Across the country, schools are seeing an increase in cybersecurity concerns. We employ a number of tools to protect students, their data, staff and district information. Some of the most common cybersecurity terms are below along with resources to learn more about them.
CYBERSECURITY
https://niccs.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-career-resources/vocabulary
"The activity or process, ability or capability, or state whereby information and communications systems and the information contained therein are protected from and/or defended against damage, unauthorized use or modification, or exploitation."
RANSOMWARE
According to the FBI, Ransomware is "a type of malicious software—or malware—that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return."
PHISHING
(https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams)
Phishing emails and text messages may look like they’re from a person or company you know or trust. They often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment, sharing credentials, or sharing confidential information.
Sometimes this is referred to as SMISHING when via Text.
2FA/MFA
Many websites, apps, and online resources require Two Factor Authentication (2FA) sometimes also called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Though it is not always required it is highly recommended to enable 2FA/MFA on any accounts that you can, including your personal accounts. Never share a code received by text or email with another person; especially, if they claim to have triggered it on your behalf.
PASSWORDS
(https://security.harvard.edu/use-strong-passwords#first)
It is a good practice to use a different password for each of your important accounts, like your email and online banking. Long passwords are stronger, we recommend using pass-phrases, such as "mydoghasonewhitepaw" with the required special characters and capital letters. Other ideas are to use: A lyric from a song or poem; A meaningful quote from a movie or speech; A passage from a book; A series of words that are meaningful to you; An abbreviation: Make a password from the first letter of each word in a sentence. Always avoid using personal information and avoid creating passwords from information that others might know or could easily find out. Avoid using common words & patterns such as "password" or "letmein"; Sequences like "abcd" or "1234"; Keyboard patterns like "qwerty." NEVER share your password with anyone except your parents.
MIS, DIS, MALINFORMATION (MDM)
(https://www.cisa.gov/mdm)
Social media algorithms are increasingly being exploited to manipulate people. Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation make up what CISA defines as “information activities”. When this type of content is released by foreign actors, it can be referred to as foreign influence. Definitions for each are below.
- Misinformation is false, but not created or shared with the intention of causing harm.
- Disinformation is deliberately created to mislead, harm, or manipulate a person, social group, organization, or country.
- Malinformation is based on fact, but used out of context to mislead, harm, or manipulate.
Inspired and adopted from the SAU 70 Technology Department, thank you.