What to do with old lithium-ion batteries

You may not even realize how many lithium-ion batteries you have sitting around in your home or at your business. Your cell phones and laptops are the obvious sources, but there are many different applications that use lithium-ion power. If you have a lot of these devices or even these batteries lying around doing nothing, it may cause you to wonder what to do with old lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion-powered devices. 

Learn more about what types of devices have lithium-ion batteries as well as if and how you can recycle them.

Read full article here.

10 Tips to Keep Yourself Safe in 2023 from Cybersecurity Hacks

Patrick Riley, CEO, New Horizons of Wisconsin

As we move into 2023, cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. With more and more of our lives taking place online, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect ourselves from cyberattacks. Here are the top cybersecurity tips for 2023 to help keep you and your personal information safe.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: The first step in protecting yourself online is to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. This means using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoiding using easily guessed information like your name or birthdate. Additionally, consider using a password manager to help you create and store complex passwords.
2. Keep Software Up to Date: Software vulnerabilities are a common way for hackers to gain access to your devices. To protect yourself, make sure to keep all of your software, including your operating system and antivirus program, up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
4. Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Phishing scams are a common way for hackers to trick you into giving away sensitive information. These scams often take the form of emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, but are actually designed to steal your personal information. Be sure to verify the authenticity of any message before providing any personal information.
5. Use a VPN: A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet connection and protects your data when using public WiFi. This helps to protect your personal information and prevent hackers from gaining access to your devices.
6. Educate Yourself: The more you know about common cyber threats, the better equipped you will be to spot them. Take time to educate yourself about the latest threats and learn how to spot them.
7. Keep Backups: Keep backups of important files in case they are compromised. This will allow you to quickly restore your files and minimize the impact of a cyberattack.
8. Use a Firewall: A firewall can help to protect your computer from unauthorized access. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks any traffic that does not meet the security rules you’ve set.
9. Be Careful with Personal Information: Be mindful of the personal information you share online. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your social security number or credit card information unless absolutely necessary.
10. Be Mindful of Security with IoT Devices: Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart home devices, can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Be sure to change the default login credentials on your IoT devices, and check for firmware updates regularly.

The best defense against cyber attacks is to be proactive and stay vigilant. By following these top cybersecurity tips for 2023, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyber attack and help protect your personal information.