Safety is a City priority for Spring Break on Padre Island

March 6, 2025 By

The sound of waves crashing against the shore, seagulls soaring overhead, and families laughing as they create lasting memories, this is the experience of many visitors and residents on The Island, Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, we know safety is a top priority when celebrating Spring Break.

Here on The Island, we are committed to providing a safe and family-friendly environment without compromising the well-being of our residents and visitors. Our beaches are a treasure, offering both relaxation and adventure, but safety should always come fist. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, swimming in the Gulf, or driving along the shoreline, taking simple precautions ensures a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The City of Corpus Christi, along with our dedicated first responders, lifeguards, and beach patrol, works tirelessly to keep our coastline safe. Beach flags are posted daily to indicate water conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay informed before swimming. Rip currents can be strong, to swimming near lifeguard stations and knowing how to react it caught in a current can be lifesaving.

The Corpus Christi Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Expect additional officers patrolling both roadways and beaches to assist where needed. Due to the influx of visitors, CCPD will deploy specialized units across The Island, including a Mobile Command Vehicle, Crime Reduction Unit, Dedicated Patrol Officers, Drone Officers, Enduro Officers, Traffic Unit, and DWI Enforcement Unit. In addition to regular patrols, two daily overtime shifts with 6 to 8 oficers will provide enhanced security and community support.

Before heading out, don’t forget that 2025 Beach Parking Permits are available for $12, granting year-round access to The Island’s stunning Gulf Coast beaches. More than just a pass, your permit helps fund lifeguard services and keep our shores clean. Visit the city’s website or check news releases for more information.

As you enjoy Spring Break, remember to check daily surf conditions, drive responsibly, follow speed limits, and watch for pedestrians, especially children near the water’s edge.

Spring Break on The Island is about making lasting memories. By staying aware of your surroundings, respecting the environment, and looking out for one another, we can ensure that fun and safety go hand-in-hand.

Paulette Guajardo, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, corpus christi, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, Corpus Christi Schools, home maintenance, Hurricane Aide, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, mustang island, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Padre Isles POA, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, spring break, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

BBB Tip: Recovering from freezing temperatures while avoiding

February 23, 2025 By

BBB Tip: Recovering from freezing temperatures while avoiding unethical contractors and utility impostors

Over the weekend, plummeting temperatures and wintry weather mixtures have struck
communities across Texas, with many residents experiencing power outages, ruptured water
lines, hail damage, fallen tree limbs, or other issues due to below-freezing temperatures. As
home and business owners begin to thaw out in the coming days, many will discover a
variety of problems resulting from the sudden cold snap. While some homeowners can
easily handle cleanup and repair efforts, others will likely require the help of a professional.
Additionally, other residents may begin to piece together facts and receipts to learn they
interacted with an impersonated utility company that demanded immediate payment or a
fraudulent online seller advertising winter weather and emergency products.

After significant weather events that are likely to result in property damage, Better Business
Bureau typically receives an increase in reports of unethical contractors operating across
affected regions. Commonly referred to as ‘storm chasers,’ many businesses offering
services to residents negatively impacted by severe weather are well-respected and
legitimate. However, among these groups are those who would take advantage of a
homeowner in need rather than provide any meaningful service.

Some common issues reported to BBB in these types of situations include:
 The contractor requires a significant deposit (over 50% of the total estimate) from
the property owner and then continually postpones the start date until
communication stops. Any effort by the homeowner to contact the business is
unsuccessful, and the business’s physical location is either too distant to travel to,
abandoned, a residential home for sale, or a vacant lot.

 The homeowner is approached by a contractor who claims they have excess material
left over from a nearby project, and the business can pass the savings on to the
homeowner if they can start work immediately. Once the contractor begins the
project, the scope of work expands far beyond what was initially estimated, and the
homeowner is held accountable for paying a final bill that is significantly more
expensive than they expected.

 Repairs on systems requiring specialized work (plumbers, electricians, HVAC
technicians, etc.) are done by an unlicensed individual, leaving the homeowner liable
if the contractor did not do the repairs correctly or did not comply with the applicable
housing codes.

Property owners are encouraged to verify that the provided licenses are valid by checking
with the appropriate regulatory agency. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation and the Texas Department of Agriculture are two of the most likely agencies that
hold licenses for businesses that property owners may call upon to help recover from
freezing temperatures.

Decreasing temperatures also allow utility scammers to take advantage of people’s fears of
being without heat during the cold weather. Be wary of texts, phone calls or emails from the
utility company that services your area claiming that they will shut your heat off
immediately unless an outstanding bill is paid. According to the Public Utility Commission of
Texas, an electric utility company cannot disconnect a customer anywhere in its service area
on a day when:

The previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and
the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours,
according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, Charities, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, windstorm insurance

Boomers, Billions, and the Future of Senior Housing: The Investment Opportunity of the Decade

February 17, 2025 By

The oldest baby boomers are about to hit 80, and with this demographic shift comes a massive opportunity for commercial real estate investors according to the Wall Street Journal. The demand for senior housing is set to skyrocket, and those who position themselves strategically in the market stand to benefit from one of the most significant trends in real estate today.

The Boomer Effect: A Market Ready for Growth

By 2030, the U.S. population aged 80 and older is projected to reach nearly 19 million, a staggering increase that will send ripples through the senior housing sector. As millions of aging adults seek accommodations that cater to their evolving needs, the market will need to step up to meet demand.

While aging in place has been a preference for some, many seniors transition to senior living communities when maintaining a home independently becomes impractical. This shift creates a major supply-demand imbalance—one that presents a compelling investment opportunity.

Just a few years ago, senior housing faced an oversupply issue. But the pandemic slowed development, and today, new construction is failing to keep pace with projected needs. Experts estimate that over 560,000 new senior housing units will be needed by 2030, yet current development trends suggest only 191,000 units will be added. This gap signals a major shortage—and a chance for investors to capitalize.

Adapting Investment Strategies: Acquisitions Over New Builds

Developers looking to enter or expand in the senior housing market are shifting their strategies in response to challenges like high interest rates, soaring construction costs, and labor shortages. Instead of focusing solely on ground-up construction, acquisitions are taking center stage.

Real estate giants like Welltower and Ventas are aggressively investing in existing senior housing communities, modernizing properties, and repositioning them for long-term profitability. This approach reduces development risks while allowing investors to bring in revenue more quickly than with new builds.

For investors, this shift highlights an opportunity to acquire undervalued assets, upgrade them, and benefit from rising demand as occupancy rates climb. With fewer new developments coming online, well-positioned properties stand to appreciate significantly in value.

Luxury Senior Housing: The Next Big Play

One of the most promising areas of senior housing investment is the luxury segment. Developers are targeting wealthier baby boomers—a generation that has built substantial wealth and is willing to pay for high-end amenities and experiences.

Upscale senior living communities are no longer just about basic care; they offer resort-style living with features such as:

✅ Private wine rooms
✅ Golf cart-friendly paths
✅ Wellness spas & fitness centers
✅ Fine dining & chef-prepared meals
✅ Art studios & cultural activities

These high-end communities are resilient to market fluctuations, as affluent seniors can better absorb rent increases and operating cost adjustments. For investors, this means stronger margins, higher occupancy stability, and long-term profitability.

The Road Ahead: A Golden Era for Senior Housing Investors

The next decade will be a defining moment for the senior housing sector. Investors who recognize the supply-demand imbalance and position themselves early can reap substantial rewards.

🔹 Acquisitions and repositioning of existing properties will allow for faster market entry.
🔹 Luxury senior housing developments will continue to attract high-net-worth residents.
🔹 A focus on operational efficiency will be key to maximizing NOI and long-term value.

With an aging population driving demand and a market facing a supply crunch, now is the time for investors to act. The senior housing boom is just beginning—those who move strategically will lead the way in shaping the future of this high-growth sector.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi business, Golf Cart Rules, home maintenance, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Real Estate, padre island events Tagged With:

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – JANUARY 2025

February 12, 2025 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for January 2025.

Winter months, particularly December and January, present several challenges that make them the worst time to sell a property. One of the
primary reasons is the colder weather, even on Padre Island, which can make property hunting much less appealing attracting fewer buyers to a property.

We are still looking at a Buyer’s Market locally. Which means THIS is the perfect time to buy because prices are lower. Yes, interest rates are a bit
higher, but property prices are down. Buy now, and once interest rates adjust, refinance that property. They are saying the interest rates won’t change much
in 2025 but this gives you time to get that perfect property – BEFORE rates go down and prices of property start to rise.

While it’s not a strict rule or guarantee, properties typically appreciate over five years. It’s been forecasted there will be a modest increase in property
sales and property prices. HOWEVER, if inventory continues to rise with new listings coming out daily and property sales continue to be slow, then who
knows exactly when it will become a Sellers’ market once again?

Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

In January, inflation unexpectedly accelerated. The consumer price index rose 3% from a year ago, data published Wednesday showed. That’s above December’s rate and the consensus expectation, both of which were 2.9%.

The CPI increased 0.5% over the month in January from December, above the forecast of 0.3% and recent month-over-month increases.

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island Corpus Christi real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi January 2025 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-january-2025

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, North Padre Real Estate, Padre Isles POA, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI

February 2025 Heart Health Month

February 4, 2025 By

The month of February is designated as Heart Month. This month strives to educate the
public about the importance of improving heart health. This endeavor aims to help people
identify and understand helpful adjustments that can be made to increase heart health. The term
“heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common
type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly
reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. There
are several everyday things that we can do in achieving healthier lives for 2025. With this
designation, both the American Heart Association along with the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) have put out some great information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that heart disease can
often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.
Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for
people to make healthier choices. National trends show heart disease death rates are declining
more slowly than they have in the past, especially among adults ages 35 to 64. The CDC
Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Million Hearts is focused on letting
younger adults know they are not immune to heart disease, but that they can reduce their risk—at
any age—through lifestyle changes and by managing medical conditions. For more information
and statistics about heart disease visit https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm.

Here are some tips from the CDC to take control of your heart health:
 Find time to be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
 Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big
difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes by looking for ways to
lower sodium and trans-fat. Additionally, try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables.

 Quit tobacco. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every
organ in your body, including your heart. Visit the CDC website for great tips on how to
quit. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-
smoking/index.html?s_cid=OSH_tips_D9385

 Know your numbers. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for
heart disease. Ask your health care team to check your blood pressure and blood
cholesterol levels regularly and help you take steps to control your levels.
 Stick to the “script”. Taking your medications can be tough, especially if you feel fine.
However, focusing on your medication routine is important for managing and controlling
conditions that could put your heart at risk.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is an organization that helps bring heart health
knowledge, leadership, and resources to all levels of government. Whether it is the federal, state,
or local level, the AHA identifies ways of educating the public and develops systems of care that
work to help acute conditions, which will result in helping to improve the patient’s outcomes.
Many of these systems coordinate impacted people to help them recover, while also improving
the cost-effectiveness of their care. These systems of care generally are tailored by more
localized methods that focus on certain regions of the nation and individual states. The
Association uses collected data that helps a seamless transition from each stage of care. It is with
these types of awareness and outreach that they hope will save lives. If you would like to learn
more information about healthy tips on cardiovascular health, you can visit the American Heart
Association’s website at www.heart.org .

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, Charities, corpus christi business, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Real Time MLS, realtors, rentals, Restaurants, selling a home, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

TxDOT #EndTheStreakTX Campaign

January 29, 2025 By

I would like to draw attention to a very important topic we face in Texas, which is roadway safety. Since November 7, 2000 at least one person has died every single day, with an average of 10 deaths everyday. As a result, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently launched the annual #EndTheStreakTX campaign. During this campaign, TxDOT asks all Texans to join the effort to end the deadly 23-year streak on roadways in Texas. The Texas Transportation Commission has set a goal aiming to end all fatalities on Texas roads by 2050, with an interim goal to reduce them by half by 2035.  I hope we can work together to end this deadly trend to make all roadways in Texas safe.

The leading cause of fatalities continue to be failure to stay in one lane, alcohol, and speed. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas Roadways with fatalities resulting from vehicle crashes around 67,000. In 2023 alone, there were 4,283 lives lost. Furthermore, there is 1 reportable crash every 56 seconds, and 1 person killed every 2 hours and 3 minutes. These staggering statistics should serve as a reminder to drive safely and avoid distractions while driving. 

Additionally, TxDOT will dedicate $600 million for safety improvements across Texas roadways over the next two years. This includes widening some roads and adding rumble strips that alert drivers if they are veering out of their lane or off the road. Also, TxDOT will reinforce shoulders and select turn lanes, and deploy new technology that will increase safety on the entire roadway system. However, Texans play a major role in ending the deadly trend by changing simple driving habits, such as, wearing seatbelts, driving the speed limit, putting away the phone and other distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I encourage all Texans to join the effort to end this steak to protect our families. To learn more about the annual #EndTheStreakTX campaign you can visit https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/psas/end-streak.html . Through this effort we can hopefully cause a wave of commitment and a surge of support to end the trend in Texas.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).    

 

 – State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32 

 

 Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi city council, corpus christi jobs, Corpus Christi Schools, cybersecurity, Holiday Parties, North Padre Island, realtors, Restaurants, Todd Hunter

BBB Scam Alert: Recognizing the red flags of a utility scam during freezing weather

January 20, 2025 By

Weather forecasts over the next week predict near or below-freezing temperatures across most of Texas, introducing the first cold snap of the winter season. As residents prepare their homes and businesses, chances are high that scammers will take advantage of the situation by impersonating utility companies and using the threat of disconnection to entice immediate payment.

Be wary of texts, phone calls or emails from the utility company that services your area, claiming that they will shut your heat off immediately unless payment is made. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, an electric utility company cannot disconnect a customer anywhere in its service area on a day when:  

The previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours, according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports. 

For residents who rely on a gas heating system rather than electric, disconnection of a delinquent residential customer is prohibited under these same conditions, except where there is a known dangerous condition that stems from the gas being supplied to the residence.  

If contacted by your utility company demanding immediate payment during freezing temperatures, remain calm and contact your utility company through the phone number listed on your most recent bill to verify the situation. Complaints against a utility company for failure to comply with any of the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ rules can be filed online at https://puc.texas.gov/.  

Keep a lookout for some of these red flags of a utility scam:

Regular payment portals are inoperable. The scammer may claim that an automatic payment failed to go through due to complications with the utility company’s payment portal. They may attempt to collect payment directly over the phone or will provide a link to an alternative payment portal. 

Threats of immediate disconnection. Scammers thrive on emotional manipulation, and, during freezing temperatures, they understand how to capitalize on people’s fear of being without heat. Contact your utility company directly any time the threat of immediate disconnection is used. 

Use of links in texts or emails. Be wary of following any links or contacting a utility company through a provided callback number in a text or email. Always contact the utility company using a known, trusted method, such as through its official website portal, mobile app, or phone number listed on a recent bill. 

Service bundling. Some scammers claim they can bundle a target’s electricity, gas, internet, or other utility providers into a single bill which will save the customer money. Be wary of these claims and verify affiliation or partnership with the utility service provider before engaging with these services. 

Better Business Bureau recommends customers review their utility provider’s policies and scam prevention guidelines regarding delinquent payments or contact. Many will specifically describe the type of information they will request over the phone, how to verify a legitimate employee, and other details that can help avoid utility scams. 

For more information on how to stay safe from scams during winter weather, visit BBB.org/Winter. 

 

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, buying a home, chamber of commerce, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Padre Isles POA, Real Time MLS, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, selling a home, Whitecap Development Project

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – DECEMBER 2024

January 15, 2025 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Corpus Christi Housing Report for December 2024.

Our active listing median prices have softened the past month to $357,000 which is actually a 23.4% decrease from where it was compared to last December at this time! CCAR shows us the data that has risen for active listings t0 41.2% with a total of 298 properties this past month compared to December 2023 while inventory also rose to 10.3 compared to 6.6 last year at this time.

Days on the market increased this past month with an average of 116 days and the highest categories for sales with 37.5% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is still softening a bit as we head into new year with properties available across many pricing areas. Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

The Consumer Price Index rose at a slightly quicker pace than the 0.3% increase in the prior month, as energy prices surged by 2.6% in December alone. Gasoline prices shot up 4.4%. Over the year ending in December, CPI rose 2.9% — up from 2.7% in November 2024.

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island Corpus Christi real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island Corpus Christi December 2024 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-corpus-christi-housing-report-november-2024

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, Investment Property, Real Time MLS, realtors, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI Tagged With:

Human Trafficking Awareness 2025

January 6, 2025 By

The month of January serves as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Governor Abbott has proclaimed January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. During this month, advocates, organizations, and individuals unite to raise awareness about this very important issue. According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking is “modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Human trafficking is not the same as human smuggling, which involves the illegal transportation of a person across a border. Victims of human trafficking are of all genders, ages, races, countries, socioeconomic statuses, and so on. While human trafficking can happen to anyone, people who are already in vulnerable situations – such as people experiencing homelessness – may be more likely to be targeted.

Human trafficking is often thought to be an international issue, however, this crime exists in all fifty states within the United States. Human trafficking has become the second-largest criminal activity/industry in the US and generates billions of dollars in illegal profits annually. According to the Human Trafficking Institute, 22,326 people were identified as victims or survivors of human trafficking. In addition to this, The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that over 11,500 human trafficking cases were reported in the U.S. Approximately 1,080 of these cases were reported from within Texas. It is crucial to continue to be proactive and increase our partnerships and collaborations with organizations or governmental entities locally and throughout our nation to stop this activity and bring awareness to this issue.

In order to prevent human trafficking, we must expand our knowledge of the issue.  Understanding what human trafficking is and how to recognize it is essential.  Some resources to review are the Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking and the Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. To research statistics and other facts about human trafficking in Texas, visit the Texas Human Trafficking Task Force Reports https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/human-trafficking.

The Texas Legislature continues to work diligently to introduce legislation to combat this industry. For this reason, the current anti-human trafficking laws were reviewed and revised throughout the most recent Legislative Session to ensure the prosecution of these criminals continues and stops others from being involved in these activities. The goal is to create laws that stop, prevent, and end the human trafficking epidemic.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

 Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, COVID-19 Virus, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Padre Island Business Association, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

BBB Tip: Practice and reinforce safe cybersecurity habits during Cybersecurity Awareness Month

December 26, 2024 By

In the modern age, very few people can go an entire day without accessing at least one digital system, and even fewer people can last a whole week. Whether checking bank accounts, social media feeds, emails, or tracking an online purchase, consumers and businesses access digital accounts so frequently that it feels almost natural. With companies continuously strengthening security systems in their fight against cybercriminals, including adding biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or retina scans, many people think their personal information and online accounts are safe and secure. However, the vulnerability that most often results in a compromised account is something outside what most companies can control – the account holders themselves.

While massive data breaches that provide the account details for thousands or millions of users are not unheard of, a much more likely cause is an individual account holder accidentally providing the information needed for the hacker to gain access to the account or providing a means for an entire computer system to be taken over. Often through impersonation, tech support fraud, or phishing attacks, cybercriminals direct targets to malicious links that collect login details, install keyloggers, or take over computer systems. For this reason, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other consumer advocacy groups stress the importance of practicing safe cybersecurity habits, and Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great time to address possible vulnerabilities.

“Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to exploit digital systems,” said Heather Massey, vice president of communications for Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas. “Everyone, businesses and consumers alike, must proactively protect their accounts by safeguarding information and being extremely cautious when interacting with any links that direct them to an unknown website.”

To promote and reinforce safe cybersecurity habits, BBB offers the following tips and resources:

Browser privacy. Many websites use files called cookies to personalize user experiences and provide targeted ads. Website browsers, such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge, allow users to adjust their privacy settings and delete or manage cookies. Changes made on one device do not carry over to other devices, so adjust these settings on any device you use to access the internet.

Smartphone privacy. Most mobile devices allow users to control whether they receive targeted ads based on app usage and browsing activity. Settings include resetting advertising identifiers, tracking control, location control and ad personalization. Toggling these settings will change the permissions of apps and browsers used on a mobile device. Additionally, the Digital Advertising Alliance and the Network Advertising Initiative have free opt-out tools for consumers who wish to stop receiving targeted advertisements. Learn more about adjusting privacy settings for your devices at FTC.gov.

Protect your device. Download and maintain up-to-date security software to prevent malware from infecting your device. Along with computers, other web-enabled devices, such as smartphones and gaming systems, also need protection from viruses and malware. Make sure to use security software to scan for viruses on any external device, such as a USB flash drive, before downloading data to your hard drive.

Exercise good cybersecurity habits. Become familiar with the five-step approach to cybersecurity: identify, protect, detect, respond and recover. Be cautious when interacting with links received through email or social media, and make it a habit to check for the ‘lock’ icon in a website address that indicates it is a secured system before making an online purchase. Protect your most vital accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Read more on how to safeguard your home from cybersecurity threats on BBB.org.

For additional resources on how businesses can practice safe internet habits, visit BBB.org.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, realtors, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance
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