Cybersecurity Best Practices

Did you know?

90% of data breaches are caused by human error
— IBM Cyber Security Intelligence Index

PROTECT YOUR PASSWORDS

  • Use strong, unique passwords for each account.

  • Avoid sharing passwords, even with friends or colleagues.

ENABLE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

  • Turn on MFA wherever possible for an added layer of security.

  • Use an authentication app rather than text messages for MFA when available.

BE WARY OF PHISHING EMAILS

  • Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unfamiliar senders.

  • Look out for signs of phishing, like poor grammar, suspicious links, or urgent requests.

KEEP YOUR SOFTWARE UPDATED

  • Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.

  • Enable automatic updates to stay secure without having to think about it.

USE ONLY SCHOOL APPROVED DEVICES & NETWORKS

  • Avoid using personal devices for school-related work.

  • Use the school’s Wi-Fi instead of public networks, which may not be secure.

LOCK YOUR DEVICE WHEN NOT IN USE

  • Always lock your computer, tablet, or phone when stepping away, even for a moment.

  • Set up automatic screen locks to prevent unauthorized access.

BACK UP IMPORTANT FILES

  • Use cloud storage solutions approved by your school to back up work regularly.

  • Store backups in more than one location to prevent data loss.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SHARE ONLINE

  • Avoid posting sensitive or personal information on social media or public platforms.

  • Think before sharing details like your location, school, or upcoming events.

USE SAFE BROWSING HABITS

  • Only visit trusted websites, especially when researching or accessing school resources.

  • Look for "https" in the URL to ensure the site is secure.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY

  • If you notice any unusual activity on your accounts or devices, report it to it@argyleisd.com.

  • Don’t try to fix issues on your own; let cybersecurity professionals handle it.