Technology/Club Runner

 
 
 
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How to be a Hybrid Club

Considering making your monthly club meeting accessible remotely?  Zoom is a great option for many clubs but there are other meting platforms to consider.
Your meeting space may require equipment to make hybrid meeting more enjoyable for attendees remotely and in person.  
 
Here is a full setup for consideration:
 
 
 
OWL is another option for clubs able to invest a bit more in their technology: https://owllabs.com/
 
 
 
 
 
 
Need help organizing and planning club events:
 
Quick and Easy Video Editor
 
 
Cyber Safe Reminder:
Common Emotional Hooks and How to Stay Safe:
 
Urgency: Scammers create immediate pressure with messages like "Your account is locked!" or "Immediate payment required!"
  • Defense: Resist the urge to act instantly. Independently verify the claim through official websites or phone numbers you know to be legitimate.
Fear: Panic-inducing messages, such as fake virus alerts or threats of arrest, are designed to cloud your judgment.
  • Defense: Be skeptical of alarming messages from unknown sources. Law enforcement and legitimate tech companies do not operate this way. Use reputable security software.
Curiosity: Intriguing or sensational content, like a message saying, "Is this you in this video?" tempts you to click on malicious links.
  • Defense: Think before you click. If a message seems out of character for the sender, contact them through a different channel to verify. Hover over links to preview the actual URL.
Trust: Scammers impersonate loved ones, banks, or even your boss to gain compliance. The "grandparent scam" where a grandchild is in trouble is a classic example.
  • Defense: Question any unusual or urgent request for money or sensitive information. Establish a secret "code word" with family members to verify their identity in emergencies.
Excitement: Appeals to greed or desire, such as "Congratulations! You've won!" or exclusive investment opportunities, lure you into a trap.
  • Defense: If an offer seems too good to be true, it is. Legitimate prizes do not require you to pay a fee.
Build Your Emotional Firewall
 
The key to protection is to pause and reflect before reacting to any message that triggers a strong emotion. Ask yourself:
  • Is this request unusual or out of character?
  • Am I being pressured to act immediately?
  • Can I verify this through a trusted, independent source?
  • By creating this "emotional firewall," you prevent criminals from exploiting your natural responses. Your awareness is your strongest defense.
 

Wrong Number Text Scams

Have you ever received a text from an unknown phone number that seemed like it was meant for someone else? It may say something like, "Hey, are we still on for lunch?" or "I'm so sorry I missed your call." While your first instinct may be to reply and let them know they have the wrong number, it’s important to use caution before responding.

Why Even a Polite Reply Could Be Risky

Cybercriminals can send these kinds of texts as a way to start a conversation with you. Unlike many text message scams, which contain suspicious links or alarming language, these messages usually contain a harmless greeting or question. Because they don't contain any obvious red flags, you might be more likely to respond to them. If you reply to the message, this confirms that your phone number is active, and cybercriminals will try to continue the conversation with you.

How Scammers Exploit Your Helpfulness

Cybercriminals try to manipulate or trick you into taking actions that aren’t in your best interest. They will continue messaging you for days or even weeks to try to build a "friendship" with you. But eventually they will ask you for money, offer you investment opportunities that are actually scams, or try to trick you into sending them your personal information. Remaining aware of the tactics that scammers use can help you recognize that a “harmless” text message might actually be a clever trap!

What Can I Do to Stay Safe?

You can protect yourself from “wrong number” text scams by following these security tips:
  • Do not reply to messages from unknown senders. A reply can confirm to cybercriminals that your phone number is active, which makes it more likely that you’ll be targeted in future scams.
  • Be very cautious if someone you have only spoken to through text messages offers investment advice or asks you for money. Cybercriminals can spend weeks building your trust so they can try to trick you into sending them money or personal information.
  • Be sure to report suspicious text messages. This action helps your mobile carrier identify and block these types of scams.
 
 
 
 
 
Padlet   https://padlet.com/
Padlet is a versatile online, cloud-based platform that functions as a virtual bulletin board or digital canvas for collaboration. It allows users to post text, images, videos, documents, and links onto a shared, customizable wall, making it popular in education for brainstorming, discussions, and group projects. It is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps.   It is a public link so be careful not to post personal information (i.e. member directory)