this important?  Well, most of us use an email address to log into our online accounts.  Social media. Banking and Finance, chances are these web sites use your email address as the username.  If your email address has been 'pwned' (geek speak for owned), then you need to immediately change the password for that email account and any other online accounts in which you've used that password.

Here are some other ways you can protect yourself:

1. When you're on a public WIFI network, use a VPN (virtual private network) to browse the Internet privately and securely.
2. Set up two-factor or two step authentication for your important online accounts.
3. Use a password manager to help you use different passwords for your online accounts and keep your passwords secure.
4. Never click on suspicious links in email, text or on social media messaging services or download applications from unknown sources.

Here's what to do if your computer or other devices has been hacked:
1. Run a full virus scan to detect the malware and viruses infecting your devices.
2. Change the passwords for all of your online accounts.
3. Look at the programs and applications on your devices. If you see any program or app that doesn't seem legitimate, uninstall the app right away.

 
     Cybercrime isn't going anywhere, so make sure you're taking steps to keep your information out of prying hands.

     Want to ask me a tech question? You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.

     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.