Blog Layout

Back to School Security Checklist

Akins IT • Sep 07, 2017

The safety of our children is obviously our highest priority. We see this each time school is back in session. We run the drills of preparedness. Each classroom has protocols posted. Emergency exits are mapped. They know the evacuation procedures. They know Lockout and Lockdown procedures. Fire drills keep the children on their toes. In an emergency, we feel our children have the tools they need to escape unharmed.


But what about online security? This is what educators must ask themselves. Has your school taken the steps needed to keep our kids safe online?

According to the Verizon 2017 Data Breach Investigations Report, cyber espionage is the single most common form of attack in the education sector. With that in mind, our cybersecurity checklist is designed to get you on the right track for the new school year.

DEVICE MANAGEMENT

Many lower education programs deliver iPads or Chromebooks to the students. The devices are great tools to help educate the kids. But if not controlled, the device can be a gateway to not only suspicious sites but also phishing attacks. Having school-provided devices can help you manage where your students visit, locking down access to only approved sites and programs.

FIREWALLS

Whether you provide devices or not, having a strong firewall guards the perimeter of your network, giving you much greater security. Higher education, in particular, has great firewall demands. At that level, financial data, research and development, and other high-value data are at risk for cyber attacks. Read our blog, “Why schools need a network firewall”

CONTENT FILTERING

Filtering for content protects students from inappropriate content, but also brings a greater level of security. Content filtering can come in many forms, such as investing in alternate browsers, using real-time network monitoring tools, or requiring VPN access. Read our blog, “5 Tips to Handle Content Filtering in the Classroom.”

IDENTITY MANAGEMENT

Having two-factor authentication and complex password requirements gives your students an essential layer of security that guards their private data. Simple passwords are still some of the easiest ways hackers can get into a system. And it’s an easy fix.

CONCLUSION

When paired with a well-thought-out program for informing students of modern cybersecurity risks, due diligence with your school’s network security can pay huge dividends.

At Akins IT, we pride ourselves on our expertise in the educational cybersecurity field. 

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC OR TO SCHEDULE A CALL

Navigating the Future of Work with Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompts

By Shawn Akins • 15 Apr, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital workplace, Microsoft 365 Copilot stands as a beacon of innovation, guiding users through the complexities of their daily tasks with ease and efficiency. As we embrace this new era of work, understanding the capabilities and utilization of Copilot prompts becomes essential. What are Copilot Prompts? Copilot prompts are intelligent cues that empower users to harness the full potential of Microsoft 365. They are designed to understand the context of your work and provide suggestions that are not only relevant but also tailored to enhance productivity.  The Power of Contextual Understanding At the heart of Copilot prompts is the advanced AI that meticulously analyzes the content you're working on. Whether it's an email, a document, or a spreadsheet, Copilot grasps the essence of your task and offers prompts that propel you forward. Streamlining Collaboration Collaboration is the cornerstone of modern work, and Copilot prompts are the perfect ally. They facilitate seamless communication by suggesting replies in emails, aiding in the co-authoring of documents, and ensuring that your team stays on the same page. Enhancing Creativity Beyond the realms of productivity, Copilot prompts also serve as a muse for your creativity. They can assist in drafting compelling narratives, generating ideas, or even crafting personalized messages that resonate with your audience. Learning and Growing with Copilot As you interact with Copilot prompts, they learn and adapt to your unique style and preferences. This continuous learning process ensures that the assistance you receive is always improving, making your experience with Microsoft 365 increasingly intuitive. Conclusion Microsoft 365 Copilot prompts are more than just a feature; they are your partner in navigating the future of work. By understanding their functionality and integrating them into your workflow, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and creativity.

Case Study: Rapid Response to Security Breach

By Shawn Akins • 15 Apr, 2024
Sky at Chandler Airpark

Case Study: Management Support Server Upgrade

By Leislee Mamba • 18 Jan, 2024
Akins IT assists Management Support in migrating their physical server infrastructure to new hardware and enhancing their backup process for improved disaster recovery.
More Posts
Share by: