Protect student data from cyber threats
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, Dallas ISD is committed to the global fight against cyber threats by reminding all team members that every click counts in keeping student and district data safe.
“Simple actions can stop serious attacks,” said Jonathan Hurley, deputy chief of Technology. “Let’s unite to protect our students’ data and secure our district’s digital environment not just in October but every day.”
The IT Security Team and Educational Technology Department invite all team members to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month—Building a Cyber Strong America—which highlights the need to strengthen an organization’s infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security.
Team members can help by taking these four essential steps:
- Update software: Install updates when prompted on your devices. Out-of-date software is a common entry point for attackers. Shut down your computer at least once per week to ensure the latest updates are installed.
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible: MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Use it everywhere it’s offered for both personal and professional accounts, and choose the most secure method available, such as a passkey or authenticator app. All applications integrated in the Dallas ISD Portal are secured with MFA during sign-in.
- Recognize and report phishing: Stay alert for suspicious messages, especially those impersonating school leadership. Always verify the sender before clicking links or opening attachments. If you spot a scam, report it to itsecurity@dallasisd.org.
- Practice the “Least Privilege” approach: Ensure any Dallas ISD data is only being shared with those who need to know. Ensure documents in Google Drive and OneDrive are not made publicly available by defaulting to ‘Restricted’ and sharing to specific individuals or groups.
To help team members keep data secure, the IT Security Team is announcing a new Phishing Reporting and Training platform, CyberNut. Watch for an email soon for more details about the platform and opportunities to demonstrate your cyber knowledge.
For more information about ways to stay secure online both at home and at work, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.
