Digital Safety First: Safeguarding Students' Devices in Schools

In today's digital age, students increasingly use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to access educational resources, communicate with their teachers, and collaborate with peers. While digital devices provide a wealth of educational opportunities, they also present potential security risks, such as cyberbullying, hacking, and access to inappropriate content.

Cyber safety first

To address these digital device concerns, many school districts have implemented security measures to safeguard students' devices. One primary step is installing security software on each device, such as antivirus and anti-malware programs. These programs help to prevent viruses, malware, and other malicious software from infecting the device and compromising the student's data. Avertere’s ransomware capabilities can show districts where they might have vulnerabilities in their current systems. They can help with strategy in detecting and preventing bad actors from breaking into school systems to steal students' personal information and data and ultimately make financial gains through extortion. 

DO NOT TRUST PASSWORDS

Additionally, school districts may require students to create strong passwords and periodically change them to prevent unauthorized access to their devices. Some schools also use two-factor authentication, which requires students to provide a second authentication mechanism to prove they are who they are, such as a security token or a fingerprint scan or phone, before accessing their devices. The savviest of districts use "push passwords" created by an automated process that protects the use of compromised passwords. Students often use the same password for multiple accounts, an issue known as password reuse.

Alternatively, "push passwords" require a trusted device in the registration process to gain access.  To maximize effectiveness, security and IT must work together in identifying ways to register devices that do not require passwords as a fallback authentication method. In short, do not trust "Passwords."

Filter inappropriate content

Another critical security measure is using a content filter to prevent students from accessing inappropriate content. This filter can be applied both on and off campus, ensuring students are not exposed to harmful material while using their digital devices. Avetere’s advanced filtering abilities can add additional layers to catching and banning content as it comes through.  Furthermore, increasing the needle in a haystack in identifying students that are a harm to themselves or others, show signs of depression, or are unknowingly in inappropriate conversation with an adult. 

In addition to these technical measures, schools may provide training and education to students on digital citizenship, safe online behavior, and identifying and reporting potential security risks. This education helps students to develop responsible online habits and to recognize and avoid potential security threats.

Overall, schools are responsible for ensuring that their students' digital devices are secure and that students are using them safely and responsibly. Still, Avertere can help with some of these solutions and more! With Avertere as a partner, Schools can create a safe and productive digital learning environment by implementing various security measures and providing education and training to students.

WHY AVERTERE

Avertere is a complete Cybersecurity consulting and services firm dedicated solely to student and administrative safety within the education sector. We want to bring security to all schools and converge physical and cybersecurity services on behalf of the education sector, so our teachers can focus on teaching.