Overview

Email and web browsing are some of the most heavily leveraged mechanisms for malicious computer attacks. It is important in the modern world to follow best practices and utilize a few common-sense tactics to help reduce spam and phishing attacks inside the District.

Email Security

Email oftentimes appears innocent but in many situations, it can open your computer and your data to vulnerabilities. Email messages are easily faked and forged to disguise an attacker's true intentions. Malicious attackers will use email to steal confidential data and gain access to your computer and other district resources.

Basic Email Security Practices:

• Don't give out confidential information in response to emails. Emails may try to persuade you to enter your password or provide credit card or bank information. These messages are forgeries even if they appear to be from district employees or your bank.
• Be extremely cautious of email attachments especially in cases where you were not expecting an attachment. Attachments are the primary mechanism for attackers to install computer viruses.
• If you receive an email from a district employee or from outside of the district requesting confidential information you can block it within Outlook by going to the home menu and clicking on Report Message at the end of your toolbar.

For more information, check out our guide.

Phishing

Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

You may receive strange “phishing” email messages or email messages asking you to click on a link because either you have a message or your account password has been reset.

These are bogus emails and you should never click on the links or provide any personal information to anyone that asks for it via email!

Poudre School District will never ask for your information in that fashion and no respectable service provider will either.

If you have any questions about any emails that may be deemed suspicious, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school.  

Safe Online Shopping Practices

With the break coming upon us and enticing deals from Cyber Monday and Black Friday looming, make sure to protect yourself and your data. 

Look for these things as you shop before you put in something you might regret:

• Is the site secure? 
• Where did you find the site? Is it part of a larger, reputable vendor?
• Make sure you are on a secure wifi connection. try not to use free wifi services when shopping or banking.
• Avoid clicking email deals unless you are sure you know who sent the email. 
• Use unique usernames and passwords for any sites you create an account on. 

For this info and more, keep your eyes peeled for new guides, videos, and more!