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Internet Security & Support

For general information concerning Internet security, please visit the Federal Trade Commission.

Internet Security FAQs

My Modem/Router is Showing a Red Light. How do I Fix it?

If your modem/router has a red light next to the internet signal, you should begin to power cycle your modem/router.  To do this, remove it from its power source, wait 5 seconds, plug it back in, and wait approximately 5 minutes for services to restore.

Power Cycle Your Modem or Router Video

 

Note – Your modem or router may or may not be the same model as seen in the video.

How Can I Protect Myself from Viruses?

Your first line of protection from viruses is a good anti-virus program. These can be purchased from any computer or software store, and are generally easy to install and configure. However, any anti-virus program is only as good as the last update. Most manufacturers offer free updates for a certain time period, which varies per program. The updates are available for download on the internet, frequently as often as once a week or once a month.

A second way to protect yourself is to refrain from downloading programs and other items from sites with which you are not familiar. And be careful when opening email attachments such as programs. Even when the program shows it is from someone you know, that person could unknowingly be infected.

How Can I Manage My SmartRG or ZyXEL Modem/Router

With a SmartRG or Zyxel router, you can manage WiFi and other settings by visiting the SmartHub Portal. If you are managing your router for the first time, please follow the instructions below for setup.

First Time Setup

Note: If you need to update your contact email on file with Eastex, please do so before attempting to sign up with SmartHub by contacting our office.

  1. The first time you visit SmartHub, choose “Eastex Telephone Cooperative” from the drop-down menuScreenshot of SmartHub Select Provider
  2. Click the Go to the login page button
  3. Create an account by clicking the Sign Up link on that webpage
    Screenshot of SmartHub Sign Up
  4. Use the same contact email address Eastex has on file for your Internet account. You would have shared this during the signup process or by contacting our office.
  5. After registration, check for a confirmation email and click the verification link
  6. Return to the SmartHub Login to manage your router settings

Spam

Spam are bulk email advertisements that you did not opt-in to receive. Eastex mail has spam scanning enabled on all of our customer’s email accounts.

The following rules can also help keep your inbox relatively spam-free:

Subscribe to an email or Internet provider that offers anti-spam filtering service or install your own anti-spam software

Utilize your email client (i.e. Outlook, Windows Mail) to set up spam filters and blocks

Never reply to spam – this only confirms your email address is valid

Never click links in spam, even an “Unsubscribe” link – this confirms your email address is valid

Be certain a website is reputable before providing them with your email address

Email Attachments

Email is the main point of entry for viruses. The number one rule to follow is to never open an attachment that appears suspicious.
If you are not sure if an email or attachment is legitimate, follow these tips:

Do not open the attachment

If you know the sender, verbally contact them to confirm it is legitimate before you open the attachment

If you do not know the sender, delete the email and empty your deleted items folder