MVEC eNewsletter


		January 2025


		Correctly complete the quiz with information found in our current MVlink eNewsletter for a chance to win a $10 credit on your next internet bill. Click here to take the quiz! Congrats to last month's quiz winner -- Jan from Bellevue.


		Spitting Image Strangers You won't believe your eyes with these doppelgängers — strangers who look like identical twins. What's the science behind it?		Living in a Shopping Mall Faced with store closures and fewer shoppers, some malls are finding new life by converting empty space into apartments.


		New Year's Tech Resolutions Typically when we make New Year's resolutions, they often center on our health or organizational goals. This year, also consider your tech and digital wellbeing as you are committing to making some improvements in 2025. Boost Your Cybersecurity With cyber breaches and phishing attempts on the rise, make cybersecurity a focus in 2025. Update old or weak passwords. If you haven't changed a password in awhile, take a moment to create a new one. Using the same password for multiple sites or programs? Make each password unique and strong. Consider using a password manager to help. Invest in malware and antivirus tools (and make sure they are up to date). Use trusted antivirus software to protect your laptop or PC from viruses and cyber hackers. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Add an extra layer of security by enabling MFA on every account that offers it. MFA pairs your password with a unique code typically delivered via text, email, or a dedicated authenticator app. Review app permissions and settings. Worried that an application on your phone might be sharing too much of your private information? Check the permissions associated with every app by visiting Settings or System Preferences on your mobile device. Keep an eye out for location services, activity tracking, and access to your camera or microphone — turn off any unnecessary permissions to enhance your digital privacy. Protect Your Identity Assess your digital footprint by monitoring your social media accounts. Regularly review your social media accounts for anything unusual while double-checking security settings to make sure they flag or prevent DMs and friend/follow requests from unknown contacts. Be mindful of the information you share online to minimize the risk of identity theft. Monitor your credit by pulling periodic credit reports. Enable alerts Click here to read more... Click here to read issues of The Fiber Download articles. Click here to read issues of the Watts Current Newsletter. Click here to learn more about our Streaming Guide. Cybercriminals Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) To create social media content that closely mimics genuine posts, cybercriminals are increasingly using AI in social media scams. It's important to be aware of this, since AI helps them more easily manipulate individuals into unknowingly sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links, leading to identity theft. Always be cautious about engaging with unknown entities on social media, and regularly review and update your privacy settings.


		6 Easy Soup Recipes January is National Soup Month. Warm up with these recipes including Lentil Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and Corn Soup.		5 Kinds of Pull Apart Bread Get ready to bake both sweet and savory versions of these delicious breads, which are designed for easy sharing on a buffet table.


		Are You "Subtitle Age"? This funny (and relatable) video demonstrates why so many of us can't watch anything on TV unless we've turned on subtitles.		Feeding Time for Goats These kids are definitely hungry! Take a peek at this farm's efficient bottle feeding system and the wagging tails during the process.


		20 Quick DIY Projects Don't have time for a big DIY project? Watch this video for ideas on how to make your home look better in 30 minutes or less!		Reupholster a Chair Seat Updating the fabric on old dining chairs is a quick and easy way to create a fresh look. Follow these step-by-step instructions.

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative · 109 N Huber Street · Anamosa, IA 52205
Phone: 319-462-3542 · 800-927-6068

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

© 2025 Cornerstone Publishing Group Inc.

Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

View this email online.

Manage your preferences | Sign up to receive our future emails.

This email was sent to efletcher@mvec.com.

You can opt out of all mailings by clicking this link.

Continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.