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Awareness and Best Practices

Follow these essential tips from the Onslow County Schools IT department to stay safe online and protect our digital environment. Understanding common threats and adopting good habits helps keep our community secure, especially with the 1:1 Program and online learning in use.

Phishing Awareness

  • What to Watch For: Be cautious of emails or messages with urgent requests, unfamiliar senders, misspelled words, or links that look suspicious. These are common ways scammers try to trick you into sharing information.
  • Action: Avoid clicking unknown links—hover over them to preview the URL without opening it. If something feels off, don’t respond.
  • Tip: Verify the sender by checking their email address carefully or contacting them through a known phone number. Look out for slight changes, like “it.he1pdesk@onsl0w.k12.nc.us” instead of the real “it.helpdesk@onslow.k12.nc.us.”

 

Password Management

  • Strong Passwords: Create passwords with at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., S@feEdu2025!). Avoid personal info like birthdays or names.
  • Unique Passwords: Use a different password for each account to limit damage if one is compromised. A reputable password manager is the best way to manage them securely.
  • Regular Updates: Change passwords every six months or immediately if you suspect exposure.

 

Secure Browsing and Device Usage

  • Safe Sites: Stick to well-known websites, especially for schoolwork. Look for “https://” in the URL to ensure a secure connection.
  • Updates: Regularly check for software updates on your device—turn on automatic updates if possible—to fix security weaknesses.
  • Device Care: Lock your screen with a password or PIN when stepping away. Keep devices in a safe place, and report lost or damaged ones to IT right away.
  • Public WiFi: Avoid sensitive tasks (e.g., logging into school accounts) on public WiFi unless using a secure network.

 

Reporting Suspicious Activity

  • How to Report: If you see phishing emails, unusual pop-ups, or strange device behavior, contact IT at 910-455-2211 or email it.helpdesk@onslow.k12.nc.us with a description (e.g., email text, screenshot).
  • Why It Matters: Reporting quickly helps IT stop potential threats before they spread, protecting everyone’s data and learning.
  • When to Act: Report anything that seems odd, even if you’re unsure—better safe than sorry. Include details like the time you noticed it.
  • Resources: For more tips, visit the NC DPI Cybersecurity page at https://www.dpi.nc.gov or CISA’s free guides at https://www.cisa.gov.