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Cyber Tip – Using Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

Many users connect to the internet and access multiple accounts and services for business, including email platforms, applications, and vendor websites. The increased use of online accounts and services, combined with users engaging in risky password management practices, puts both themselves and their employers at risk of account compromise and data breaches. Therefore, it is important to practice good password hygiene to protect accounts and data.

Strong, unique passwords for each account help prevent password reuse attacks in which threat actors obtain the password for one account and use it to compromise an additional account using the same credentials. Threat actors succeed when users reuse credentials across multiple accounts, use easy-to-guess or simple passwords, and do not enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strong, unique passwords help secure information, networks, servers, devices, accounts, databases, files, and more against cyberattacks.

Password managers are an effective method to assist users in creating strong, unique passwords and storing them securely. These accounts should be secured with unique and complex master passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) using an authentication app or hardware token. Password managers contain sensitive data and, therefore, require implementing the strongest possible security measures. Users are encouraged to research password manager providers thoroughly prior to use.

Social Media – A Scammer’s Playground

According to reports received by the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, scammers are leveraging social media platforms to generate substantial profits. New data released by the FTC reveals that scams originating on social media have resulted in $2.7 billion in reported losses since 2021, surpassing all other contact methods.

Social media gives scammers an unprecedented advantage at little to no expense, reaching billions of users worldwide. They can easily create a fake persona, hack into profiles, pretend to be the user to deceive contacts, and spread misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Scammers learn to tailor their approach to what users share on social media. Furthermore, scammers may place ads using tools available to advertisers, systematically targeting users based on personal details like age, interests, or past purchases.

Image Source: FTC
Image Source: FTC

In the first half of 2023, social media was the contact method for over 38 percent of fraud cases reported by people aged 20-29.  For people aged 18-19, that figure was 47 percent. The numbers decrease with age, consistent with generational differences in social media use. Data indicates that, while online shopping scams have the highest number of cases, the most significant monetary losses are due to scams that promote fraudulent investment opportunities via social media. More than half of the money lost to social media fraud resulted from investment scams. Additionally, there has been an increase in romance and investment scams, commonly referred to as “pig butchering.” These scammers often advertise their fake investment successes and try to entice users to invest in fake websites and apps.

Social media users should set stringent security settings for social media accounts and critically evaluate sources of information consumed, seeking reliable and verified information. Verify information before sharing posts, clicking links, or promoting the post’s content, including familiar and shared contacts. Bait-and-switch posts often originate from pages that are not associated with a specific individual, have comments turned off, and are relatively vague in the descriptions used in the post. 

Dancing For Cancer Awareness

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Department of Parks & Recreation present Pink Thursday Afterwork Dancing for Cancer Awareness.  

  • What: Pink Thursday Afterwork Dancing for Cancer Awareness. Free mammogram and prostate information. Tony Touch and Dawn Tallman will be performing. DJ’s Tamir, Soulfingers and Robert Andrew will play Latin dance music and Afro dance music.
  • Where: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, which is located at 400 North Wood Avenue.
  • When: Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5pm until 9pm.
  • How: Free event.

NJ PTR (Senior Freeze) & Anchor Program Public Event

Mayor Derek Armstead and the Tax Collector are hosting a public event for NJ PTR (Senior Freeze) and the Anchor Program on October 12th, 2023 from 10am until 2pm in the Court Room, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 301 North Avenue.

When is the event?
The event will be held on October 12th, 2023 from 10am until 2pm.

Where is the event?
The event will be held in the City Hall Court Room, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 301 North Avenue.

Can I come to this event, and what do I need to bring with me?
This is a public event. All may attend! Please make sure to bring your government issued photo ID to this event.

What is the NJ PTR Senior Freeze?

The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their principal residence (main home). To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year. Please note that eligibility requirements, including income limits, and benefits available for all property tax relief programs are subject to change by the State Budget.

When is the 2022 filing deadline?
The deadline for 2022 applications is October 31, 2023.

What is the 2022 payment schedule?
We are currently issuing 2022 payments to qualified applicants.

What is the Anchor Program?

The Anchor Program is the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters program. In this program, the Division of Taxation staff will do the following:

  • Assist in determining your eligibility for the ANCHOR program;
  • Provide information such as New Jersey gross income or, ID and PIN
  • (homeowners only), which can be used when completing an ANCHOR application;
  • Help file your homeowner or tenant ANCHOR application; and
  • Answer your questions about the program.
  • Check the status of your previously filed application or verify whether you have already filed.

2023 Latin Festival

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, Uptown Linden Inc. and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to host 2023 Latin Festival.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Fun for all ages.
  • What: Latin Festival, bringing the Latin Community together for one big event! Come and enjoy live music, food, vendors, the beer and mixed drink tent, DJ and Karaoke, a dance contest and more!
  • Where: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, which is located at 400 North Wood Avenue.
  • When: Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11am until 6pm.
  • How: For more information, call Mikki at 908-718-5831 or email here.

Linden Police Citizen’s Academy

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Linden Police Citizen’s Academy.

  • Who: Open to city employees, business owners and school faculty within the City of Linden who are over the age of 21.
  • What: The Linden Police Citizen’s Academy will provide informational classroom and hands-on training, with members of the Linden Police Department as instructors. Participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of their police department. Participants will be provided with an overview of the Department’s organization, structure and training.
  • Where: Linden Police Department, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue
  • When: Wednesdays, from 5:30pm until 9:30pm
    • October 25
    • November 1, 8 and 29
    • December 6 and 13
    • Click here for the class agenda.
  • How: Applications available in-person at the Linden Police Department, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue. For more information, contact Det/Sgt. Christian Ramirez by email here. Space is limited. Fifteen (15) spots for the Adacemy are available on a first-come, first-servce basis.

STEM Program

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer a seven-week STEM program, hosted by Little Ivy Academy.

  • Who: For ages 6 through 12 years old.
  • What: STEM Program hosted by Little Ivy Academy. The STEM Program is created for elementary and middle school graders of all skill levels! The program opens the door to hands-on digital creation. This generates crafting functional plots and environments for game-play and story-telling.
  • Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • When: Monday, September 25 through November 13, from 4pm to 5:30pm.
    • No class on October 9, 2023.
  • How: Free program. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call 908-474-8639. In-person registration is available 9am – 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Crochet Corner

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Crochet Corner. Hosted by BusyBee Crochet Corner.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Linden senior residents.
  • What: Crochet Corner hosted by BusyBee Crochet Corner. Each participant will receive step-by-step photo instructions and one-on-one instruction as needed. Crocheting tips will be taught to make this adventure successful and fun.
  • Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • When: Tuesdays. October 3, 2023 from 1:30pm until 2:30pm.
  • How: Free program for Linden senior residents. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call 908-474-8639. In-person registration is available 9am – 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Ladies of Linden, we need your support! Help us spread the word about Breast Cancer prevention this Thursday, September 28, at 2pm outside of City Hall Plaza with our PINK Army of Ladies. 

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Breast Cancer prevention and awareness event. Breast Cancer can be treated with early detection. everything Everything else can wait, your health can’t! Make sure you are there to get more information about how you can schedule your free yearly mammogram today. 
  • Where: Outside of Linden City Hall, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue.
  • When: Thursday, September 28 at 2pm.