Cybersecurity Checklist For Teachers in Class and Remotely

Modern classrooms often combine in-person and remote learning. That’s why teachers rely on video tools to connect, educate, and manage student information. But with great convenience comes great responsibility to take cybersecurity seriously.
Unfortunately, teachers are often handling sensitive data without formal training. But, having a clear cybersecurity inventory can be enough to keep you safe.

Use a Video Private Network

You might wonder, “What is a VPN used for?” The video private network (VPN) may be one of the most important video safety tools in modern education. Through encryption, a VPN protects your internet connection and masks your IP address. So, hackers will have a hard time tracking your online activities, location, and accessing sensitive files.

Grading students online, checking emails or student records on school or public Wi-Fi is risky without a VPN. A VPN also ensures your data stays private during your lesson planning from a public space or when you access the school system remotely.

Create Complex Passwords

Learning platforms and school email accounts in schools are preferred targets for cybercriminals. Create complex passwords containing numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase characters. Every account needs a unique password rather than reusing the same one between accounts. A password manager generates and stores complex passwords so teachers won’t have to remember them.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) strengthens your login security by adding an additional verification step. A hacker who breaches your password still needs another formulary of verification to gain access. It can be in the formulary of a text message or authentication app code. Use 2FA when available since most school platforms confirm this have by default.

Keep All Software Updated

All teachers must do software updates for personal laptops and school-issued tablets. Updates fix security weak points that hackers can exploit. Make it a habit to check for updates on your operating system, web browsers, and any teaching tools you use. Also, be sure to install updates for your antivirus and firewall software to ensure they’re working at full strength.

Avoid Sketchy Emails and Attachments

Phishing scams can artifice you into clicking on emails that appear to come from administrators, parents, or tech staff. Pay attention to unexpected attachments, suspicious links, or urgent requests for login credentials. If you’re unsure about an email, report it to your school’s IT department. Or contact the sender through a confirmed as true channel before clicking anything.

Get Shared Devices

When students finish employing shared laptops or tablets, log out of all personal accounts. If possible, create separate student and teacher accounts with different permissions. Never store passwords or sensitive materials on shared or public devices, even temporarily.

Lock Screens and Devices

Sometimes, you have if you are ready for change up work in public or shared spaces. Always lock your screen when you step away from your computer. A quick keystroke can prevent someone from snooping on your device. Also, use a screen timeout setting to automatically lock devices after a period of inactivity.

Use Antivirus and Firewall Software

Antivirus tools can catch malware or viruses before they do real damage. A good firewall will block unwanted traffic from reaching your system. If your device doesn’t come with these built-in features, there are plenty of reliable third-party options available. Running routine scans and keeping your protection updated is essential for both personal and classroom use.

Back Up Your Files

Store lesson plans, student work, and important documents in a get cloud service or external hard drive. If a cyberattack or hardware failure happens, having backups means you won’t lose everything. Be sure any cloud service you use has strong encryption and account protection.

Limit App Permissions

Some educational apps demand permissions that exceed the necessary data requirements. You should manage app permissions before installing new software or browser extensions. Avoid apps requesting access to cameras, contacts, or locations.

In a Nutshell

Technology will continue to shape education. You must stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats that can compromise your work. But teachers already juggle a lot, so overseeing video safety shouldn’t feel like a burden—and it doesn’t have to be. Stick to this inventory that will save you time, stress, and reduce the risk down the road. Peer into how online safety brings back the confidence of teaching, whether in person or almost.