Security

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a useful tool in public service agencies, including housing authorities. Whether staff members are working in property management, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) administration, inspections, resident services, or back‑office functions, AI can streamline many routine tasks. But because housing authorities work with sensitive resident information and operate in a heavily regulated environment, it’s essential to use AI responsibly.

The recent cyberattack on medical‑tech giant Stryker is a wake‑up call for every public agency in the U.S.—including housing authorities. The attack wasn’t just another ransomware scare. It was a destructive, politically motivated Iranian‑linked operation that wiped data, disabled systems, and—most importantly—spread through employees’ devices, including their personal phones.

For housing authorities, the lesson is simple: 

When you work in environments that manage sensitive information—like housing authorities—cybersecurity isn't optional. One of the most common but overlooked risks we see at Ultimate IT Guys is the habit of storing passwords directly in a web browser. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and others make it incredibly convenient to “save” your login information and autofill it later. But that convenience comes with serious security drawbacks.

Credit card skimming isn’t new — but it’s evolving faster than ever. As consumers rely more on self‑service terminals and online payments, criminals have upgraded their tactics, leading to a dramatic rise in fraud. In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers lost over $12 billion to scams, with skimming contributing significantly to those losses. And 2025 data shows it’s accelerating: over 503,000 credit card fraud cases were reported in the first nine months of the year.

You’re scrolling through your feed—liking, sharing, chatting—when a message pops up from a friend:

“Hey, is this you in this video?”

You tap it without thinking.

In seconds, your account is compromised.

Social media has become prime territory for cybercriminals. With billions of users and endless ways to deceive, scams now look more convincing than ever. These aren’t random phishing attempts anymore—they’re targeted, personal, and crafted to mimic the people and platforms you trust.

Essential Privacy Guidelines for Using Public Generative AI at Your Housing Authority

A quick‑reference guide for staff

1. Never Enter Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Public AI tools are not approved for confidential tenant data. Do not include:

Protecting Yourself From Modern Scams: Practical Tips to Stay Secure

At Ultimate IT Guys, your security is our highest priority. Cybercriminals continue to develop new ways to trick users into giving up personal information, money, or access to their computers. The good news is that a few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk. This list is just a few of the most common tactics scammers use and the steps you can take to stay safe.

The holiday season brings increased scam activity. Here are a few practical ways to protect yourself:

Online Shopping & Deals

Do you have a router made by TP-Link at your office or home?

Here's a summarized reminder of why a business might want to avoid using TP-Link routers:

1. Security Concerns: Security vulnerabilities and reports of exploitation in cyberattacks.
2. Government Investigations: Scrutiny from US agencies regarding security flaws and ties to China.
3. Intellectual Property Issues: Allegations of design theft and undercutting competitors.

Should Public Housing Authorities provide free Wifi to children during the Covid-19 Pandemic so they can keep up with school work?

Regardless of your thoughts about free Wifi, it is a very hot topic right now.  The concern is making sure that children in public housing don't fall behind, while many schools are having students finish this school year working remotely.  This is a very real issue and one that deserves some attention.  However, it is a complex issue.  

There are many things to consider before starting a wifi project, such as: