How to Terminate a Low Voltage Cable

Learn how to terminate and install a low voltage data cable. In this video, we’ll teach you how to strip, terminate, and install a low voltage category cable.

Your Tire Care Cheat Sheet and Essentials

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

Your Tire Care Cheat Sheet 

Unless you are a mechanic, you might not feel totally sure about how to care for your car’s tires and keep them in the best condition. Vehicle terminology appear confusing unless you work with it on a daily basis, so this guide will give you the basics of everything you should know regarding tire care. 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

Check Air Pressure 

Above all, air pressure can determine the longevity of your tires. PSI, our pounds per square inch, is the unit of measurement applied to the air pressure in your tires. While overinflated tires ride harshly and are easily damaged by road irregularities, under inflated tires hurt gas mileage and lead to loss of steering and cornering stability. 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

The correct air pressure is critical, so read your owner’s manual for the optimal PSI level and check tire air pressure once per month. Just be sure to check that pressure once your vehicle is “cold” and hasn’t been driven in at least three hours.  

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″] style=”display:block; text-align:center;” data-ad-layout=”in-article” data-ad-format=”fluid” data-ad-client=”ca-pub-4167652138913901″ data-ad-slot=”1858930249″>[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

Alignment and Balance 

Alignment refers to the suspension of your front and rear tires. Since alignment determines the way your vehicle handles, poor alignment can cause major problems like irregular tire wear and crooked driving trajectory. Misalignment is most likely to occur after an accident or hitting a big pothole, so have it checked after any type of strong impact.  

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Code”] style=”display:block; text-align:center;” data-ad-layout=”in-article” data-ad-format=”fluid” data-ad-client=”ca-pub-4167652138913901″ data-ad-slot=”1858930249″>[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

While alignment deals with suspension, balance relates to the way the tires are mounted. If one area is heavier or lighter than the rest, then the tire is off-balance and mounted incorrectly. It’s important to check for balance any time a tire is replaced or alignment is corrected, since poor balance can place too much stress on the tires and cause premature wear and tear.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

Rotation and Tread 

Think about the strain the road places on your car tires every single time you drive. This pressure leads to tire wear, which is unavoidable. Rotation can extend the life of your tires by moving tires into different positions to help the tread wear evenly and thus keep the tire alive longer. Experts recommend rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″] style=”display:block; text-align:center;” data-ad-layout=”in-article” data-ad-format=”fluid” data-ad-client=”ca-pub-4167652138913901″ data-ad-slot=”1858930249″>[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.2″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2″]

By staying current on this type of tire maintenance, you’ll save yourself a great deal of hassle and money.  

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The Importance of Surge Protection for Your Outdoor Landscape

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.1″ global_module=”52533″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.1″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”P1 Text” _builder_version=”4.1″]

As a homeowner, your property and valued belongings are always at some type of risk, whether from an intense hurricane or a thief. But when it comes to all of your carefully placed outdoor lighting, a power surge is the most destructive enemy. It’s all too easy to assume that your lights and electronics will always function perfectly, but it only takes one power spike to lose everything and gain a quick reminder of the virtue of precaution. Don’t overlook the Importance of Surge Protection!  

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”content text” _builder_version=”4.1″]

Why Do Power Surges Occur?

The electrical sockets around your home are designed to provide a steady flow of electricity. This means that when you plug in a lamp or a cellphone charger, the voltage won’t increase dramatically and cause problems. 

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”content text continued” _builder_version=”4.1″]

However, it’s not a perfect system, and lightning strikes, power outages, and general power grid malfunctions all have the potential to create a spike in electrical output. If this surge lasts more than a few seconds, it can significantly damage any electronics drawing power at the time. If the surge is drastic enough, anything plugged in at the time might be permanently ruined.  

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″ link_option_url_new_window=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Content Text” _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″]

The Importance of Surge Protection 

Although electrical sockets are meant to maintain a steady flow of electric currents, they are not equipped with any extra protection against surges and spikes. The only way to provide that extra protection is to purchase individual surge protectors. They can identify when energy has surpassed the threshold for safety and then divert all of the extra electricity so that it doesn’t pass through your devices.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Content text continued” _builder_version=”4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″]

But remember, power strips aren’t always surge protectors! Cheap power strips from the dollar store don’t provide surge protection. Unless the strip specifically states “surge protector”, your money won’t be getting you any extra support. Talk to your lighting company to find out how to obtain surge protectors that will keep your outdoor lighting far from harm’s way.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.2″ type=”1_3″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2″ column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.2″ type=”1_2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.2″ type=”1_2″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.2″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Just like anything else in your home–your air conditioning unit, car, or electronics. If you overlook the simple plumbing maintenance needs of your pipes, drains, and toilets, you don’t just become more vulnerable to losing on-demand hot and cold water. You also run the risk of dealing with major and expensive repairs down the road.  

Your plumbing needs regular maintenance to continue running smoothly and functioning properly.

But not all plumbing problems need to become emergencies! By incorporating the following maintenance tips in your home, business, or commercial site, you can prevent unexpected plumbing issues and avoid significant repair costs.  

 Continue reading “The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance”

Should I Get Solar Panels On My Home?

Electric power consumption has nearly tripled since 1960. In our world of digital connectivity and technology addiction, electricity use is sure to continue rising. But the source of that energy is gradually changing thanks to solar panels. 

We all know it’s bad news to fulfill our energy needs by burning fossil fuels that saturate the atmosphere with greenhouse gases and pollution. So how can we satisfy our constant need for electricity while still showing our Earth the consideration it deserves?

The answer can be found in solar energy. You’ve probably seen panels arranged on your neighbor’s roof or installed around local businesses. Now you’re starting to wonder, should I get them, too?

Continue reading to answer your own question by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of renewable energy technology. 

Why Is Solar Energy Important?

Solar energy is an innovative technology that captures the sun’s energy and converts it into energy we can use. This clean energy does not lead to the acid rain, pollution, or fracking associated with non-renewable energy sources like oil and coal.  

Solar energy isn’t just clean; it’s also powerful. The sunlight received by the earth in one hour is powerful enough to meet the world’s energy needs for an entire year! We can use solar energy to charge our phones, run the AC, and everything in between. 

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels capture and create solar energy. They absorb sunlight with photovoltaic cells. Those cells convert sunlight into energy that generates electricity. 

The uses of solar panels vary, but most homeowners install them on top of their homes to capture the most amount of sunlight each day. Efficient panels capture more energy during the day than needed. Extra energy is stored in a battery and then used at night. 

The Advantages of Using Solar Panels

You’re still wondering if renewable energy installation is the right choice for your home. It could be! Solar panels offer many advantages that can help you save money, protect the environment, and detach from the grid. 

Make Your Home Energy Independent

Solar panels make it possible to use your own source of electricity. This provides energy independence and liberates your home from relying upon the electric grid. When other homes lose power after a storm, your home will continue to enjoy uninterrupted power.

Energy independence also serves the larger purpose of reducing our country’s dependence on foreign energy imports. This probably isn’t something you worry about on a regular basis, but every homeowner who uses solar panels brings America one step closer to achieving economic, political, and environmental stability. 

Reduce Your Electricity Bills

Since you generate your own power using solar, you can kiss your high electric bill goodbye. Other than the initial cost of installation, solar power is a free source of energy. Maintenance is very minimal and returns are high. 

You may run into cloudy or unusually hot days that require you to borrow electricity from the grid. You can still avoid paying a bill by participating in a net metering program. Net metering allows you to send excess solar power to the grid in exchange for credits on your electric bill. 

Earn Tax Credits and Rebates

You can also benefit from tax credits and rebates when you choose to install solar panels on your home. 

The federal government offers a tax credit equal to 30 percent of your total system when you file your taxes. Most state and local governments also offer rebates that can cut your costs in half!

Between reduced electric bills, tax credits, and rebates, solar panels offer a return on their investment in less than ten years. They’re designed to last for at least 25 or 30 years. This means you can enjoy more than two decades of completely free electricity. That’s the kind of math we like.

Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Traditional electricity from the grid comes from coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels. They must be burned to produce electricity. This releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Solar panels offer a much cleaner source of power. They simply trap the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity without the need to burn or release toxic gases. 

The bottom line? If you want to do your part to preserve the environment and minimize dependency on fossil fuels, solar panels are the way to go. 

The Disadvantages of Using Solar Panels

Of course, solar panels are not without their disadvantages. This rundown will help you identify any potential pitfalls. 

High Upfront Costs

Solar panels should be viewed as an investment due to their high initial costs. You should expect to spend at least $20,000 on a system that meets the needs of your household. 

The return on this investment does not occur overnight. It is achieved gradually based on your electricity rates, tax incentives, and solar efficiency. Some homeowners feel that it’s worth the wait to enjoy free electricity and support clean energy, but others disagree. 

PRO TIP! You can enjoy the benefits of solar panels without the tough upfront costs by starting small with affordable, independent solar power units.  Power your boat, RV, or small cabin with a small, flexible solar panel instead. 

Your HOA Might Try to Stop You

Solar panels are becoming increasingly common across the United States, but they are still not acceptable in every community. Many Homeowners Associations have strict rules regarding the installation of these panels on neighborhood homes. 

Be sure to learn about your HOA’s solar panel regulations before assuming you are safe to install them. It’s possible that you might need to provide documentation or even negotiate the location of your panels before you receive approval. 

Solar Panels Are Weather Dependent

It’s easy to decide how to use solar panels in areas like Florida, Texas, and Arizona where the sun is always strong. But states like Washington that experience a high percentage of cloudy and rainy days have a major disadvantage. 

In fact, on cloudy days solar panels can only obtain about 10 percent of the energy created on clear, sunny days. This isn’t a major problem if you live in a location that receives regular sun, but it could hurt efficiency in places with frequent clouds. 

Should I Get Solar Panels?

Installing solar panels is a wise choice for homeowners who are ready and willing to make a high initial investment in order to reap the benefits for decades to come. It’s true that this type of renewable energy offers the best results in sunny locations, but solar technology is advancing quickly!

The bottom line? The answer to your question depends on your own priorities. If you want to contribute to a healthier planet, earn energy independence, and escape your monthly electric bills, then installing solar panels is the right choice for you.

Why Are These Security Cameras Being Banned?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”17px|0px|29px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”17px|0px|13px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.21.4″]

Cameras from the companies Dahua and Hikvision are commonly used surveillance cameras in the United States. They’re found everywhere from government buildings and corner stores to office buildings, and they’re popular for their ability to produce sharp images even in conditions of almost total darkness.

 

So why are they being banned? And how can you properly secure your own business without risking unwanted Chinese interference?

 

The H.R. 5515 Bill

Back in August 2018, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law, which included part of H.R. 5515, a bill that banned governmental use of surveillance cameras produced by Dahua and Hikvision.

 

The Dahua and Hikvision Cameras were banned citing “risky technology” that was “linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s intelligence apparatus”.

In other words, the government is concerned that cameras from the two brands were being used to collect sensitive information about both public and government systems and locations. As reported by Bloomberg, a secret backdoor channel was found in certain Dahua cameras in 2017, and many other cameras from the company reportedly contain the exact same backdoor.

 

New Laws Moving Foward

The new law bans the use of Dahua and Hikvision Cameras for government-funded contracts, use in national security contexts, and installation at critical infrastructure. The law will go into effect in August 2019, although in reality many companies have already cut ties from these potentially dangerous devices. 

 

The law may even have an impact far beyond the borders of the United States, as the US frequently provides cameras from both Hikvision and Dahua to other countries for use in their security systems.

Yet the United States isn’t the only country to act on its misgivings about cameras from Dahua and Hikivision. In September of last year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute expressed its distrust of the security cameras, stating that “having these sorts of cameras in secure facilities just doesn’t make any sense.” Around the same time, Austrialia’s ABC news reported that the cameras were likely being used to conduct spying operations within Australia.

 

What Happens Now to Dahua and Hikvision?

Currently, Hikvision and Dahua maintain offices in North America, and as recently as April the companies showed off their cloud-based video products at a major security industry tradeshow, ISC West.

According to Bloomberg, the ban has already substantially cut sales of Hikvision products in the US. While the law only applies to government and government-contracted installations and systems, public companies are also wary of using the devices. It remains to be seen how the ban of their cameras will affect the willingness of public companies to do business with them moving forward.

Choosing a Better Security Camera System

Your best bet? Choose a security camera and surveillance brand that offers reliable, trusted security. 

If you already have Hikvision or Dahua cameras installed throughout your enterprise, we recommend taking the following steps to review security and identify potential risks:

  • Conduct a full audit to determine your use of Hikvision and Dahua cameras
  • Consider how much a wider ban of Hikvision and Dahua cameras would impact your operations, including the cost and downtime of replacing all these devices
  • Analyze the IT budget to determine whether moving to a different provider is feasible over either the short and longer term

If your enterprise hasn’t yet implemented your video surveillance system, it’s not too late to make the right choices.

  • Look for vendors that are neither based in China nor manufacture in the nation
  • Look for vendors that place a large priority on cybersecurity including:
    1. End-to-End encryption of footage in transit and at rest
    2. Architecting cameras that only send outbound protocols
    3. Auto-updating software and firmware regularly

For a more in-depth breakdown of how to maximize your video surveillance security, click here to read the free Totality Solutions ebook “How Secure is your Video Surveillance.”


