5 Things March 7: Parent Board Meeting, Excise Taxes and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

 1. Excise taxes due
Motor vehicle excise tax bills are due today. To pay online, click here.

2. NMS Parent Board meeting
The Norton Middle School Parent Board will hold a meeting 7 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

3. Chefs Cooking for Hope
Sip award-winning wine and sample signature dishes from more than 50 of Boston’s most popular chefs and some of New England’s favorite wineries at the 15th annual Chefs Cooking for Hope. Hosted by the Friends of Dana-Farber, this culinary extravaganza takes place 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 125 High St., Boston. Frank McClelland, of L’Espalier, Sel de la Terre, and Au Soleil Catering will serve as honorary chef. Admission is $100 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Proceeds benefit cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For more information visit www.dana-farber.org/friends.

4. Protecting your computer & smartphone from hackers
Better Business Bureau has these tips for protecting your personal devices:
Computer:
·        Update your software. Your computer should have the latest anti-virus software installed, along with a secure firewall.
·        Shop on trustworthy websites. Check a seller's reputation and record of customer satisfaction atbbb.org. Look for the “s” in https:// in the address box to ensure you’re shopping on a secure website.
·        Beware of phishing. Avoid clicking on links from emails sent from anyone you do not know, or if they appear suspicious.
·        Set strict privacy settings. Consider restricting access on social network profiles to only friends or family, or people you know. Avoid connecting with anyone on social networking sites who you are unfamiliar with.  
·        Set strong passwords. Make sure all passwords, most importantly your passwords for online banking, social media accounts and emails are difficult to guess.
Smartphones:

• Lock your phone. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data. Then set your device to lock automatically when not in use for a specified time.
• Update your operating system.  Regularly updating your phone closes security loopholes and other back doors hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
• Beware of unknown apps and links. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching the source. They may contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.
• Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter passwords or access any personal data.
• Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate.
• Delete “smishing” texts. Like “phishing,” “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing issue that needs to be discussed. Do not reply and erase the message immediately.
• Erase old phones completely. If you’re selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the phone is returned to factory settings before letting it out of your possession.

For more information visit bbb.org or connect via facebook.com/bbbconnection

5. High near 42, low around 32
Today there is a 100 percent chance of snow. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. There will be patchy fog and a high near 36. It will be breezy, with a north wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Tonight the snow will continue with patchy fog and a low around 33. It will be breezy, with a north wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph.