Cybersecurity Tips For Students

• Personal information is any information that can be used to identify you or your accounts. Examples include your name, address, phone number, usernames and passwords, pictures, birthday and social security number. If a stranger or someone you know asks you to share this information online, say no and stop talking to them. Immediately tell your parent or guardian who asked for it.

• Talk to your parents before you open an email attachment or download any software from the internet. These can sometimes cause viruses, which can make you unable to use your computer.

• Remember what you learned about not accepting candy from strangers? Apply that to the online world as well. Do not click links in emails, text messages or chat boxes from people you do not know--and be suspicious of links sent from those you know as well.

• If another student in your online class is making you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.

• Be sure to keep your laptop or tablet close to you. When you’re done using it for the day, put it in a safe place at home. Don’t leave it by itself outside or in a public place.

• Need to do research for your lessons? Talk to your librarian, teacher or parent about where you can go for safe and accurate websites for research. You can also talk to your local public library.

• Passwords are the keys to your accounts. The only people who need to know them are YOU and your parents or guardians. Not your brother, sister, best friend, or teacher – just you. Make a password in the form of a sentence you can remember, such as: “ILiket0EatIceCream0n$undays!”

Cybersecurity Tips for Parents

• If the school issues or requires a technology that you and/or your child are not familiar with, explore its features together. Configure the security and privacy settings together immediately.

• Apps are a great way for students to learn and apply their knowledge. Before downloading any new learning app on your child’s device, make sure it’s a legitimate app. Who created the app? What do the user reviews say? Are there any articles published online about the app’s privacy & security features (or lack thereof)?

• Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system on devices children are using for their virtual schooling is one of the best defenses against online threats. When the computer or device says it’s time to update the software, don’t click postpone. Update. 

• When is the last time you changed your home’s router password, if ever? Change passwords for routers and smart devices from their default manufacturer’s password to one that is long (at least 12 characters) and unique.

• Parental controls are a great way to establish parameters around what kids can and can’t do online. They do not replace candid discussions with your kids about online security and safety. Children may not recognize the dangers of visiting unknown websites or communicating with strangers online, so talk with them about these threats.

• Sometimes it's unavoidable for children to use the same computer that parents use for their work. If you’re sharing devices, set up different user accounts so that children have access to a guest account with limited permissions and access. For instance, restrict your child’s permissions to install and run software applications.

• Go through accounts with children to configure privacy and security settings to limit over-sharing of information--such as location and camera sharing. Walk the kids through why certain settings need to be changed.