President’s Message
As we step into February, it is an ideal opportunity to review and enhance our digital security practices to safeguard our online presence. This month, we will highlight the significance of implementing multi-factor authentication as a crucial component of our security measures.
Now for some club updates:
First Level Support
The FLS team remains dedicated to providing exceptional support to our members. In January alone, your team responded to an impressive 120 calls from members seeking assistance. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous monthly record set in July 2024, which was 110 calls.
TAP
TAP donated 36 computer systems to deserving organizations in January, Twenty-one of these systems were specifically donated to SOLS Write House in Knoxville. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.solswritehouse.com.
Tours
Bob Kutschera conducted tours of Mastercraft and Proton Therapy this month. However, the tour of the 911 Dispatch Center was postponed to March 3rd due to inclement weather. Keep an eye out for future tours of these excellent organizations.
Membership
We had two club members volunteer to serve as Trustees and assist the Treasurer in our annual financial review. They are currently undergoing an orientation to familiarize themselves with the club’s functions, which will help them prepare for the review in March.
I thought it may be interesting to share our membership numbers with you (based on January 2025 data):
| The Jan 31, 2025 Numbers are: | Total |
| Households: | 550 |
| Members: | 932 |
| PC Only Users: | 611 |
| MAC Only Users: | 231 |
| Both PC and Mac Users: | 90 |
Security
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA, also known as 2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account. Instead of relying solely on a password, MFA combines two or more authentication factors:
- Something You Know – A password or PIN.
- Something You Have – A mobile device, security key, or authentication app.
- Something You Are – Biometric verification like a fingerprint or facial recognition.
Importance of MFA:
- Protects Against Weak Passwords – Even if a password is compromised, an attacker cannot access the account without the second factor.
- Defends Against Phishing & Social Engineering – Even if a user unknowingly shares their credentials, hackers still need the additional factor.
- Reduces Risk of Unauthorized Access – Even if attackers steal login credentials through data breaches, MFA blocks them from logging in.
- Enhances Security for Sensitive Accounts – Essential for banking, work emails, and personal accounts containing critical information.
By requiring multiple verification steps, MFA significantly strengthens account security and minimizes the risk of cyber threats. This may seem to be a “pain in the rear”, but think of it as being a dead bolt added to your front door lock, we add it for our protection.
Note: Information on this, and many other day to day questions, can be quickly found by going to our Website, click here.
Members helping members,
Buddy Holt, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club