Educate yourself on potential deceitful practices and digital risks during the return to school that teachers and staff must be vigilant about.

As the new school year approaches, it's essential for teachers and school administrators to be vigilant against cyber threats. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during this critical period.

Avoid Phishing Emails

Cybercriminals often target educators during the back-to-school season. To protect yourself, hover over links before clicking and confirm suspicious requests independently by phone. Be wary of emails that appear to be from school administrators, requesting password updates or payroll verification.

Secure Your Accounts

Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever available for an extra layer of protection. Use unique and complex passwords for school portals and databases, and never use the same password across multiple platforms.

Stay Aware of Tech Scams

Attackers may pose as IT staff, asking teachers to install remote access software or share credentials. Never allow remote access unless initiated by official IT staff. If you encounter such a request, report it immediately.

Verify Offers and Suppliers

Many teachers are targeted by scams advertising special educator discounts and other bulk deals. To avoid supply and classroom material scams, research suppliers thoroughly and only use trusted sources for your purchases. Use tools like Bitdefender Scamio, a free AI-powered scam detector, to verify offers.

Protect Your Payroll and Tax Information

Fraudsters may send fake HR emails asking teachers and staff to update their banking information and confirm sensitive details like Social Security Numbers. Always confirm payroll changes directly with HR and never via email links.

Stay Updated and Secure

Keep your devices and software up to date, and install security solutions on both PC and phone. Don't store sensitive student information on personal devices or unsecured drives. Keep this data within your school's official systems.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

If a phishing email has been opened and sensitive information compromised, contact the school department immediately, change passwords, and run a full scan using Bitdefender.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and secure start to the new school year. Stay vigilant, and enjoy teaching!

Educate yourself on potential deceitful practices and digital risks during the return to school that teachers and staff must be vigilant about.