It is important to know whom we can trust with our information on the internet. If we do not protect personal information and understand digital security risks, our devices can be damaged, we can fall prey to scams, and we can increase our risk of identity theft.

For instance, allowing students to use staff computers and iPads provides them with access to your Lotus Notes email account and other important documents on your computer or device. Installing unknown software from the Internet might use a file-sharing program that passes along a virus to your computer.

Basic Recommendations:

• Create strong passwords. A powerful password does wonders to protect accounts. A password should be hard to guess; be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols; and never include private identity information such as birthdays or addresses. Staff and students should be encouraged to never share their passwords with others.
• Think twice before downloading. Content downloaded from non-secure sources can plague a computer with problems. Free software may come with spyware and viruses. Fill out a Service Desk ticket to check with your Field Tech before installing any software that does not come from a secure site such as Self Service, the App Store, or the Chrome Store.
• Be careful when sharing information. Students and staff should be careful when sharing information such as full name, address, and account numbers. Messages that ask them to share private information are red flags for scams. If you suspect a scam, report it in a Service Desk ticket and do not reply or click on links in the message.
• Identify and deal with spam. Spam is internet junk mail that should not be opened because if you click on links or respond, you will just receive more of it. The best strategy is to delete spam email immediately.
• When sharing student work or images online, include only the student’s first name even with parent media permission.

This page includes text used with permission from Houston Public Schools.