Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds everyone about the simple, effective ways to keep yourself safe online, how to protect your personal data, and ultimately help secure our world.

The theme, Secure Our World!, highlights the steps we can take to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our businesses from online dangers. 

The information focuses on the top four ways to stay safe online.

• Use strong passwords and a password manager
• Turn on multi factor authentication
• Update your software
• Recognize and report phishing

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. For more information about ways to keep you and your family safe online visit the links above.

Organizations today have to navigate the fast-changing world of security threats. We have put together a list of resources to help our customers advance their security capabilities.

Learn about the resources available.

Every year, schools and libraries have the opportunity to upgrade their network technology, ensuring that both students and educators can enjoy a secure Internet connection for accessing digital resources. Having a reliable Internet connection is important, and that's where E-rate funding can play a crucial role.

Learn about What ICN Services Qualify for E-Rate?

ARA Wireless Living Lab

Agricultural & Rural Communities

ICN has provided Iowa State University with expertise consultation, engineering, fiber connectivity, and ongoing support to build a network that is being used to provide powerful wireless broadband coverage for hundreds of square miles of rural areas in a 3-county test project.

The Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) Project Office announced the second phase for the rural wireless testbed ARA, revealing a bigger network and new research and innovation capabilities. The project was recently highlighted during ISU's AraFest’24 and the Farm Progress Show.

Multi-Modal Networks Can Bridge the Rural Connectivity Gap

PAWR Platform ARA Unveils Expanded Network at AraFest’24

Mark Johnson dedicated many years to the State of Iowa, taking on a variety of roles throughout his career. He has worked as a Legislative Liaison, Attorney, Interim Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and more.

We wish him a wonderful retirement!

Michael joins us as our new Circuits Billing Specialist, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in the telecom industry. We're excited to welcome him back as a returning employee.

Mental telehealth program launched for underserved Iowa schools

The Cedar Rapids Community School District received one-and-a-half million dollars this week from Minnesota-based insurer UnitedHealth Group.

Superintendent Tawana Grover says the money will help pay for an online telehealth portal that students can use to access mental health counseling.

Source: Radio Iowa

Groundbreaking for a new public safety center in Grimes
The building will serve both the Johnston-Grimes Metro Fire District and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Source: We are Iowa

Google Makes $100,000 Investment in Iowa STEM Education

The Governor's STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has received a significant investment from Google to support STEM programming across Iowa.

This grant will support the STEM Council’s mission to increase awareness, achievement and interest in STEM education for Iowa students.

Source: Iowa Department of Education

TAI's Tech Brew Focuses on Election Security with the Secretary of State

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate provided a discussion on election security and how election administration has adapted to evolving technology.