Back To School Cyber Security Safety In The Classroom

Monica Morris • Aug 08, 2019

As summer begins to come to a close, we will soon begin the hustle and bustle of back to school season. Or maybe it has already begun for you? A lot of times we focus on staying safe and following cyber security safety in the workplace, however, you can also practice (and teach) cyber security tips in the classroom at school too. Since kids today are already very tech savvy, it would be to their benefit to learn helpful IT security tips. Teaching kids early on about proper IT safety will help keep their devices secure and their sensitive information kept afar from hackers and cyber attacks. As an IT support company, we see the significance of sharing tips to help kids form good habits that will keep them safe when it comes to cyber security. 

Here are some basic IT security tips for kids to follow to help protect their personal information as they head back to school:

1)  Don’t share passwords. This is of course a hot topic among adults, nonetheless, we definitely want to spread the word to any child that is using a device such as a laptop or tablet to not share their password. In the classroom, kids also use programs such as Google Classroom to store their projects or classwork. It’s important to share with your kids to not share their password with anyone so their classwork is kept safe throughout the school year. This will help kids understand the importance of not sharing a password for an email account or a video game. And that it is another way to keep sensitive data safe and secure. 

2)  Remember to properly log out of programs. Sometimes kids are rushing when the bell rings, maybe they are trying to head out to lunch as quickly as possible or it’s time to go home. Make sure to remind your kids to take the time to properly log out of the program they were using in the classroom. That they need to find the “Log Out” link and make sure to click it so they are completely logged out. If a child doesn’t properly log out, the next child who uses that computer could end up in that account. All progress could be lost of the child who was previously on that computer and what a bummer for them the next time they go to log into their account and see someone else has been using it. 

3)  Be cautious of using public Wi-Fi. For older kids such as middle schoolers, high school or college students who are studying in public places such as libraries, coffee shops, etc. make sure to use a secure wireless network. As a managed IT service provider we suggest using a VPN connection method which will provide an extra layer of security when accessing Wi-Fi. 

4)  Educate kids to be cautious with opening email attachments. The only email attachments they should be opening is from a trusted source such as family or friends. 

5)  Keep software up-to-date. Letting kids know earlier on to notify a teacher if something needs to be updated will help them learn to make updates on their own devices. A lot of time kids will take what they learn at school and apply it at home. Updates are so important – children should be aware of why they need to keep devices up-to-date, and how it will keep their data safe and help reduce cyber threats.

6)  Watch for scams. As adults we get emails that are scams weekly, possibly even daily, yet we know what to do if something looks fishy – don’t click on it! The same thing needs to be shared with kids. They need to know to be careful about what they click. Stay away from links they don’t recognize. And stay away from pop-up ads altogether. Be safe and cautious with email and be mindful when they are surfing the web. Kids need to know not to click on everything and what type of signs to look for if an email or link does not look safe. 

We hope everyone has a great start to the new school year and practices cyber security safety in the classroom.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
Share by: