BEK - BEACON

Click Smart – Stay Cyber Safe

Tip: Spot the Clues to Identify Phishing Attacks

December 2025

Urgent or Threatening Language

Phrases like ‘Immediate Action Required’ or ‘Your account will be suspended’ are red flags meant to make you panic and act quickly.

Suspicious Email Addresses

Check the sender’s email address closely. Even if it looks legit at first, small typos or misspellings in the address are a warning sign.

Hover over links without clicking. If the link address looks strange or doesn’t match the organization’s official website, it’s probably a phishing attempt.

Unexpected Attachments

Be cautious of unexpected files, especially if they’re asking you to enable content or macros. These can contain malware.

Requests for Personal Information

Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive info (like passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment details) via email or text.


Stay vigilant, double-check details, and trust your instincts! When in doubt, contact the company directly using an official contact method.

More stories in this Issue

Finding Home Again

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A young man chasing big-city dreams finds his true home in Valley City. Discover George and Bonnie Dutton’s inspiring return to community, purpose, and small-town Christmas magic.
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Message from the CEO

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Want a bigger voice in your cooperative? Discover how you can help shape BEK’s future, strengthen your community, and guide next year’s leadership. Don’t miss this Christmas message!
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Important Update

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SmartHub is getting an upgrade, and payments will pause for one week. Find out what’s changing, why it matters, and how to stay ahead of thhe update.
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Meet the District II farmer shaping BEK’s future. From a century-old family farm to the BEK boardroom, Bob Subart’s story shows what rural leadership looks like and why your voice matters.
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BEK TV Host Wins at International Championship

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BEK TV’s April Lund just made history with two gold medals for Team USA in Chile! See how our Ladies of Another View host dominated the world stage and inspired fans back home.
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BEK Chief Security Officer Honored by CyberCon

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Discover how BEK’s own John Nagel earned a spot in the 2025 CyberCon Hall of Fame, and why his leadership is shaping the future of cybersecurity in North Dakota.
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Marketing in Flight in Grand Forks

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Winter Sports on BEK TV

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Winter may be cold, but BEK TV is heating things up with nonstop live basketball, hockey, and wrestling. Don’t miss the biggest matchups and hometown rivalries of the season!
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Click Smart – Stay Cyber Safe

December 2025

Think before you click! Phishing scams use fake emails, urgent messages, and bad links to trick you. Learn the warning signs and protect your info—when in doubt, verify before you reply.
Read more...

December Beacon Trivia

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Be sure to play this month’s trivia for your chance to win! Good luck, and happy playing!
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