by California Casualty | Finances, Safety |
Your cell phone is your trusted companion, your admin assistant, social director, banker, compass, and connection to the world. If it ends up in the wrong hands, you could be in deep trouble.
At best, a hacked phone could make life difficult. At worst, it could result in thousands of dollars in identity theft. Here’s what you need to know to protect your cell phone from hackers.
Update to the latest version.
Many hackers take advantage of out-of-date operating systems. Whether you have iOS or Android, make sure to update your phone to the newest version. This will give you the latest security fixes.
Avoid fingerprint and facial recognition.
Hackers can take your fingerprints from a drinking glass to open your phone. They also can use photos of you to get past facial recognition settings. Use a pin instead and make sure you’re the only one that knows it. Change it regularly, at least once a year.
Pro Tip: Don’t set your phone to automatically unlock, even at home. If you’re an iOS user, disable Siri access from the lock screen.
Avoid unsecured connections.
Public WiFi is available nearly everywhere. While it makes our lives easier, it comes with security risks. Use caution if you’re on an unsecured network. Never access your bank account or shop online unless you’re on a secure network with a lock icon.
Pro Tip: Use a VPN, a virtual private network that protects your identity while working on a public network. VPNs usually have an associated fee.
Use strong passwords for your apps.
Avoid pet names, birthdays, and other personal information that may readily be available on social media. It makes it easy for hackers to guess your password. The best passwords are complex and unique. Password managers make it easy to set distinct passwords without having to memorize them.
Pro Tip: For an added layer of security, use different email addresses: one for financials and one for social media.
Don’t just download any apps.
Anyone can create an app, including hackers. If you download the wrong app, you could be adding malware that can steal from your phone. Make sure the apps you’re using are from reputable companies. Take a few minutes to review your apps and delete any that aren’t verified.
Don’t save your information.
It may be convenient to save your credit card information on online shopping sites. Check out as a guest instead. Be selective when you give out your personal information.
Freeze your credit.
Cell phone providers use the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. Freeze your credit with them and with the big 3 credit unions: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. This will ensure that no one can open new accounts in your name.
Disable WiFi, Bluetooth and Cellular Data if not using your phone.
A hacker can’t hack you if you’re not connected. When in a public place, you can disable access to the internet. One easy way is to turn on Airplane Mode. You also can use your user’s manual to find out how to disable connectivity.
Consider anti-virus software.
There are two schools of thought on whether security software is necessary for smartphones. Some say it’s unnecessary and others recommend it. You may consider it as an additional layer of protection.
Know how to control your phone remotely.
Settings and apps allow you to remotely lock and erase your phone if it’s stolen. Make sure you know how to use them. There is the “Find My Phone” option in iCloud and the Android Device Manager in Google.
Back up your data.
Make sure you regularly back up your data to the cloud or your computer. If you’re hacked, you’ll still have access to that information.
How to Know if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
You may not realize the moment your phone is hacked. Initially, it may present as a technical issue. Malware can cause this with its malicious code. Watch for these telltale signs:
- Your phone loses charge quickly.
- Your phone runs very slowly, freezes and crashes.
- You notice unusual activity on your online accounts.
- There are popups or changes to your home screen.
- You receive unfamiliar calls or texts.
If you believe your phone was hacked, install and run anti-virus protection. Delete any risky apps, texts, and files. If the damage is extensive, you can always wipe and restore your phone to factory settings. Then you’ll be able to address the damage done by hackers to your accounts, both financial and social.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Safety |
There are few things scarier than losing control of your car, but when it’s wet outside it can happen in an instant, no matter how safely you drive. This phenomenon is known as hydroplaning and it’s common during spring storms.
Here are some ways to reduce your chance of hydroplaning when you’re behind the wheel, and how to keep your car under control if you do.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when your tires encounter more water than they can scatter. As a result, your tires lift up off the road and start riding on a layer of water. You lose traction, braking, and steering as your car skids and slides all over. It’s easy to crash. The more water there is, the more chance you might hydroplane. However, hydroplaning also can occur when roads are just slightly wet. The first 10 minutes of a light rain can be dangerous as water mixes with the oil residue and creates a slippery road surface.
Knowing what causes hydroplaning can help you take steps to avoid it. Hydroplaning is caused by a combination of three things:
-
- Wet conditions
- Your speed
- The condition of your tires
How to lower your chances of hydroplaning
1. Reduce your speed.
Hydroplaning is more likely to happen when you’re traveling faster than 35 mph. Plan your travels in the rain so that you can move more slowly. Also avoid sudden increases in speed, such as when passing cars. Those increases can cause your car to hydroplane.
2. Choose high-quality tires.
Your tires are your car’s first defense against hydroplaning. The tread or grooves are designed to push water aside. Make sure you invest in high-quality tires. Replace them when the tire tread has worn down. Driving on bald tires is especially dangerous in wet conditions.
3. Keep your tires well-maintained.
Make sure to rotate and balance your tires to help the tread wear evenly. Rotate the tires every other time you do an oil change, about every 7-10,000 miles. Also, make sure to keep your tires properly inflated.
4. Avoid puddles and standing water.
Spring storms can create puddles and standing water. If you see them, try not to drive through them. Also, avoid driving in the outer lanes where water tends to accumulate. Follow the tire tracks of the vehicle in front of you. Their tires already did some of the work of displacing the water. Just don’t follow too closely in case you have to slow down or stop unexpectedly.
5. Avoid hard braking and sharp or quick turns.
Sudden quick movements can cause hydroplaning. If you have to turn, take it slowly. Avoid any type of sudden braking. Stay in your lane.
6. Don’t use cruise control in the rain.
You’ll have to react immediately if you start to hydroplane. You don’t want to take extra time to disengage cruise control. In the moment, every second counts.
If you hydroplane, here’s what to do.
-
- Take your foot off the gas. This will help to slow you down.
-
- Do not slam on the brakes. That may be your natural instinct, but slamming on the brakes can cause your car to skid further out of control. If you need to brake, use a light pumping motion.
-
- Gently steer in the direction your car is sliding. This will help your tires realign and allow you to gain control of the steering.
-
- When you feel the tires reconnect with the road surface, take control of the steering. You’re now good to proceed on your journey. You may want to pull over to a safe spot to regroup and calm down before going on.
Accidents can happen. Make sure that your vehicle is fully covered for added peace of mind.
Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Calcas Connection |
A moment of silence filled the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on Sept. 11, 2022. Despite the thousands in attendance, you could hear a pin drop. Firefighters clad in full gear—helmets, packs, boots—stood at attention, some holding high the name tags of...
by California Casualty | News |
Have you heard about Jarcuterie? It’s a party in a jar—or at least the start of it. If you’re planning an elegant Mother’s Day brunch, a great graduation party, or just a fun get-together, you’ll want to know about this latest craze in entertaining.
What is Jarcuterie exactly?
Jarcuterie is a new twist on Charcuterie boards, traditionally a platter of meats and cheese offered as an appetizer or part of a meal. However, instead of a board or platter, Jarcuterie is served in individual jars. The contents don’t even have to be meat and cheese—in fact, the more creative, the better.
Why is Jarcuterie so popular?
It’s pretty to look at, easy to serve, and you can customize it for your guests’ dietary needs. But the main reason for its growth in popularity is due to the pandemic. Rather than touching a platter that others touch too, you can enjoy this socially distant snack safely. And you’ll feel more comfortable as a host that you are doing your part in keeping everyone healthy and safe.
How do I create a Jarcuterie?
The options are endless, which is why a little forethought and planning will make a difference. Do you want savory or sweet? (Yes, dessert Jarcuterie is a thing!) There are no rules, but keep simplicity in mind; generally, Jarcuterie features small finger food and sometimes dips.
Start with a clear container. Popular choices include a mason jar, plastic cup, or small bowl. Choose a size that’s easy to hold because this snack is portable.
