Week 8, security

Security for students is an ever important topic for discussion.  As more and more schools implement new technology, especially internet enabled devices, student's safety is paramount.  Most schools have acceptable use policies in effect which require student and parent signatures.  These policies outline what the student can, and definitely can not do on the school's computers or network.

Most schools require a unique log in with a password for each student to access the network.  Student accounts are usually restricted in their ability to do certain tasks on the computer or visit restricted webpages.  For instance, a student would not be able to change any of the computer's settings and would have limited access to only the most basic programs.  The student would also not be allowed to download or install new software.

Internet filters are usually also put into place to try and restrict the ability of students to access harmful or inappropriate web pages.  Some filters are better than others however, and the teachers must still be vigilant to ensure safe internet browsing.

Security issues most commonly arise however when students or teachers are careless with their personal information.  All students and teachers should be taught the importance of keeping their personal information, log in information, and passwords secure.  Never share passwords, and never give out information to strangers or people over the internet.

Many students need to be taught these rules no only for their safety while on the schools computer network but also while at home.  With handheld devices with access to the internet becoming more and more pervasive in our society students forget that they can inadvertently become the victim of security breaches, identity theft, or other more serious issues.   Often students may feel as though they are sending data to a trusted friend, only for them to turn around and share it or for them to loose it somehow.  This goes both ways however, and students should never ask their peers for personal information also.

Security is always important to think about.  Unfortunately most school's security measures are reactionary... meaning they have them in place only after an issue arose which raised the question of security!  Teachers and administrators need to be proactive in their policies to ensure that issues don't occur which in turn warrant  a reaction.