Internet Safety
INTERNET SAFETY
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Internet Safety
Cyber threats are constantly evolving — but a few consistent habits go a long way. The best practices below help protect you, your colleagues, and the district's data from phishing attacks, malware, and unauthorized access.
Email Best Practices
Email is one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Even a message that appears to come from someone you know can be part of a phishing attempt.
Be cautious with attachments and links Even emails from friends or family can be compromised. Files and links can contain malware that weakens your computer's security.
When in doubt, don't click.
Do your own typing If an organization sends you a link or phone number, don't click it — search for the website or phone number yourself using a trusted search engine and navigate there directly.
Make the call if you're not sure Never respond to emails requesting personal or financial information. Phishers use pressure tactics and prey on fear. Call the sender directly using a number you trust to verify the request is real.
Turn on two-factor authentication For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication (2FA) requires both your password and a second piece of information to log in — adding a powerful extra layer of security.
Back up your files regularly Save copies of important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Regular backups protect you against viruses and ransomware attacks.
Report phishing emails and texts If you receive a suspicious message, take a screenshot and submit it to IT with a help ticket so the district can alert others and take action.
Do not forward the original message itself — forwarding can spread the threat.
User ID & Password Best Practices
Strong passwords are your first line of defense. A weak or reused password can expose your account — and district systems — to attackers.
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Use a unique and lengthy password At least 8 characters with an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a number, and a special character (e.g., %, @, !). Avoid common words or names.
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Don't save passwords in your browser Browser-stored passwords are not secure and can be accessed by anyone with access to your computer. Use a dedicated password manager instead.
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Change your password at least twice a year Regular changes limit the damage if your credentials have been exposed without your knowledge.
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Use multifactor authentication (MFA/2FA) Most organizations — including banks and Google — offer MFA. A free authenticator app generates a one-time password (OTP) that adds a powerful extra layer of protection.
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Never share your ID or password It may seem convenient, but sharing credentials is never worth the risk. Guard against prying eyes, shoulder surfing, and social engineering attempts.
Password Example
What a strong password looks like compared to a weak one:
✓ Strong Password
$ynCopat1ion
Includes uppercase, lowercase, a number, and a special character — and it's not a common dictionary word.
✗ Weak Password
dog
Too short, all lowercase, and a common dictionary word — easily guessed by attackers.
Resources & Quick Links
Internet SafetyTips for staying safe online System StatusLive service availability dashboard IT Staff DirectoryFind IT staff contact information Submit a Help TicketRequest technical assistance Google TakeoutExport and back up your Google data Technology PoliciesAcceptable use and guidelines
Questions or a Compromised Account?
Contact the Technology Help Desk — (951) 509-5180 · Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM