Cybersecurity can be a scary subject. We get it. It’s daunting and something you just want to ignore in hopes that nothing bad will happen to you.

Sorry friend, this subject is all TOO real to ignore. But we’re here. We got you.

We want to give you the knowledge to protect yourself from phishing attacks, ransomware, and other online scams. So here we go! But to start, a chilling reminder of our recent past:

• June 2018, MyHeritage—more than 92 million email addresses and HyHeritage account passwords were compromised.
• April 2018, The Facebook data breach—this was one of the largest misuses of personal data in history! In fact, just last month, Facebook revealed that 15 MILLION people had their personal info accessed by hackers.
• March 2018, Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal App—an “unauthorized party” gained access to 150 million user names, emails, and encrypted passwords from users of the fitness tracking app.
• July 2017, Equifax data breach—a quick calculation tells us that the 143 million potentially affected makes up a full 44 percent of the country’s total adult population.
• May 2017, WannaCry ransomware attack—this attack will go down in the books as one of the most successful malware campaigns in history.

So yeah, now more than ever you need to be educating yourself about how preventive cybersecurity strategies can keep you safe in a digital world of malicious criminals and hackers.

Cybersecurity awareness tips

1. Enable two-factor authentication
   1. This will make it harder for someone to access any of your accounts.
   2. This added layer of security can make a big impact.
2. Check a website’s SSL Certificate before using
   1. This will ensure the website is safe to use.
   2. Beware—hackers can copy a safe site if you click on a malware link. For example, links found in phishing emails.
3. Never save credit card information online
   1. This is a great basic tip to keep your bank account information secure.
   2. If that site is ever compromised, your card information will be, too.
4. Up your password game
   1. Think of a long password (10+ characters). Using a sentence instead of random letters is much more efficient. For example: eattacosonthe9th!!
   2. Never use the same password on different accounts.
   3. Never write down your passwords and store in a Word file; use password vault software instead.
5. Think twice before clicking an email link
   1. Not all links are created equal. Some seemingly safe links can wreak havoc.
   2. Phishing emails are becoming harder to detect. Look into social engineering training.

These basic tips can help you, your employees, and your business stay more protected when using your computer.

Emerald City Solutions is an information security company offering high-grade, professional IT business solutions using cutting-edge technology to help our customers modernize their business, protect valuable assets, and improve business connectivity. For more tips and tricks, check out Emerald City Solutions’ weekly blog or give them a call at 206.340.1616 to learn more about IT and cybersecurity services for your business.

Contact:
Stephanie Giralmo, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBAKS Inducts Cameron McKinnon as 2022 Board President

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 3, 2022—The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) inducted Cameron McKinnon as its 2022 President of the Board of Directors during the annual holiday gala in December 2021.

Born and raised in Everett, Washington, Cameron has over 15 years of experience working in the development and construction industry. After graduating from the University of Denver with degrees in Finance and Accounting. Cameron joined Gamut360 Holdings, LLC to launch and oversee the company’s new division in Seattle which focused on infill residential development of single-family homes and townhomes.

Cameron joined MBAKS in 2013 and has been an active member within the Seattle Builders Council since that time. In 2018, he joined the Board of Directors and within 6 months was elected the 2nd Vice President. As one of the youngest Board Presidents in the history of the organization, Cameron is embracing tomorrow and focusing on growing a younger membership base. He also will work to expand MBAKS’ advocacy work within the housing industry.

“As we look ahead, we are beginning to see a shift in our region’s mindset around what housing and density should look like,” says Cameron. “It is the responsibility of MBAKS to help guide our jurisdictions towards responsible growth to allow for more housing options for all.”

In addition to his role as Partner and the Director of Acquisitions and Development at Gamut360, Cameron recently co-founded Confluence Development, LLC, a Seattle-based residential real estate development firm that focuses on infill developments of townhomes and single-family homes in the Greater Seattle area.

The newly inducted 2022 Board of Directors is rounded out with First Vice President Traci Tenhulzen (Tenhulzen Residential), Second Vice President Trevor Johnson (Blackwood Builders Group), Secretary Cameron Kartak (AAA Kartak Glass & Closet), and Immediate Past President Todd Levitt (Murray Franklyn A Family of Companies).

For more information on this release, contact Stephanie Giralmo at sgiralmo@mbaks.com

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

###

Shannon talks to Jenny Steiner, Builders Interiors, about her company and how their MBA membership helps them continue to grow.

Check out our member benefits