Back to School Cybersecurity Tips for Teachers and Students (Grades 7-12)
September 5, 2023 | By: Stephen Boals
Top 5 Cybersecurity Awareness Tips for Teachers and Students
Heading back to school comes with the excitement of learning and connecting with peers, but it also means navigating the digital world responsibly. With educational institutions still being highly targeted, cybersecurity or Digital Literacy should be a top priority to protect personal information and ensure a safe online learning environment. Here are the five most important cybersecurity tips for teachers and students in grades 7-12:
Strong Passwords Matter:
- Stress the importance of creating strong passwords for all online accounts. Encourage the use of unique combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names and reinforce not sharing passwords with friends and family!
Be Aware of AI Tools:
- Understand when and how to use Artificial Intelligence tools and applications (ie. ChatGPT, Bard etc). Ensure teachers and students know the data privacy, ethical and accuracy-related concerns of integrating AI tools into the classroom or at home.
Beware of Smishing or Phishing:
- Teach the art of recognizing smishing and phishing attempts. Remind everyone never to click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown contacts or emails. Cybercriminals often use tempting offers or impersonate educational institutions in texts or emails to deceive users.
Cyberbullying Awareness:
- Discuss the implications of cyberbullying and emphasize responsible online behavior. Encourage students to report any incidents they witness or experience.
Data Privacy is a Must:
- Educate students and teachers about the significance of data privacy. Explain how personal information is collected and used online. Encourage responsible sharing and online behavior.
By focusing on these five key cybersecurity tips, teachers and students can start the school year with confidence, knowing they have the tools to protect their digital lives. These fundamental practices will go a long way in creating a secure online environment for everyone involved in the educational journey.
For more information on improving your educational security awareness or digital citizenship programs, lowering your human risk, and creating a Security First Culture™, contact us today.