Basic Cyber-Security Steps to Stay Safe While Working from Home
Security best practice doesn't change when our work format changes. The following tips will go a LONG WAY towards keeping you and your staff safe!
1. Keep your passwords to yourself - Never ever ever share your passwords with anyone. Cyber-criminals will take this opportunity to try and trick you into believing they work for Google, Microsoft, KDE or your school district and tell you they need your password or else your email/Internet/laptop will shut down. THIS IS A SCAM; DO NOT believe them! Working from a different location, such as home, does not mean a legitimate company will now actually need your password. Never share your password with anyone. Never.
2. Keep your work laptop to yourself - If you are using a laptop or device provided by your school, district or KDE, keep in mind this is a WORK computer, not personal. It's really best if you prevent family members and friends from using it, especially if you handle top secret data. The more folks who use a computer to visit all their favorite websites, the more chances it has to get infected with virus/malware. Do not install internet games or dubious software
3. Keep your money and your data to yourself - If you handle transferring money or data, double check via phone (voice to voice) all emailed requests for data and purchases, changes to direct deposits and so on. Maybe it will slow things down just a tiny bit to check, but that’s much better than becoming the victim of a crime.
4. Similarly, for big decisions like approving money transfers or sending PII, only use OFFICIAL methods, like official email accounts. Always be suspicious of communications sent via personal or unofficial email or channels like social media, texting, and so on.
5. Never leave your laptop alone at any public place or where you can't guarantee its safety
6. Use the KETS VPN when connecting over public WIFI
7. Re-read Number 1! 😊
8. Do not send student data via email unless it is encrypted. It is NEVER OK to use social media (e.g. Facebook, Snapchat) platforms to send/share top sensitive data/student PII - even to parents.
9. Use official, district-owned and supported email and online storage (Microsoft and Google email and OneDrive/Google Drive). Using personal online email and cloud offerings can put you and your district at greater risk of a data breach
10. If you drive around and go to the store with your laptop, do not leave your laptop visible in your car even if you are just running to the store. Always transport your laptop and any work-related stuff in the trunk or out of site and take it inside your home at night