Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Information Security @ BVSD Campaign


Why is Information Security important?

As our lives move increasingly into the digital realm, we must expand what we think of as security.

Security is no longer just installing a home alarm system or locking the car door. An incredible amount of data about us is stored digitally, on a variety of devices and on servers both locally and around the world. Someone who breaches your digital security can cause just as much damage as a burglar: they can get into your bank account, your email, and other personal data.

And because data is interconnected, especially in a networked environment like ours, hackers can enter our network through one person’s account and cause problems for everyone.

Information security is not just an “IT thing”. We all play a role in maintaining the information security of the BVSD community.

Information Security is more than just passwords

Strong passwords are very important, but they are just one piece of a larger information security strategy. Our new Information Security @ BVSD website outlines each of these areas in greater detail. Here are some highlights from the website, which I encourage you to visit.

Protect Your Data

  • Backup the data you need
  • Review permissions for documents, email, and websites
  • Comply with FERPA and Board Policies about technology use and student data

Secure Your Devices

  • Protect against viruses and malware
  • Control access to your devices using the Three Ls: Log out and Lock it up when you Leave
  • Update your Windows laptop regularly
  • Secure remote access to your device when you are on public wi-fi

Guard Your Privacy

  • Avoid phishing scams and identity theft
  • Use strong passwords
  • Protect your account security

Get Help

  • Know your information security resources
  • Know how to report a suspected security breach or a stolen BVSD device




Information Security @ BVSD: The Campaign Begins

Information security has become a necessary part of our lives as digital citizens. Our Information Security @ BVSD campaign is designed to give you strategies for staying safe online, whether you are at work or at home.

Look for more campaign communications over the next few months, including a poster that you can post in your breakroom.

Chime in below with your thoughts about Information Security @ BVSD.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

IT Service Request System Upgrade this Summer

Over the last few years, IT has implemented numerous changes to proactively serve our customers better.

You may recognize some of the more visible changes now in place:

  • Answering most calls that come into our service desk immediately
  • Grouping schools into zones with an accountable IT zone leader
  • Upgrading our software to the more reliable Windows 7
  • Reintroducing Apple products into the District
  • Supporting iPads, Droids, and Chromebooks
  • Allowing schools to supplement the Tech Refresh process with additional technology purchases
  • Increasing communications on outages, tips, and future directions

Over the summer we will make another transition by upgrading to a more robust IT Service Request system. The new system will be called Service Manager, a Microsoft product. It will replace HEAT, the system we currently use.

The IT Service Request icon on the desktop will remain the same, however, the interface will look different—watch for a sneak peak coming later this spring!

Service Manager will be fast and easy to use: it will automatically populate information about your computer and your location, and you will be able to enter a new ticket in 60 seconds or less.

I’m excited about this upcoming change. Besides being easier to use, Service Manager will give us more reliable data to help us locate and resolve pesky lingering issues that can be hard to track down. It will also have professional asset tracking capabilities, which will help us keep track of district devices.

When you come back in the fall, be ready for a new way to enter IT Service Requests. I think you’ll find it even easier than our current system.

Please chime in below after you log in above.   

Andrew