The Sheriff, The Slippers, and The Need for Information
When the Arapahoe County Sheriffs office called to tell me I had a warrant out for my arrest I laughed, told them I'd meet them outside, and then asked if I was allowed to bring my Harry Potter slippers with. The "Sheriff" hung up on me, apparently not amused by the idea of a fugitive in fuzzy, albeit kitsch, Hedwig slippers, the very ones my feet had found repose in. You may be asking how I was so certain the gruff voice on the other end wasn't in fact a Sheriff. It's pretty simple...Security Awareness!
Information breeds knowledge, and knowledge breeds confidence in knowing the difference between Amazon.com emailing you a link with your recent order information and Annazon.com emailing you a link with your recent order information. Security Awareness is learning how to identify threats and protect yourself and our organization from data breaches and leaks. It also teaches you how to identify when someone is pretending to be someone they are not to extort money or information from you (I'm talking about you, Mr. No Sense of Humor "Sheriff").
Most importantly, it helps safeguard your information and the information of your peers, students, community, and family.
Every month I will be providing you with stories, tips, and tricks (oh my!) on the newest cybersecurity threats and the tried and often exploited staples in the toolbox of the common hacker. We'll talk data and information, confidentiality and integrity, and how to bounce back from a suspected intrusion.
If you want to learn more about cybersecurity and can handle the occasional Harry Potter or Stranger Things reference (I see you over there judging me), and my borderline obsession with French Bulldogs (still judging), slip on your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers and join me next month in the Tech Tidbits newsletter!
The hackers want what you've got, don't make it easy for them to take it.
Cybersecurity is Everyone's Responsibility
Whether you are working in the classroom, from the district office, or remotely, following safe technology practices protects our entire educational community. Review the guidelines below to stay secure.
Security Best Practices
Beware of Phishing
Cybercriminals use deceptive emails to steal your credentials or distribute malware.
- Check the sender's actual email address.
- Hover over links before clicking.
- Do not open unexpected attachments.
- When in doubt, report it to the Help Desk immediately.
Password Hygiene
Your password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Use a long "passphrase" combining multiple words.
- Never reuse your district password on personal sites.
- Never share your password with students or colleagues.
Data Privacy (FERPA)
Student data is strictly protected by federal law (FERPA) and district policy.
- Only share student data with authorized individuals.
- Do not leave printed documents unattended.
- Use only district-approved applications for student work.
Device Security
Physical security is just as important as digital security.
- Lock your computer screen (Windows Key + L) when stepping away.
- Do not leave district devices unattended in vehicles.
- Restart your computer regularly to ensure updates are applied.