April 2026 Sunriver Scene - Flipbook - Page 37
Technology tips for safe travels
By Brandy Odekirk
CEO Central Oregon IT
Before beginning your spring
adventures, it’s important to
know about some travel technology tips.
It’s easy to be lulled into a false
sense of security and wind up
with your vacation being ruined
and your accounts or identity
compromised.
Here are some safety tips to
keep in mind when you travel.
• Wi-Fi: We all need access to
internet and must be cautious
when connecting to public WiFi networks.
Even ones whose network
name matches the name of
the location may not be legit,
as anyone can plug a wireless
device into an electrical outlet
and broadcast their own network with whatever name they
choose.
If you must use public WiFi, be sure to download VPN
software and enable it whenever
you’re not at home.
• Cell phone: If you’re like
most people, you bring your
cell phone with you everywhere
you go.
These devices have become
necessary, but they also bring
some risk.
When you’re traveling, adjust
your device settings for maximum privacy.
You’ll want to disable Bluetooth Discoverable mode so unknown devices can’t see yours.
You also should turn off
Bluetooth Automatic Connections to stop your phone from
seeking and connecting to open
Bluetooth networks.
Apple and Android devices
both have sharing features, and
you will need to restrict sharing
features to only your contacts or
turn it off.
• Personal hotspot: Most cell
phones have a built-in mobile
hotspot included in the existing
data plan.
Sunriver Art Fair in August
Preparations are already in
full swing for this summer’s
Sunriver Art Fair.
Across the West, artists are
painting, carving, drawing,
molding and creating and preparing to fill one of the fair’s 90
booths with original artwork.
At the same time, volunteers
with the Sunriver Women’s
Club are busy planning every
detail of the beloved community event.
Mark your calendar for the
16th annual Sunriver Art Fair
Aug. 7–9 in The Village at
Sunriver.
The Sunriver Art Fair,
along with Art Meets Wine
Before you travel, know technology safety tips.
This feature is incredibly
useful, as it provides a secure
network that you control.
You choose the name and
password of your own hotspot
network, and unless you share
it, you’ll be the only one connected to it.
If you don’t have this plan al-
ready, consider adding it for the
days you’ll be traveling. Using
your own hotspot is the most
secure internet option available
while on the road.
Consider this option if you
do mobile banking or other
secure services while away from
home.
F O U R T H
• Charging cables: Most
hotel rooms are equipped with
courtesy charging cables.
While this may seem convenient, it’s rife with risk.
There is no way of knowing
the cord’s history or use. The
originals provided by the hotel
may have been swapped with a
“ninja cable.”
This is a sophisticated hacking tool disguised as a helpful
charging cable. The cable will
charge your device, but it can
be used to simultaneously inject
malicious software and/or steal
data from you.
Always bring your own
charging cables. If you forget
yours, purchase a new one
from a nearby store or the hotel
lobby.
For additional information or
if you have questions, contact
Brandy Odekirk at 541-6394251, brandy@coitpros.com or
www.coitpros.com
Central Oregon IT is a member of the Sunriver Area Chamber of Commerce.
A N N U A L
SPRING FLING
Sunriver Art Fair is Aug. 7-9.
in Sunriver on Saturday, May
30, are the Sunriver Women’s
Club’s premier fundraisers for
its Community Grant Program.
Proceeds support nonprofits serving south Deschutes
County.
Learn more at sunriverartfair.
org
503-209-3578
wes@premier-remodeling-design.com
Providing Design, Build & Remodel Services
for over 35 years
Live
in Your
Dream
Serving Sunriver and Central Oregon
premier-remodeling-design.com
APRIL 11, 6-9PM
$55/person Benham Hall, SHARC
Purchase by April 8th. NO tickets sold at door
TICKETS
Music by Star Productions of Bend. Classics from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Buffet Dinner by Bowtie Catering. No Host Bar. This is a 21+ Event
Brought to you by:
Sunriver Owner Enrichment Committee
APRIL 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
Page 37
