Safety and Security in the Digital World for Teachers, Parents, & Community

INTERNET SECURITY

Learning how to stay safe online is important for all members of our community. Common Craft Videos explain difficult topics "in plain english". They have a treasure trove of videos on a wide variety of topics. The videos linked below are essential for learning how to stay safe online.

Passwords are essential to using the Web and criminals have become very good at guessing them. This video teaches the risks and how to create a secure password and keep it secret. Includes points on:

  • Common risks related to passwords
  • Creating a secure password
  • Keeping your password secret
  • Risks of using shared computers
Secure Websites
This video teaches the basics of website security and how to recognize a secure site.
  • An overview of the most common security threats
  • How SSL encryption works
  • How to recognize a secure connection
  • In which situations security is most important
 This video is designed to increase awareness of phishing scams and help viewers recognize and avoid phishing emails when they see them. 
  • An example of how the scam typically works
  • How to recognize and report a phishing email
  • What to do when you receive a phishing email
  • What to do if you mistakenly divulge information

This video discusses the long-term risks of sharing inappropriate information on the Web. It encourages viewers to “think before you click” and offers tips for being responsible with photos, video and stories. Point include:

  • Why photos are permanent on the web
  • Future consequences of sharing inappropriate info
  • Tips for protecting reputations (personal and friends)
  • What to do when inappropriate info is share
Additional videos which explain a number of different topics related to social media.
Examples include: Blogs, Wikis, RSS, Social Networking, Twitter, Podcasting, and Online Photo Sharing.

BEST PRACTICES for Windows PC

In the Control Panel, use the System & Security Features for running automatic updates and turning on security software:

  • Keep your computer software updated. The easiest way to do this is to turn on daily AUTOMATIC UPDATES. By updating daily, you will find it faster and less intrusive.
  • Turn on your Windows PC Firewall and Windows Defender.
  • Set your antivirus to scan daily and to scan any external USB drives automatically. 
  • Be careful of AUTORUN using a USB drive, When you plug in a USB drive, watch for the AUTORUN window. When it appears, scroll to the bottom of the list of choices. Choose "Do Nothing", then check the box that says something like, "always do this". To access the contents of the USB drive, click MY computer and look for the removable drive. Double click to open. Although Autoplay is convenient, it is the fastest way for viruses and worms to spread from computer to computer.

 STUDENTS
Internet Safety; movie and activities

Webonauts Internet Academy is a web original game for PBS KIDS GO! that gives kids 8- to 10-year-old an opportunity to have some fun while exploring what it means to be a citizen in a web-infused‚ information-rich world. It is an engaging experience on its own but becomes all the more powerful when parents and teachers use game play as a springboard for conversations about media literacy and citizenship in the 21st Century.    

Students in grades 5&6 learn how to stay safe and secure online using Budd:e. Please view student Safety Public Service Announcements.

 TEACHERS
 
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/
Cybersmart empowers students to use the Internet safely, responsibly, and effectively. Lesson plans and resources by grade level or topic.
Take a look at the CyberSmart Toolbar--coming to a browser near you!

Parents

This site is a US Gov site for parents to learn about phishing, keeping kids safe online, reducing spam, and protecting your computer against unwanted intrusions. The video below is about chatting with your kids about online safety. Additional videos and games are available by clicking the image or link above.
  
Additional videos and information available at OnGuard Online. 

Security Software


If you do not have antivirus and other security software, please get it today! Go to NINITE and select free antivirus and malware software. Download the Get Installer link to your computer, then click the link to automatically install. Change the antivirus settings as described above. All the programs on the Ninite page are open source, free and safe. We use the Chrome Web Browser, Audacity, Picasa, Paint.Net, CutetPDF, MalwareBytes, CCleaner, and Google Earth at school.

Click the image for a larger view

ADDITIONAL  RESOURCES

About.Com Internet for Beginners Covers many different topics about safety and navigating the online world. Note: This site has lots of good information but it does have ads. 
Do not click the ad links if you are just looking to learn!


Gizmo's Guide to Securing Your PC This information is for computer users with an understanding beyond the basics
Subpages (1): Safety PSAs