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Cybersecurity Tips from Mark Lamendola of Empire Access

By Sarah Knieff

Technology has become a large part of our daily lives. With this, the risk of cyber threats and the need for tougher security is continuing to grow for everyday consumers. From scam emails to unsecured internet networks, the threats aren’t just targeting Fortune 500 companies, they’re hitting households everywhere.

Mark Lamendola, director of marketing for Empire Access, defines cybersecurity as protecting a home’s devices, data, and network from unauthorized access. “Think of someone trying to steal your passwords, break into your Wi-Fi, or access financial information stored on your computer or phone. It’s all about keeping the wrong people out,” Lamendola explained.

Cyber threats come in many forms, including phishing scams, which have become increasingly common. “You’ll get an email saying you’ve won a prize or a text message about tracking a package you never ordered,” Lamendola said. “It’s just a trick to get you to click something that installs malware or steals your info.”

Malware, often hidden in downloads or suspicious attachments, can infiltrate devices and go undetected. “Once it’s in, it can do everything from collecting your data to demanding a ransom to get it back,” he added.

Another major vulnerability is passwords. “Weak or reused passwords are one of the biggest risks,” Lamendola said. “We all reuse passwords sometimes for ease, but if a hacker cracks one, they could gain access to every account using that same login.”

Unfortunately, the consequences of cyber attacks can be severe. Identity theft, financial fraud and damage to devices, are just a few real possibilities. “These scammers want something from you, whether it’s monetary or not,” Lamendola said. “That’s why prevention is crucial.”

Recognizing cyber scams is a key part of said prevention. Lamendola recommends always checking the sender address of an email, hovering over links to preview their true destination, and being cautious with unexpected attachments. “If anything looks off, even slightly, it’s better to be safe and not engage,” he said.

To stay protected, Lamendola suggests starting with the basics: create strong, unique passwords; enable two-factor authentication; keep all software and devices up to date; secure your home Wi-Fi; and regularly back up important data.

Education also plays a critical role. Children and seniors, in particular, can be more vulnerable to scams. “It’s just as important to make sure your kids and elderly relatives know what to watch out for,” Lamendola emphasized.

Empire Access, a regional fiber internet provider, supports its customers with technology designed to improve both performance and security. Its high-speed fiber network offers more than just fast connectivity, it helps maintain a stable and secure environment for connected devices.

One of Empire’s key offerings is its CommandIQ mobile app, which gives customers full control over their home network. “You can see which devices are connected, set up parental controls, block certain websites, and even create a temporary guest network so visitors don’t connect to your main Wi-Fi,” Lamendola said. “It’s network-level security, all from your phone.”

As more homes add smart cameras, locks, and other connected devices, managing and protecting them has become increasingly important. CommandIQ also allows users to monitor network traffic, block suspicious activity, and schedule screen time for children – all from a single interface.

Antivirus software is another essential tool, and Lamendola strongly recommends it. “Think of antivirus software as a security guard for your devices. It helps detect and remove threats like malware and spyware,” he said. “It’s another layer of protection that works best when combined with strong passwords and smart browsing habits.”

With the holiday shopping season approaching, online scams are expected to rise, making cybersecurity even more important. “Black Friday, Cyber Monday – this is when phishing emails and fake websites spike,” Lamendola warned. “It’s more important than ever to be cyber smart and make sure your internet connection, and your family, are secure.”

With reliable fiber internet and tools that give customers real control over their networks, Empire Access is helping households across New York and Pennsylvania stay connected – and protected.

For more information, visit www.empireaccess.com.