Wednesday, October 28 - Synergy/Hoonuit/HCPSS Connect Planned Maintenance - The vendor for Synergy has scheduled a mandatory maintenance window to complete updates on Wednesday, October 28 at 9 p.m. The window will last until all necessary updates have been successfully applied, which is anticipated to be approximately at 6 a.m. on Thursday, October 29. Users may experience times of no or sluggish response during this maintenance window. Once the work is complete, users may continue to log in as usual.

Cybersecurity Awareness Doesn’t End in October

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month concludes, it is important to remember that artificial intelligence (AI) is being used not only to support legitimate work, but also for malicious cyber activities. Cybercriminals use AI to create convincing phishing messages, impersonate trusted people, and scale scams. 

According to Microsoft’s 2025 Digital Defense Report, AI-automated phishing emails achieved a 54% click-through rate compared with 12% for traditional attempts. According to the Center for Internet Security’s 2025 K-12 Cybersecurity Report, 82% of reporting K-12 organizations experienced cyber threat impacts. These risks make it essential to verify unexpected requests and protect sensitive student and staff information. 

Use AI safely -A few careful steps help protect our students, staff, and school system.

  • Verify convincing messages
    AI can produce polished phishing emails. Open familiar HCPSS services directly rather than using an unexpected email link or QR code.
  • Confirm voices and urgent requests
    A familiar voice or video may be AI-generated. Call a known number to verify requests for student records, payments, gift cards, or account changes.
  • Keep sensitive information out of AI prompts
    Do not enter student records, IEPs, health information, staff data, passwords, or confidential documents into unapproved AI tools. Use only HCPSS-approved tools as authorized.
  • Check AI answers and suggested actions
    AI can invent facts, links, and instructions. Verify sources before sharing output. Do not run suggested commands or install software without Technology Support guidance.

Call to Action

Before your next AI task, remove sensitive information. Visit KnowBe4 to review available AI and phishing resources, and explore the videos and webinars below.

Access HCPSS's KnowBe4 training platform and awareness resources at https://training.knowbe4.com or through Staff Hub > Services > KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Resources. Explore the added Artificial Intelligence modules available in the KnowBe4 library.

Videos and Webinars

Staff are invited to explore these videos and webinars. These sessions offer deeper learning for interested staff and technology leaders.

Report Concerns Immediately

Do not click links or open attachments in suspicious email. Forward it to abuse@hcpss.org. If you clicked, shared information, approved an unexpected MFA prompt, or notice unusual device activity, contact Technology Support immediately at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.

Please see the attached one-page flyer for reminders you can keep nearby or share with your team.

Attachments
HCPSS Cybersecurity Awareness Flyer (234.71 KB)