Computer Chronicles
Version 10.3, December 2021
Highlights
Please be sure to shut off your computers, Chromebases, Chromebooks, projectors, document cameras, monitors and any other electronic devices before you head out on the Holiday Break.
I hope you all have a restful break.
New Tech on the Holidays
You may be tempted to plug in your new device and start to use it right away. Be sure to take a few minutes to configure security settings before you get started.
Change Default Passwords. Some devices are configured with default passwords to simplify setup. If the password is not changed, these passwords are well-known and can give attackers full access to your device. Use strong and unique passwords for all your devices.
Secure Accounts. Some personal devices such as gaming consoles require you to establish an account and maintain a subscription to access services. Pay close attention to the information being collected about you and the data that is visible to others. For gaming accounts, the default option may be to share the games that you play, when you are online, the number of hours played, and your contacts list to anyone who is subscribed to the same service. Change your privacy settings to only share data with people that you trust.
Holiday Housekeeping
Just a few reminders:
If you aren't using your LCD projector, please turn it off. You'll extend the life of the lamp if you simply turn it off during periods you don't use it. There is a global shortage of replacement lamps, so when our inventory runs out, we cannot replace them.
Please put in a help desk ticket for anything you need help with. If you don't report it, I can't fix it.
Speaking of help desk tickets, in mid-January, we will be switching to a new help desk ticketing system. If you are interested, you can start using it now here: https://sapublicschools.incidentiq.com/.
To login, click the Google SSO button. Use your email address as your username. Complete your profile by entering a room # in your profile settings, as well as a profile image if you have one. I'm looking forward to this new and improved system.
Instagram Account Hacks
There has been an increase of reports from NJ citizens of compromises, with the legitimate accountholder unable to regain access to their Instagram account. In the reported cases, the users did not have multi-factor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication) enabled on the account prior to the compromise. The hacker typically gains access to the account by obtaining the user’s password and then promptly changes the user’s password and account details, such as associated email address and phone number, and enables multi-factor authentication. These account changes prevent the legitimate accountholder from easily regaining access to their account.
I advise all Instagram users to implement security controls that help to prevent account compromise, including establishing strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication. Instagram provides guidance for hacked accounts on their website.
Pro Tech Tip
In Google Forms, Control Shift Enter will add a new question.
Magni Momenti Notitia
- "Think before you click."
- New Ticket System: https://sapublicschools.incidentiq.com/
- Got a tech problem? Please submit a help desk ticket here. Be sure to use the Google button to login.
- Visit the Information Technology page on the district website for the latest news.
- What do you call a snowman with a six pack? An abdominal snowman :)
Stuff I have been reading/watching:
- Why Everyone Needs to Take the Latest CISA Directive Seriously
- Bay Village school district accidentally releases seniors' personal info, including grades, to all families
- ETHS Defrauded Of $48,570 In Hack That Exposed 1,139 Identities
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: Education Should Take Additional Steps to Help Protect K-12 Schools from Cyber Threats
"The search for the truth is the most important work in the whole world, and the most dangerous."
- James Clavell
Conceived, written and produced by
Michael Elson 💻
Join Technology Updates on Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/elson or text @elson to the number 81010
Email: melson@sapublicschools.com
Website: http://www.sapublicschools.com/departments/information_technology
Location: 32 08’59.96″ N, 110 50’09.03″W
Phone: 732.387.3559
Twitter: @sapublicschool1