Going back to school means new teachers, new friends, and new adventures. But with over 90% of U.S. students using the internet for schoolwork, it also means a greater necessity for navigating the online world safely.
Cyber threats can come in many forms, from phishing emails to ransomware. By following a few important steps, you can significantly reduce the risks and enjoy a safer online experience when you or your loved ones go back to school.
Back to School Checklist
Whether you’re an educator or student, online safety is crucial. This back to school checklist is designed to help students and educators protect themselves from cyber threats and ensure a secure digital experience.
1. Set up MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application or online account.
- Why Use MFA? It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- How to Set Up MFA: Most platforms offer easy setup options in the security settings.
- Keep It Active: Always keep MFA enabled on all your accounts.
2. Choose Strong Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defense, and the simplest item on our back to school checklist. A strong password should be complex and unique.
- Characteristics of a Strong Password: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid Common Phrases: Steer clear of easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password.”
- Change Regularly: Update your passwords every few months.
3. Set Up Parental Controls
For younger students, parental controls are essential for monitoring and restricting online activity.
- Choosing the Right Tools: Many devices and software offer built-in parental controls.
- Monitoring Usage: Keep an eye on your child’s internet activity to ensure safety.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish rules for online behavior and screen time.
4. Learn to Spot Phishing Attempts
Phishing scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information. Being aware of these scams can prevent you from falling victim.
- Identifying Phishing Emails: Look for suspicious email addresses and generic greetings.
- Don’t Click Links: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Notify your school or IT department if you receive a phishing email.
5. Be Smart About Social Media
Social media is a great way to stay connected, but it can also be a hotspot for cyber threats, which makes it an important part of any back to school checklist for online safety.
- Privacy Settings: Make sure your accounts are set to private.
- Think Before You Post: Be mindful of the personal information you share.
- Report and Block: Use the report and block features to handle unwanted interactions.
6. Secure Your Devices
Keeping your devices secure is just as important as protecting your online accounts.
- Install Security Software: Use antivirus programs and keep them updated.
- Regular Updates: Keep your operating system and apps up to date.
- Backup Your Data: Regularly backup important files to a secure location.
7. Browse Internet Safely
Safe browsing habits can prevent many common cyber threats.
- Use Secure Websites Look for “https://” in the URL.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi Use a VPN if you must connect to public networks.
- Clear Your Browser History Regularly delete your browsing history and cookies.
8. Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power. Being informed about online safety can make a big difference.
- Stay Updated: Follow trusted sources for the latest in cybersecurity news.
- Workshops and Seminars: Attend or organize training sessions.
- Share Knowledge: Educate students and family members about online safety practices.
9. The Role of Educators
Educators have a responsibility to provide secure learning environments for their students.
- Teach Online Safety: Include online safety lessons in your curriculum.
- Provide Resources: Offer students resources and tools to stay safe online.
- Monitor Student Activity: Be aware of potential cyber threats and address them promptly.
IT Support for Educators
To ensure a secure learning environment for students, educators should consider hiring professional IT services. These experts possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement cybersecurity measures, monitor systems for vulnerabilities, and prevent sensitive data from being exposed.
By outsourcing these critical tasks, educators can focus on teaching while trusting that the technical aspects of security are in capable hands. Investing in professional IT services is an important step toward protecting sensitive information and promoting a culture of cybersecurity within educational institutions.
Invest in Education with Fresh Managed IT
As you head back to school this year, remember that staying safe online is just as important as sharpening your pencils and packing your backpack. By going through this back to school checklist and investing in professional IT services from Fresh Managed IT, students and educators can enjoy a safer online experience while focusing on their educational goals.
At Fresh Managed IT, we understand the unique challenges facing the education sector and offer customized solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized IT support services for educators.
