Student TechBytes

From Common Sense Media

As soon as kids create an online account, their data is at risk—and it's only as secure as the service that's protecting it. That's no reason to panic, since all tech platforms can be vulnerable to attack. You can help your children protect themselves by discussing online safety and privacy.

If you suspect that your child's device or account has been hacked, here are some steps you can take:

• Change your password and sign out of all devices. Create a new, strong password and log out of devices that are linked to the account. For example, your child's YouTube login may be saved on multiple devices. That way, you can make sure the hacker can't get back into your account.
• Check linked accounts. Many of us have multiple apps synced, like our social media accounts being synced with our emails. Make sure to unlink those accounts while you secure your profile.
• Remove your banking information. If you have a bank account saved on the platform that was hacked, delete the information. Contact your bank to make sure there is no suspicious activity on your account. Change your login for the bank account, too.
• Update your passwords on other sites and platforms. This way, you can prevent the hacker from accessing additional information. Consider using a password manager to store your passwords.
• Check your account recovery information. Go to the settings for that platform or devices and make sure the recovery email address and phone number are the ones you entered.
• Turn on two-factor authentication. If this option is available, be sure to use it to help make your account more secure. This requires you to use two different accounts to sign into a platform or device.
• Review your account activity. Check your account to see posts or messages the hacker may have shared, or profiles they may have followed online.

Of course, prevention is always better than cleaning up after a hack. Use these tips to talk with your kid about protecting their data and privacy online.

As a reminder, when there are issues at your site, the best way to get help quickly is through a Help Desk call (626-396-3699) or ticket (gopusd.com/helpdesk). Not following this process can result in a delay in resolving your issue.

Common Issues to contact the Help Desk for include:

• Application or Account issue with
• Aeries
• Canvas
• Clever
• Chromebook issue

Please remember to completely shut down your Chromebook at the end of every day! This will ensure your device has received all necessary updates and that you are able to connect to all PUSD applications without issue.

We are currently in the process of retrieving lost chromebooks. If your chromebook gets locked, please see your Librarian or Office Manager to get the device unlocked and/or submit a ticket with the device's service tag.

A reminder that Chromebooks are instructional materials, similar to textbooks. We have been receiving a large number of tickets from school sites and from students stating students have lost or damaged their devices. Chromebooks range in cost from $389 to $758. We understand that devices may be misplaced and that accidents happen, but please make every effort to take care of your devices as well as locate lost devices before submitting a ticket for device replacement.

Once a device has been reported lost or stolen, it will be locked and unusable.

• Are you ready to set up your Aeries Parent Portal account and don't know how to get started? Check out our series of how-to videos HERE.
• Are you an Observer in Canvas so you can see your student's assignments and grades? If not, check out this document with linked videos on how to become an observer in Canvas.