Choose a flavor or theme. An Italian-themed Jarcuterie could feature antipasto ingredients such as meats, cheeses, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and breadsticks. A Mediterranean Jarcuterie could include fresh vegetables with hummus, olives, and feta cheese. A breakfast Jarcuterie might feature mini-muffins, bacon strips, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
Dips go at the bottom. If you include them, dips are best at the base. That way, guests can dip the items into the bottom without getting their fingers messy.
Include a variety of colors, shapes, and textures. This will create a beautiful display that also balances with its ingredients. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of cheese or other items. Roll meats and cheeses together for a festive look. Keep wet snacks away from crunchy ones or assemble the crunchy ones at the last moment so nothing gets soggy.
Keep height in mind. Display food on skewers or cocktail sticks for varying heights. Vary the items on the skewer such as meat, then cheese. Try 1-2 skewers per jar. Add some tall vegetables like celery, which are great for dipping.
Fill in the gaps with tiny treats. Add nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, or other items to fill in the gaps.
Garnish and decorate. Tie the Jarcuterie glass with a bow. Garnish the food with a fresh herb that goes with the flavor palate.
Still not sure what you’re going to make? We scoured the Internet for some popular Jarcuterie recipes. Here are some of our favorites.
Basic Savory Jarcuterie
Jarcuterie: Cheese Boards in a Jar
This basic Jarcuterie recipe combines meat, cheese, crackers, nuts, fruit, pretzels, and more. It’s kid-friendly and they can even help with the preparation!
Flower Garden Jarcuterie
How to Make a Jarcuterie
This recipe uses broccoli flowers and radish roses to create a beautiful garden on top of a base of peanuts. Switch out the nuts for some salad dressing dip or hummus for a different sping.
Disney Jarcuterie
Disney Jarcuterie
This recipe requires a Disney cookie cutter to create Mickey Mouse ears and any other shape for your child’s favorite character. Definitely a dessert version, this Jarcuterie features M&M candy as the base with fresh fruit and cheese displayed on spears.
Colorful Spring Jarcuterie
10 Simple Spring Grazing Table Food Ideas | La Cucina di Kerrs
For those who like to go over the top, this Jarcuterie comes with suggestions on how to dye your vegetables and even spell out the word, spring, with tiny vegetable cutters.
Sweet Ending Jarcuterie
Sweet Jarcuterie – It’s a Jar Full of Sweets
What’s better than a mason jar filled with your favorite sweets? This dessert Jarcuterie pairs mini marshmallows with chocolate drizzled pretzels and strawberries. You can even add your own candied fruit. Pro Tip: use different colors of chocolate for the drizzle to make your Jarcuterie look extra festive!
DIY Charcuterie Bouquets
How to Make a Charcuterie Bouquet for Entertaining
This Jarcuterie isn’t in a jar, but its single-serving paper bouquet wrap has the same idea. Deli meat roses pair with strawberries and herbs for a beautiful presentation.
For more JARcuterie ideas, check out our Pinterest Board, “JARcuterie” and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for every other fun idea we find!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | News |
It seems like just yesterday they were graduating kindergarten. Now your son or daughter is getting ready to graduate high school or college…and you couldn’t be more proud, excited, and maybe just a little bit sad that this chapter is coming to a close.
You’re not the only one feeling this way. (Chances are your son or daughter is too.) Here’s how you can prepare for the big day to help everyone celebrate this milestone to the fullest—and honor all that has happened to bring you here.
1. Embrace the emotions—all of them.
Ask any parent who’s had a child graduate. You can expect a roller coaster of emotions in the weeks before, the day of, and the weeks after. Accept them. Share them, as appropriate, with your child, your partner, and other parents experiencing the same thoughts and feelings. Your role as a parent is changing and it’s okay to feel a little sad or overwhelmed. Your child is probably feeling similarly, in saying goodbye to school friends and transitioning to the next phase. Tell your son or daughter what it was like when you graduated. This may encourage him or her to share their thoughts and feelings with you. Put graduation in perspective and remind yourself that your child is growing up and going on to accomplish big things in the real world. That’s something to celebrate.
2. Mark your calendar.
The last thing you want to do is double book something on graduation day, or schedule things too close to the big day. You want to be sure that you know exactly when and where you need to be. Mark the date and time clearly on the calendar, and include any other important dates leading up to the event. While high schools hold a single commencement, universities typically hold several—small commencement ceremonies by program or major and a large graduation ceremony for all—so make sure you get everything written down. This is a great time to make appointments for haircuts, manicures and pedicures, or any other personal grooming that you desire.
3. For graduation out of town, book a hotel and transportation.
If your student attends school away from home, you’ll want to make sure that you book your hotel, airfare, and rental car well in advance. Hotels are especially important as there are limited rooms near campus and lots of families who will be booking them. The university may have a graduation page on its website with recommendations for hotels. You can also check Airbnb, VRBO, and other rental sites. There are plenty of ways to save money when you travel.
4. Plan who is attending which graduation events.
There is likely a limit to how many guests may attend graduation. That may cause some family drama, especially if you’re dealing with divorce or extended families. Start with a conversation with the graduate-to-be. Discuss their wishes and your own. Know that you can’t please everyone. Make thoughtful decisions, and try to include everyone in some way or another. For example, arrange a watch party for the virtual event while parents attend in person. Then meet up afterward for a celebration. Do you have two students graduating at two different locations? See who can attend so each student has someone there.
Pro Tip: Sometimes schools will have extra tickets available after the initial ticket distribution. If you are looking to seat an additional family member, it’s definitely worth inquiring. Also, if you need special accommodations such as handicapped seating, inquire well in advance.
5. Choose a place for your celebration.
If you are going out, keep in mind that you’ll need to make reservations. Every restaurant within a short drive will likely be filled with families celebrating graduation after the ceremony. Discuss with your student where you may go to celebrate and when so that your son or daughter will also be able to connect with friends if desired. Or you can choose to have a graduation party at home, where you can invite friends and family to come and celebrate all together. Just be sure to make food/dessert arrangements and send out invitations in advance.
6. Set the stage with some great decor.
Celebrate the happy occasion with the neighborhood by posting a Happy Graduation Sign on your front lawn or front door. This helps create a festive mood leading up to the event and also is great for photos. Whether or not the graduation party is at home, add some festive touches like balloons, streamers, and banners. You can even create a photo collage of your child over the years to show how far he or she has come!
7. Choose a graduation gift.
You want something for your graduate to remember the occasion but it doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. Some families use graduation to pass along treasured heirlooms or create meaningful gifts like family trees or photo albums. High school graduates may get a college survival kit; similarly, you can make one for a college graduate moving away from home. Some other popular gifts include luggage (for future travel), savings bonds, laptops or smart devices, and jewelry. You also can find personalized gifts on Etsy and lists of suggested graduation gifts online.
8. Figure out the logistics.
This is one time you absolutely do not want to be late. Are you the one dropping off? Determine how long it will be to get to graduation. Leave plenty of time in the schedule to get to where you need to be. Account for traffic. Allow time for taking photos before you leave. Before you drop off, arrange with your student where you will meet up afterward amidst the post-graduation crowd. It’s going to be busy—and they are all going to be dressed alike!
9. Know what to bring—and not to bring.
Review the rules for graduation. You may not be able to bring food or drink, or even large purses. Is the ceremony outdoors? Bring sunscreen and a hat, or an umbrella and raincoat if necessary. Wear comfortable shoes; there will probably be a lot of walking. Don’t forget to pack that extra pack of tissues or a handkerchief to catch all of those tears of joy!
10. Enjoy the moment.
This is the day you’ve all been waiting for. Celebrate it with pride, and enjoy every moment—even the ones that may not be picture perfect. Your child has reached an incredible milestone and you were a large part in helping them take this step toward their future. Reminisce, but try and keep all of the baby photos and embarrassing stories packed away until you get home. Your child will appreciate it. Go ahead and make some memories that you’ll be able to cherish for years to come. Don’t forget to take pictures.
Happy graduation from all of us at California Casualty!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
