Month: April 2020

2020-04-09T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re at home with time to work on a project, one of the things you can do is give your vehicle an updated look. The automotive aftermarket offers a variety of special products and accessories that will enable you to transform the appearance of any vehicle quickly, easily and affordably.

According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), thousands of specialty parts are available that can give an older vehicle a completely new appearance. Whether your goal is to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece or simply give a vehicle a fresh new look, a few simple upgrades is all it will take.

Start with the interior. Numerous products are available to update the inside of your vehicle, including aftermarket steering wheels, seat covers, instrument panels and dash kits. It’s easy and inexpensive to get a new steering wheel cover, or you can spend a bit more to replace it entirely with a more sporty or luxurious one. Custom steering wheels come in a variety of shapes and styles, and are available in wood, leather or a high-tech material.

Similarly, seat covers are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and are one of the most dramatic ways to impact the interior. Perhaps best of all, they come in thousands of colors and fabric combinations. Seat covers can also be ordered with emblems or logos on them.

Continue with the exterior. For a new look outside the vehicle, consider a new grille, taillight surround, bumper, hitch or ground-effects kit. Wheels and tires, both of which are among the most popular vehicle accessories, instantly update the look of a car or truck. Prices, styles and finishes vary greatly.

Go high-tech. If your vehicle is a few years old, consider modernizing it with electronics. Bluetooth-enabled devices, including navigation, video and audio systems, can be installed in just about any car or truck, regardless of its age.

Have good clean fun. Don’t underestimate the impact that a good cleaning can have on a vehicle. Wax and car care science is constantly evolving, allowing for a restoring program for almost any type of finish. Car care companies even offer special polishing tools that make giving your vehicle a professional facelift easy.

Add some color. If your paint is damaged and in need of a touch-up, automotive paint companies offer a robust color palette that makes color treatments a cinch. Another option is to go with a wrap, which will give your vehicle a new-paint look. Wraps come on rolls in a variety of colors and patterns, and when properly applied it does not damage the original surface of the car. In the future if you decide to change it, you can simply peel it off and lay on a different wrap.

The installation of many types of restyling parts is designed to be simple and can often be handled by anyone who approaches the job with reasonable care. But for best results, more involved makeovers — including those that require paint or bodywork or replacing components that have safety-related features, such as seat assemblies — should be done by professionals who have the tools and experience for that kind of work.

SEMA represents the $44.6 billion specialty automotive industry, which provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. In addition to offering market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, SEMA helps businesses manage product data, such as weights and measures, descriptions, pricing, and UPC codes or application data, through its SEMA Data Co-op program. To learn more about SEMA Data Co-op, log on to www.semadatacoop.org.

2020-04-08T23:01:00

(BPT) – With extra time at home right now, millions of Americans are taking the opportunity to address housekeeping tasks they haven’t gotten around to — from cleaning the mattress to scrubbing the washer and dryer. This is the year to do your best spring cleaning yet.

You likely know the basics of how to get the job done right, but here are some game-changing tips from the pros on how to spruce up every room in your house.

1. Start with the bedroom

• While washing your bedding, it’s a great time to rid your mattress of dust. A perfect tool for the job is a lightweight stick vacuum like the CordZero from LG. Using vibrations, its “power punch” nozzle attachment knocks dust free from the layers below and swiftly transfers it to the dust bin.
• When rotating your closet from winter to summer, your stored clothes likely need a refresh. Instead of washing, run summer clothes through the dryer on a steam refresh cycle and they’ll be ready for the season.

2. Take care of your appliances

• Make sure to clean your dryer vent. “LG recommends cleaning the vent and hose every 6-12 months depending on how much laundry you do,” notes Laura Johnson, an R&D expert at the LG Electronics home appliances lab. “This will help keep the dryer in great shape and reduce risk of fire.”
• Many people don’t know it’s important to run the tub clean cycle on your washer to get the inside of the machine clean. Johnson recommends running the cycle every 30 washes with a cleaning agent like Affresh and Clorox washing machine cleaners or vinegar and baking soda.
• Also take the time to wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer, and the rubber seal or gasket around the door or lid.

3. Use the power of steam to sanitize

• Steam gives an unrivaled clean while also letting you take a break from harsh chemicals.
• Johnson suggests using steam cycle settings on your washer and/or dryer (many LG washing machines even have Sanitize and Allergiene cycles) to deep clean everything from bedding and pillows to bathroom floor mats.
• You can also use a steam mop on your floors to get rid of any excess grit and grime.

4. Don’t forget to clean your kids’ toys

• The dishwasher is getting more use than ever right now, and it can do more than you think! Throw children’s dishwasher-friendly toys in to get them clean. If they’re smaller, be sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag first.
• Now is also a good time to run kids’ washing machine–safe stuffed animals through a wash cycle — most can be laundered on your washer’s delicate cycle, but Johnson advises to always check labels to be sure. Plush toys can be dried on low heat — or if it’s sunny and warm, put them outside to dry.

5. Give the fabrics in your bathroom some TLC

• When deep cleaning your shower, don’t forget your shower curtain. Vinyl, synthetic, cotton and natural fiber shower curtains can be laundered using the “waterproof” cycle (found on top-load washers) or “delicates” cycle (found on front-load washers) with mild detergent. If you can’t wash it, scrub the liner by hand with a sponge and a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.
• Another hardworking textile in your bathroom is your bath mat. Run it through the washer with a gentle detergent every month for a clean you can feel. When the wash cycle is complete, leave it out to dry overnight and your bathroom will feel better than ever.

2020-04-08T15:01:01

(BPT) – While you’re at home helping to keep everyone safe, why not get creative and hone your at-home mixology skills? It’s easy to find — or create — delicious recipes for refreshing cocktails, including twists based on the classic gin and tonic, using ingredients from your fridge or pantry.

Your drinks will stand out if you start with a balanced, versatile base. Begin with The Botanist Gin, which is crafted from 22 locally hand-foraged botanicals from the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, making it the perfect foundation for any local and seasonal ingredients you want to add. You can order gin, tonic water and other necessities online to have them safely delivered to your door.

Once you’ve got your foundation, try one of these easy recipes (substituting as needed) to virtually “cheers” with family, friends or colleagues!

1. Start simple and get creative

The classic recipe is a great canvas to DIY your own cocktail. No limes or lime juice? No worries. Try a flavor twist with thyme or mint, or look to other ingredients available at home instead.

The Botanist & Tonic

2 ounces The Botanist Gin
4 ounces tonic water
Garnish: Lime, thyme or mint

Add ingredients into a highball glass with ice and garnish to taste.

2. Make the most of pantry staples

Grab olive oil and a jar of olives from your pantry for an unexpected cocktail combination. The Athenian calls for Olive Oil Fat-Washed Botanist Gin mixed with tonic, plus olives for garnish. What could be tastier for your virtual happy hour than pairing your cocktail with a charcuterie board or Mediterranean-inspired appetizer as you sip?

The Athenian

2 ounces The Botanist Gin (Olive Oil Fat-Washed)
4 ounces tonic water
Garnish: Olives

Add all ingredients into highball glass and garnish.

Olive Oil Fat-Washed Botanist Gin

Ingredients:

2 ounces olive oil to each 10 ounces The Botanist Gin

Process:

Let mixture of The Botanist Gin and Olive Oil sit for 24 hours.
Place in freezer. Wait 2 hours for olive oil to freeze and skim olive oil out of mixture for olive oil fat-washed gin.

3. To share or not to share

Ditch the smoothie and swap with this delicious Cool Brunchin’ frozen blended cocktail made from gin, tonic, blood orange (or regular orange) and mint. The recipe serves two, so feel free to share with a roommate or partner (or save one for later) as you imagine yourself lounging on a beach.

Cool Brunchin’ (Serves 2)

4 ounces The Botanist Gin
2 ounces tonic syrup (or tonic water if you don’t have tonic syrup)
2 ounces blood orange juice
5 ounces lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups ice
Garnish: mint sprig

Add all ingredients into blender. Blend to preferred consistency.
Pour into rocks glass and garnish with mint sprig.

4. Make it too beautiful to drink — almost

This beautifully presented cocktail complements its delicious flavors. The Riviera is inspired by a Spanish G&T, with robust flavor from a variety of herbs and fruit, which are also gorgeous to look at when served in a goblet glass.

The Riviera

2 ounces The Botanist Gin
4 ounces tonic water
Bay leaves
Juniper
Rosemary
Orange

Add all ingredients into a beautiful goblet or wine glass with ice. Garnish.

5. Get creative with simple swaps

When your ingredients are limited, be flexible with your recipes and experiment with easy swaps. The Gin(ger) & Honey cocktail gets its zest from the core ingredients of ginger, honey and lemon, but if you don’t have ginger, not to worry! Try other flavors like allspice, cinnamon, mace or nutmeg.

Gin(ger) & Honey

2 ounces The Botanist Gin
.5 ounces Local Honey Water (see below) — infused with lemon and ginger
Tonic water
Garnish: lemon wheel, pinch of black salt

Add all ingredients into highball glass and garnish.

Local Honey Water:

1 part local honey
1 part water
Lemon peel
Sliced ginger

Process:

In saucepan, bring water and honey to boil.
Turn off and place lemon peels and sliced ginger in pan. Let rest 15 minutes.
Strain and serve.

Be inspired by these recipes and whatever ingredients are available in your pantry, customizing your cocktail to suit your taste.

For more recipe ideas, visit TheBotanist.com/foraged-gin-cocktails.

2020-04-08T13:59:00

(BPT) – Social distancing has transformed life in countless ways, especially for families that are now tasked with working remotely and homeschooling simultaneously. From work and school to entertainment and social connection, screens have become an essential tool, leaving parents contemplating screen time rules in a new light.

“Whether it’s attending virtual team meetings, watching educational content for school or video chatting with loved ones, Americans are using devices more frequently, and in more ways, than ever before,” says Andrew Olson, CEO of Circle, a category leader in delivering screen time management and parental control solutions to families. “As reality has shifted, it’s important to shift your approach toward screen time management as well. Parents shouldn’t feel guilty about extra screen time for their families during these extraordinary circumstances. What they should do is set smart guidelines that ensure a healthy balance across what we do on our screens, as well as between time spent online and off.”

In the United States, the majority of 6– to 12-year-olds say they use screen devices either a lot more (at least 50% more), twice as much, or for what feels like “most of the day” during the coronavirus pandemic, according to an Axios report. With your family using devices more frequently, consider these four smart steps to manage screen time and help ensure a positive use of technology:

Step 1: Discuss screen time changes

Two hours of non-academic screen time a day is a standard followed by many parents, but during stay-at-home and social distancing orders, this may not be realistic for most families. However, it’s important to talk about this shift in expectations and stress that it’s temporary. While screens will always be a part of life, explain to your family that you’re being more flexible since you’re all spending more time at home and that this is not a permanent change.

Step 2: Maintain a schedule, and pencil in screen time

Experts recommend families maintain a familiar routine despite the current disruptions to normal life. Rise and shine, get dressed and eat breakfast to set the foundation for a productive day. Then, set periods of time when screens should be used for academic work only, keeping in mind that older students will be able to focus for longer stretches of time than younger students. For example, a first grader might work on a math program for 20 minutes before needing to shift gears while a high-schooler could dive in for an hour at a time or more.

Be sure to schedule screen time “recess” for playing games or chatting with friends online. Keep in mind, disconnecting is key as well, so have a picnic, play a board game, make an art project or try your hand at a science experiment in the kitchen.

Step 3: Add filters and controls

With children of all ages spending more time online, you want to enforce positive uses of screen time while overseeing what your kids can access and when. With Circle’s award-winning parental control device and app, you can easily manage all your family’s connected devices. You can also protect your family by blocking inappropriate content, customizing settings for individual family members and applying filters to social media, videos, games, websites and apps across all devices.

What’s more, you can manage the time they spend on the apps and websites that you do approve of. That means you can set limits for categories like games, social media or news. You can specify time limits, so if your child has a tendency to sneak off to build an online kingdom in a favorite game, you can make sure they do it for a reasonable amount of time each day.

Step 4: Create screen-free zones

Screens keep you connected to others beyond your home, but they can interfere with your connection to the people within your home. That’s why it’s important to set expectations about where and when technology use is appropriate, and where and when it’s not. For example, experts recommend establishing tech-free meal times and turning screens off at least an hour before bedtime. With Circle, you can easily Pause the Internet® to make sure everyone has devices down at dinner and use the Bedtime feature to set custom bedtimes for each family member to ensure kids get the sleep they need.

These four simple steps can help your family use technology in a safe, positive way that benefits everyone, especially during this period of social distancing while many families are spending more time online. To learn more, visit www.meetcircle.com.

2020-04-07T13:45:00

(BPT) – The theory that the world is interconnected to such a degree that the fluttering of a butterfly’s wing in Africa could cause a tornado in Arizona has been debated for over a century. One man wanted to try a similar experiment, but in kindness. Could one random act of kindness have the necessary ripple effect to impact the world?

Changing times

After the 2016 election, Egyptian-Canadian Entrepreneur Tarek Mounib became increasingly concerned about the polarization and negativity he saw in the world, and particularly from his American “neighbors.”

“I was becoming really afraid of where the world was going. I was starting to fear Americans,” Mounib says. “Then I realized that I don’t want to start fearing people, I don’t want to start judging people.”

Mounib searched for something he could do to help relieve his fears — and to make a wider impact.

“What could I do instead of pointing fingers at these people and being angry at them? Why don’t I offer them something kind and move toward them instead of away from them?” Mounib asked himself.

The birth of an idea

Sitting on a tram one day, Mounib had the idea to offer people a free trip to Egypt. And not just any people, but those who were least likely to actually want to go, due to suspicion or fear.

Mounib began his search by traveling across America, looking for everyday Americans. From the streets of Manhattan to Vidalia, Georgia, and many places in between — including a Trump rally in Louisville, Kentucky — Mounib was determined to find the very people he thought might fear him.

The trip is documented in “Free Trip to Egypt,” directed by Ingrid Serban. The travelers were a diverse group, including a Christian missionary, a Marine Corps vet, a former Miss Kentucky and a retired Jewish teacher from New York. All experienced an eye-opening, emotional journey as they connected with their Egyptian hosts, finding their common humanity despite their differences.

What happened next was beyond Mounib’s wildest dreams.

The ripple effect

The film was screened in 500 theaters, and was viewed by groups such as interfaith communities wanting to start a dialogue about human connection and understanding.

The global #PledgeToListen movement was born, and tens of thousands of people came together to watch the film and unite, despite their differences.

This also inspired very diverse thought leaders and celebrities to come together watch the film and discuss how to bring more kindness to the world. These included Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard; Rabbi Rami Shapiro; Marla Maples; CEO of Alliance for Peacebuilding Uzra Zeya; director Tom Shadyac; Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly and actor Sela Ward.

Athletes and celebrities have taken the #PledgeToListen and have asked their followers to do the same. A group of musicians were so inspired by the film that they created a song celebrating its theme of shared humanity. Singer-songwriter team Glen Philips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) and Jason Karaban (Ani DiFranco) wrote “Look Me in the Eye,” and many well-known musicians joined them in singing it.

But what touched Mounib the most were the audience reactions and comments he has received from around the world. One particularly special comment posted on the film’s vimeo page:

“This is the most powerful film about kindness and connecting that I have ever seen. Hopefully, it will set off a wave of caring about each other — so needed during this COVID-19 pandemic.”

What you can do

As the world confronts the realities of a global pandemic, the film’s message of human connection is even more vital. Mounib shares lessons he learned making the film, which are especially crucial during a time when face-to-face meetings may not be possible.

Dare to be kind

• Don’t react from a place of fear when you hear something unkind
• Remember you are safe, breathe, be at peace, listen and then offer your opinion
• You may be surprised at the connection that can occur when you don’t react from a place of fear

Shift your focus

• Many of us might feel lonely and fearful at this moment; instead of focusing on your fear and loneliness, think of your friends and reach out to them to alleviate their fear and loneliness
• It’s amazing how much happiness we can achieve when we shift our focus from our own problems to caring about someone else

To see how it all started and how the lives of seven ordinary Americans were forever changed by making connections with others, rent and watch “Free Trip to Egypt.” Invite family, friends, and your social or faith group to join you for a virtual “watch party” and conversation.

Visit the #PledgetoListen Facebook page or website to join the movement.

2020-04-06T12:34:42

(BPT) – When it comes to drugs and alcohol, do the teens in your life know how to separate fact from fiction? As with many of the myths portrayed in pop culture — including on TV, in movies and on social media — what you see doesn’t always reflect reality.

With more time being spent gathered at home around a variety of entertainment options, it’s a good opportunity to offer some ways to help teens make good decisions.

Myth vs. fact

Take vaping (using e-cigarettes), for example. According to the 2019 Monitoring the Future survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), one in four high school seniors report they’ve vaped nicotine in the past month, and marijuana vaping among 12th graders nearly doubled in a single year. Fact is, while some teens think vaping is safer than smoking tobacco cigarettes, continued e-cigarette use can lead to nicotine addiction.

Another important fact: Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, research shows that the earlier people begin to use drugs, the more likely they are to progress to more serious use. So why are teens more susceptible to addiction? The answer has to do with how the teen brain works.

The developing teen brain

During the teen years, the brain is growing and changing rapidly. The adolescent brain learns quickly, which means that it opens doors to many positive and rewarding possibilities; it also means that teens may be more vulnerable to another form of learning — addiction. Essential parts of the brain are still forming — like the prefrontal cortex, which helps people weigh the pros and cons of a situation instead of acting on impulse. Moreover, brain development continues into the 20s — a time that encompasses many important changes in a young adult’s life. Research shows that alcohol and other drugs change the brain’s structure and how it works. In the short term, drugs affect the brain’s judgment and decision-making abilities, while long-term use causes brain changes that can set people up for addiction and other problems.

Making healthy decisions

Because teen brains are still developing, it’s the perfect time to provide factual information about the impact of drugs and alcohol to help set teens up for a lifetime of healthy decisions. NIDA’s 10th annual National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week includes tips to help teens dispel the myths about drugs and alcohol.

NIDA’s free, science-based resources for parents and teachers

NIDA has developed tools and resources that can be used in classrooms, at community events, and at home, year-round.

• The National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge challenges teens to test their knowledge.
• Free science- and standards-based classroom lessons and multimedia activities on teens and drugs.
• Toolkits with activities to engage teens on various topics, including alcohol, marijuana, drugged driving, and vaping.
• The Drug Facts Challenge!, an interactive game using scientific facts about the brain and addiction, marijuana, vaping, and more.
• Mind Matters, an updated series for teachers to provide science-based information to middle school students about the consequences of drug use.

With the help of NIDA’s science-based research and activities, anyone can help dispel the myths and share the facts about how drugs and alcohol affect teens’ brains, bodies and behaviors.

For more information, visit https://teens.drugabuse.gov/ndafw.

2020-04-06T08:35:00

(BPT) – COVID-19 has dramatically shifted daily life for many people around the world. Nobody is immune, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from the Coronavirus.

To protect vulnerable individuals, many nursing homes or assisted living facilities are banning outside visitors temporarily in hopes of limiting residents’ exposure to someone who may be infected with the virus. Additionally, many individuals who need care and are currently living in their own homes are feeling isolated and anxious about how to stay healthy and safe.

Caregiving is now taking center stage. With already more than 40 million unpaid family caregivers helping loved ones in the U.S., experts expect the virus to increase the number of people providing short-term or long-term care to an older or aging loved one.

AARP offers guidance to family caregivers with vulnerable family members, especially those who might be new to caregiving because of Coronavirus and its impacts on older populations.

Make it a team effort

While there may be one primary family caregiver, identify other family members, friends and neighbors who can check in or help with shopping and important errands. It’s important that the person you’re caring for doesn’t leave their home and stays out of public places.

Create a list with contact information of friends, family and services in your community that can help you perform key caregiving tasks. For example, find out if services such as Meals on Wheels can help deliver meals, or if there are other local services to help with food or medication delivery.

Inventory essential items

It’s important to figure out what you have so you can determine what you need. Inventory how much food, medication and basic supplies the person you’re caring for has currently. Then make a list of what you need and how often you need to replenish it.

Many older individuals often keep minimal extras on hand because they are on a strict budget and are used to regular grocery or medication refills. If possible, help them have a two-week supply of food, water, house cleaning supplies, and medical equipment.

Get medications in order

If you don’t already have one, create a list of medications, medical contacts, and important information like allergies for easy access. If there are upcoming non-emergency, routine medical appointments, reschedule those or, if possible, switch to a virtual visit to receive telemedicine.

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you’re able to have an extra 30-day supply of essential medications on hand. Don’t forget to stock up on over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen.

Stay connected

With current social distancing recommendations, strict isolation will impact many older individuals. To keep connections strong, set up communication using a variety of technology such as FaceTime or Skype, smart speakers, or simply phone and text. Use these to stay connected with your caregiving team as well as your older or aging family members.

If your loved one lives in a long-term care facility, see if they have accommodations for online visits and how they plan to communicate with families. If they can’t support visits via technology, send in cards, letters, magazines, puzzles or other items you know your loved one would be grateful to receive. Talk with your facility management about the safest way to deliver items.

Maintain personal safety and self-care

In order to help slow the spread of Coronavirus, limit physical contact with others, stay in as much as you can and continue to follow guidelines from the CDC. While you are likely very focused on the person you’re caring for, it is essential to also care for yourself.

For high-risk individuals, such as those with dementia and underlying health conditions, consider having the primary caregiver self-isolate with the care recipient. Then, have a back-up plan if the primary caregiver becomes ill. It’s best to be proactive and not have to use plan B, rather than being caught off guard without options.

For more information about caregiving and important considerations in light of COVID-19, visit aarp.org/caregiving and aarp.org/coronavirus.

2020-04-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – Being home 100% of the time has become the new norm for many Americans, as social distancing is implemented in communities across the country to slow the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic. Connected devices are being used virtually nonstop, as the homebound stream shows to binge watch and video chat with friends to help pass the time. Unfortunately, most residential computing networks aren’t regularly maintained and monitored to protect against security breaches. This presents hackers with a virtual playground of which to take advantage.

“Cybercriminals are continuously looking for ways to exploit computer system vulnerabilities and home networks are popular targets because so many of our devices — phones, TVs, computers, even appliances — are connected to them,” said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance director of product management. “Insurance companies like Mercury provide solutions to help financially protect homeowners and renters if they fall victim to a cyberattack. There are also steps they can take ahead of time to help prevent one from happening in the first place.”

Following are five tips to protect your home network — and the devices connected to it — from hackers.

• Power down your devices. This disables the internet connection, cutting off access to any personal information stored on your computer, tablet or phone. Unattended machines are easy targets for hackers, especially if you’re asleep.
• Secure your wireless network. Information accessed on an open network, including email passwords and sensitive bank information, is fair game for hackers. Don’t make their jobs easier — protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong password that’s difficult to guess. Wireless routers that are issued by cable providers are typically assigned a network name and password that’s easily located on a label on the device itself. These can be changed using your online account, so do this as soon as possible for added security.
• Invest in anti-malware software. Malware — or malicious software — can be installed on your computer without your knowledge so hackers can damage your system, steal personal information or restrict your access to extort money from you. Anti-malware software helps protect against, detect and remove malware, stopping cybercriminals from doing further damage. Also, avoid downloading music or video files from suspicious websites, and clicking on links or email attachments in messages sent from unknown senders to help prevent malware from infiltrating your system.
• Install recommended updates. Smartphone, computer, tablet and smart TV manufacturers, among other providers of connected devices, offer periodic software updates to protect against potential security breaches. Chances are, if an update is recommended, hackers have already discovered a way to access your personal property and information, so keep your software up-to-date. Set your devices to install auto-updates when possible.
• Beware of phishing scams. Phishing scams aren’t new, but hackers continually use more sophisticated email — and even text messages — to trick people into providing their personal information. Once again, do not click on the links or attachments in messages from unknown senders.

Li suggests homeowners and renters consider adding Home Cyber Protection to their existing policies as an additional way to protect against hackers. “Even the most vigilant individuals can experience a cybersecurity breach,” said Li. “Having coverage to help recoup financial losses that are brought on by cyberextortion or stolen personal information can offer peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time.”