Best Practices

Remember that by accessing CCS accounts and other computing services, you have accepted and agreed to the CCS Computer and Network Usage Policy.

You should be aware that no machine on the Internet is anonymous. There are laws which govern the use of copyrighted information and they also apply to content available on the Internet. To download copyrighted information (music, movies, games) is the same as stealing them from a store. The companies holding those licenses are now prosecuting cases resulting in large fines and the possibility of imprisonment.

All devices attached to Colquitt County School District's network and their users are subject to the federal, state, and US government policies, laws and sanctions. Nothing on your computer is private and any information stored can be obtained through invoking the Georgia Open Records Act. The "best practice" is to use your work computer only for work-related materials.

In order to minimize the risks associated with using a computer attached to the district network, and hence to the Internet, there are several additional "best practices" users should employ.

Consider the availability of your personal password. All activities on your computer are governed by having the logon password, so this password should not be available to anyone but you. Do not place it on a sticky note and put it on the monitor or under the keyboard or any other easily accessible place. Don't do it.

The best password is one that uses a combination of characters and numbers which have a special meaning for you. You may need to write this password down but protect this information as you would your social security number.

Do not post instructions for accessing programs such as your email where they are easily viewed by anyone visiting your desk or computer workspace.

A commonly occurring threat to security of devices and date is the prevalence of viruses and malware. Be mindful of the Agreements you are accepting when clicking the "OK" button as you download programs, extensions, etc. You should not give access to data and information to outside parties.

Indiscriminate downloading of items and extensions from the internet can pose great danger to your computer and confidential data. Usually "free" means it has a hidden cost - either you have to give personal information or it runs on your computer and feeds information back to its source. Often many such programs install a "back door" which makes your computer and its data accessible to other machines on the Internet without your even being aware of it. Some even log your keystrokes (and hence your passwords and other data) and send this information to some unknown-to-you person.

The IT department will make every effort to keep you informed concerning the current viruses and threats posed via email, etc. However, you need to be aware that if the virus protection software finds a problem on your device, you must take appropriate action to respond to that threat by reporting it to the IT department immediately.

In the event you have reason to believe your computer or email has been compromised, please report it to CCS IT department immediately.

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