Sources:

https://ipvm.com/reports/us-house-5515

https://ipvm.com/reports/ban-law

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://totalitysolutions.org/services/cctv/verkada-security-cameras/webinars/” button_text=”Free Webinar: Intro to Cloud Security” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#6eba01″ button_border_color=”#6eba01″ button_text_color_hover=”#6eba01″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#6eba01″ button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Is Your Smartphone the Spy In Your Pocket?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”36px|0px|29px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ src=”https://totalitysolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/gilles-lambert-8649-unsplash.jpg” admin_label=”Image”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.11″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px”]

We’ve all had it happen to us, even if we didn’t take much notice.

You’re venting to a friend about your least favorite coworker- could he just FOR ONCE not heat his leftover fish in the breakroom microwave?- and within 30 minutes an ad pops up in your Facebook feed that has an eerie connection to your recent conversation.

An odor-eliminator. Or a microwave sale. Or a blog dedicated to improving happiness and wellbeing in the workplace.

Maybe you just scroll past and think, “Huh, weird.”

But let’s stop for a second and really think about this.

All you did was carry on a normal conversation. Your iPhone was just sitting in your back pocket or purse. Yet somehow Facebook captured the key words of your conversation, converted them into data, and slapped highly customized marketing ads directly into your live feed.

It’s one thing to see Facebook ads for dog food after you order your Golden Retriever’s kibble on Amazon- we’re all pretty used to this convergence of internet usage habits and marketing- but it’s infinitely stranger to see it happen when the words are coming out of your mouth (and never typed into your phone!) during any normal part of your day.

So let’s break this down- are you just paranoid, or is your phone really listening to and using your every word?

What Do the Experts Say?

Cell phone manufacturers, of course, deny that your phone can listen to your conversations or speech without your consent.

Representatives including Marsha Blackburn and Robert Latta wrote to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and Alphabet CEO Larry Page back in July 2018 to express their concerns that smartphones could “collect ‘non-triggered’ audio data from users’ conversations near a smartphone in order to hear a ‘trigger’ phrase, such as ‘Okay Google’ or ‘Hey Siri.’”

Apple responded with claims that iPhones never record audio while listening for commands. This may be true, but it doesn’t address the fact that third-party applications can still gain access and use ‘non-triggered’ data without your knowledge or consent. Apple can’t control exactly how apps like Facebook utilize data, and they can’t ban every app that quietly breaks the rules.

The Wall Street Journal agrees. It reported, “Facebook is now so good at watching what we do online- and even offline, wandering around the physical world- it doesn’t need to hear us. [Yet they do.] Advertising is an important staple of the free internet, but the companies buying and selling ads are turning into stalkers. We need to understand what they’re doing, and what we can- or can’t- do to limit them.”

Creepy Examples

Still not convinced that your cellphone is tuned to your every word? Consider this.

I had a conversation at the beginning of December with my husband. The daycare provider for our daughter had to relocate suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving us with two full-time jobs and zero childcare. Not the best situation.

We went back and forth trying to discuss our options, but couldn’t agree on a solution. So I sunk into the couch, frustrated and upset, and opened Facebook to mindlessly scroll through my live feed.

Can you guess the very first ad that popped up as I scrolled?

What do you know, a potential solution to the exact problem my husband and I had just been discussing verbally.

That’s far from the only proof that my iPhone- and yours, too!- is listening to conversations and sending keyword data to create targeted marketing.

I had an argument with my son just this morning because he wouldn’t get out of bed to walk the dog. I spewed out a parental lecture about the responsibilities of walking the dog and staying consistent to his schedule, then stomped out to walk the darn dog myself. When I headed back inside and glanced at Facebook, take a wild guess at the advertisement I saw after a few scrolls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, this is definitely NOT our collective imagination at work. Our cell phones are listening to us, and short of putting your phone in a glass of water and walking far, far into the middle of the forest to have a conversation, this is our new 21st-century reality.

Short of deleting your Facebook app and disconnecting from your smartphone, your best protections include strict privacy settings, precautions, and self-education.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://totalitysolutions.org/services/cctv/verkada-security-cameras/webinars/” button_text=”Free Webinar: Intro to Cloud Security” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”3.19.11″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#6eba01″ button_border_color=”#6eba01″ button_text_color_hover=”#6eba01″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#6eba01″ button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]