Get Ready of School with These Tech Tips

Can you believe it’s already almost back to school time?! In several states in the Southeast, high school is just a handful of days from starting and colleges are getting ready to go back to school as well.

Technology is still as present as ever and everyone needs to do their part to stay safe online. As we head into the fall, don’t let technology practices and safety fall through the cracks. Stay ahead of the game with some of these tips!

Be aware of unsecure WIFI. If you decide to go into the coffee shop to work on your paper, make sure you’ve got a secure wireless connection. If the free WIFI is not password protected, try using your mobile hotspot instead.

Create strong passwords for any new accounts. Do you have a new email or your do you have a class that requires new software or websites? If so, make sure you practice simple steps to keep your accounts safe. Don’t reuse passwords and make sure they are complex enough to keep out bad actors. If possible, always set up two factor authentication on your accounts.

Continue safe browsing. While you’re working on that history paper, make sure you’re going to real websites that are secure. Know which websites may or may not ask you for additional information or payment. Most should not.

Keep your computer up to date and protected with anti-virus. Know the last time your computer ran updates. If it’s been a while, make sure you check before that first day of school. Also having a good anti-virus can help keep you secure. Double check to make sure it’s installed correctly and running.

Pay attention to programs that you’re downloading. If your school requires you to download a specific program, make sure it’s the program coming from their IT department or teacher. There may be other programs out there that are similar but the correct ones. And make sure you know how to contact the IT department if you have questions.

Here’s to another great school year!