October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, HCPSS staff are reminded that everyday security practices help protect student privacy and keep instruction and school operations running. Please review these common K-12 risks and the steps you can take.
Keep our schools secure
- Watch for school-related phishing
Question unexpected shared files, payroll changes, invoices, and urgent messages from a principal or colleague. Verify through a known contact; open familiar services directly. - Protect accounts and MFA
Use strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Never share passwords or verification codes. Deny and report sign-in prompts you did not initiate. - Limit access to student information
Check recipients and file permissions before sharing grades, IEPs, health records, or rosters. Use approved HCPSS storage and tools; avoid public sharing links and personal email. - Secure classroom devices and apps
Lock your screen when you step away, allow managed updates, and use approved apps and browser extensions. Unexpected downloads can introduce malware or ransomware.
Call to Action
- Today, review the sharing permissions on one student-related file, lock your screen whenever you step away, and visit KnowBe4 to review available cybersecurity resources.
- Access HCPSS's KnowBe4 training platform and awareness resources athttps://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.
- October 21, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET | NIST NICE
Helping to Chart the Course - Unlocking Student Pathways into Cybersecurity Careers (Webinar)
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2026/10/nice-webinar-helping-chart-course-unlocking-student-pathways - Online Safety and Privacy Videos
National Cybersecurity Alliance | Video collection
https://www.staysafeonline.org/resources/online-safety-and-privacy/videos
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 print and post in staff common areas. Thank you for helping protect our students, colleagues, and school system.