Cybersecurity

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, systems, devices, and data from unauthorized access, damage, theft, or disruption.

As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in education and everyday life, cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it important for students, teachers, staff, and administrators to understand how to recognize and protect themselves against potential threats.

Types of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity involves several different areas of protection, including:

• Application Security — Protecting applications and software from vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, and attacks through methods such as secure development practices, encryption, and security testing.
• Information Security — Protecting sensitive information and data from unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure, or destruction.
• Infrastructure Security — Protecting the physical and digital infrastructure that supports technology systems, including servers, data centers, network equipment, and other critical systems.
• Network Security — Protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, attacks, and other security threats through technologies and practices such as firewalls, access controls, VPNs, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• User Education & Awareness — Educating users about cybersecurity best practices and how to recognize threats such as phishing, malware, suspicious links, and social engineering.

Common Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats are malicious activities designed to steal information, damage systems, gain unauthorized access, or disrupt services. Understanding common threats is an important part of protecting yourself and the district.

Malware

Malware, short for "malicious software," is software designed to damage systems, steal information, gain unauthorized access, or disrupt normal operations. Viruses, spyware, and trojans are examples of malware.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files or prevents users from accessing their systems. Attackers may then demand payment in exchange for restoring access to the affected data or systems.

Phishing

Phishing is an attack that attempts to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, opening harmful attachments, or taking other unsafe actions.

Phishing attacks commonly appear as emails, text messages, or websites that appear to come from a legitimate person or organization.

Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulating or deceiving individuals into providing information or taking actions that could compromise their security.

Attackers may use email, phone calls, text messages, social media, or even in-person interactions to gain a person's trust and obtain sensitive information.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks attempt to overwhelm a server, network, or online service with large amounts of traffic. This can prevent legitimate users from accessing the affected service.