🛡️ Cybersecurity Thursday Tech Tips #7: Data Loss Prevention, FERPA, and Locking Your Devices 🔒
10.31.2024

Hello Clint ISD Cyber Warriors,

For this week’s Cybersecurity Thursday Tech Tip, we're revisiting the importance of data loss prevention and FERPA compliance to protect our students' sensitive information. Let’s dive into why keeping our devices locked is critical—and how our technology team is here to help!
Make it a habit to protect data by locking your computer when you step away and remind others to do the same- when you see their computer unattended and unlocked. 
This Week’s Tip: Protect Data with Device Locking 🔐
Our students and guardians trust us to protect their personal information, and FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) mandates that we uphold that trust by safeguarding their data. If we leave our computers unlocked, there’s a risk that sensitive information could be accessed, leading to accidental data exposure or unauthorized access. 
We need your help to create this healthy culture of DLP and restrict unauthorized access or use.
Let’s break down why locking your device is essential for compliance and data security:
🔑 Key Points:

Unauthorized Use & Access: Our Employee and Student Acceptable Use Policies outline…
Employees & Students shall adhere to the District’s password standards and take all precautions necessary to protect your account and passwords to secure resources against unauthorized use or access. EVERY TIME you step away from your computer LOCK IT. 
When you lock your computer, only you can unlock it again. This prevents others from continuing to work on your files, sending emails, or accessing your online accounts.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP): An unlocked device can be easily accessed, putting data and information at risk. By locking your computer when stepping away, you’re helping prevent unauthorized access to confidential data. 🌐 EVERY TIME you step away from your computer LOCK IT.

FERPA Compliance: FERPA requires that all student information remains private and secure. Leaving devices unattended and unlocked can expose us to non-compliance risks, which can lead to breaches, loss of trust, and possible legal repercussions. 📑⚖️ EVERY TIME you step away from your computer LOCK IT.

Auto-Lock Policy: To support our commitment to data security, our IT team has implemented an auto-lock policy on all devices. If you forget to lock your computer, the system will lock after a period of inactivity. This ensures that your data is safe, even if you’re busy and forget to lock up. 🕔
Classroom Mini PC Computers are set to a 45-minute inactivity lock. Users should refrain from accessing sensitive data from these devices and use them solely for instruction. This will protect your account and the data.
All other devices are set to a 20-minute inactivity lock. 
Exceptions to this policy can be made for public-facing informational displays. A ticket will need to be submitted to have the device reviewed.

Quick Tips for Data Protection:
Manually Lock Your Device: 
On Windows Press Windows Key + L before leaving your workstation. 
On Macs Press Control + Command + Q before leaving your workstation.
Double-Check Your Environment: If you’re working with student data in an open area, take extra steps to ensure your screen isn’t visible to others, consider a privacy screen when your screen cannot be positioned to keep eyes from prying.
Stay Mindful of FERPA Requirements: Remember, FERPA is here to ensure we respect and protect our students’ right to privacy. Every small action—like locking your computer—makes a difference.
In Summary

When you click OK on this screen before signing in and using your computer - you are acknowledging that you understand protecting our districts' data is essential to creating a safe, trusting school environment. You agree to comply with the Acceptable Use Policy and other provisions. By practicing regular data loss prevention habits and following FERPA guidelines, we contribute to a culture of security and accountability.

Don’t be the user whose account gets misused, because you forgot to lock your screen.

If you have any questions about this policy or need help, reach out to our IT team—we’re here to help!

Thanks for keeping all our district data secure!

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