Focus 4

Protecting Online Security - Saying "I do" to taking precautions to protect my computer and personal information and "I don't" to jeopardizing privacy.

More from Mike Ribble:

• On Security - As more and more sensitive information is stored electronically, a corresponding strategy to protect that information must be created. Students need to learn how to protect electronic data (e.g., virus protection, firewalls, off-site storage). Protecting one’s equipment is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also necessary for protecting the community (e.g., keeping one’s virus software up to date). However, digital security goes beyond protecting equipment. It includes protecting ourselves and others from outside influences that would do us physical harm.
• Inappropriate Security
  • Students and educators assume there is no need to protect electronic data.
  • Students and faculty fail to maintain current software updates or patches on their home computers that protect us from viruses
  • Students do not protect their identities while using e-mail, chat, or IM.

Student Resources

• My Privacy Quiz - Excellent resource from the Canadian Commission on Privacy.
• Checklist for Creating Perfect Passwords - One of many great resources from digizen.com.
• Creating Secure Passwords with Grady the Security Dog - Thanks to the University of Pennsylvania for this resource:

• Working to Resolve Identity Theft - Teen Center - From the Identity Theft Research Center, information, games, and quizzes for teens about how to protect their information online, recognize scams, and be smart about email and social networking. There is also a lesson plan for teachers available.
• Identity Theft - What Teens Need to Know - Short video from Highway Quest.
• Do You Really Have a Private Life Online? - Video animation - very informative
• ThinkB4U - a highly engaging site that combines “choose-your-adventure” style videos with resources from trusted consumer safety experts. Resources for families, students, parents, and teachers.
• Protecting Your Online Reputation - 4 Things You Need to Know - An infographic from http://www.kbsd.com/, posted to Mashable Social Media
• CyberStreetWise - Site is set-up as digital street that you walk along to learn about protecting your electronic devices, your identity, and digital footprint. Although the content is geared more toward businesses, it includes crafting strong passwords, protecting mobile devices from malware, and responsible use of social media.
• Own Your Own Space - Free eBook that includes detailed explanations of threats to both computers and personal data, such as different types of malware, the importance of installing security patches to prevent malware infections, and how to lock-down a network.

Parent Resources

• Microsoft's Safety & Security Center - Tips and free tools for protecting both your computer and your reputation.
• Google's Good to Know: A Guide to Staying Safe and Secure Online - Great collection of tips and advise for staying safe online.
• Koppel on Discovery: Your Digital Footprint - An interactive presentation to show you "how much information about your daily life gets recorded by Big Business and Big Brother."

Teacher Talk

Stand Alone Curriculum

• Protecting Online Privacy and Security - More great resources from Common Sense Media.
• Cybersecurity Posters for the Classroom - From Stay Safe Online, a collection of printable posters and lesson resources.

Curriculum Connections: For lessons woven into the core curriculum around a theme of stepping up, visit our Curriculum Collaborations page.

Privacy Settings Tips for Teachers

• Facebook Privacy Settings - To avoid messy issues that can happen when students you have NOT "friended" gain access to your Facebook page through Pages you have "liked," check out these tips from Elk Grove USD's Two WebWatchers blog.
• Keep track of your digital footprint by setting up a Google Alert - Here's a link to a Youtube video to walk you through the steps.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact us at digital.ido@gmail.com