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Computer Chronicles
Version 10.1, October 2021
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Since 2016, there have been more than 1,200 cyber incidents affecting K-12 public schools in all 50 states, according to Doug Levin, national director of the K12 Security Information Exchange, a nonprofit organization that tracks the information.
Schools have been hit hard by cybercriminals. Some districts have been victimized in ransomware attacks, which hijack computer systems and hold them hostage until their victims pay a ransom or restore the system on their own.
Let's stay on our guard this month especially and throughout the year.
Happy Birthday, Google Docs!
Hard to believe it, but Google Docs just turned 15.
By way of celebrating this milestone, Google has shared 15 things about Docs that they are celebrating.
After a little research, I discovered my first Google Doc was created Oct. 4, 2007.
So let's take a moment to celebrate along with Google by reading about these15 moments in Google Docs history: https://blog.google/products/docs/happy-15-years-google-docs/
Phighting the Phish
Phishing is a form of social engineering and the bad guys use various tactics, including spoofing, conveying a sense of urgency and authority, and impersonation of trusted contacts or organizations in an attempt to deceive victims to perform an action—such as clicking on links, opening attachments, or divulging sensitive information—to facilitate credential theft, data theft, or the delivery of malware.
Compromised accounts or devices can provide these villains with the opportunity to steal data, financial information, funds, and conduct subsequent attacks.
As part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a moment to visit our Cybersecurity page for tips on how to avoid phishing.
New universal @ menu in Google Docs
Simply by typing the “@” symbol, the new contextual menu will appear in place with suggestions for contacts, files, meetings, and Docs tools like checklists, charts, special characters, lists, and more. The idea is to provide a simple way to tie together many elements of Workspace into one place so that you and your team can be more productive.
Once you click on an element, it will be inserted and you can carry on with your work without having to waste precious time navigating to the top bar for each item with your mouse.
Pro Tech Tip
In Google Slides, use Control M to add a new slide. So much faster than using your mouse.
Magni Momenti Notitia
- "Think before you click."
- 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 programs does a Jedi use to open PDFs? Adobe Wan Kenobi!
Stuff I have been reading/watching:
- K12 SIX Weekly Vulnerability Report: October 13 - 20, 2021 (link)
- The True Cost of Upgrading Your Phone
- Set aside time for focus in Google Calendar
- Windows 11: Optimization and performance improvements
- A guide to combatting human-operated ransomware
"The key to success is going to bed a little smarter each day."
- Warren Buffett
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