How to Train Teaching Staff on Safe Online Practices

Educators are on the frontline of integrating technology into learning environments. However, with the convenience of online tools comes the responsibility of ensuring that both staff and students are safe from cyber threats. Training teaching staff on safe online practices is not just about compliance or safeguarding —it's about creating a secure, respectful, and productive digital environment. Below, this blog will explore a step-by-step approach to effectively train educators in online safety.

1. Understanding the Importance of Online Safety

Before diving into the technicalities, it’s crucial to communicate why online safety matters. Schools are often targets for cybercriminals and Teachers should understand that they are not only protecting themselves but also their students and the school’s reputation. Cybersecurity breaches can often lead to data theft, financial loss, and emotional distress. By framing online safety as a critical aspect of their role, you can foster a sense of responsibility and vigilance.

2. Start with the Basics

Begin the training with fundamental concepts that everyone, regardless of their knowledge of technology can easily grasp:

Password Management

While it is often said that your password should be simple and easy to remember, this advice can sometimes lead to risky choices. Imagine how many people have used their dog's name combined with their date of birth as their password?- such predictable combinations are easily guessed by hackers

Creating Passwords

Instead, encourage the use of passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, avoid using personal information or common words that could be easily guessed.

Using Password Managers

To make managing these complex passwords easier, suggest using a password manager. A password manager securely stores and generates strong, unique passwords for each account, eliminating the need to remember multiple complicated passwords. 

Phishing awareness

Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats educators face, involving deceptive emails or messages that appear legitimate but aim to steal sensitive information. Picture this: you receive an email from your school's IT department asking you to update your password by clicking a link. Without giving it a second thought, you click the link, and suddenly, your entire computer is compromised. You've just become a victim of a phishing attack. 

Recognising signs of phishing email

It's crucial to recognise suspicious emails. As a school, you need to train staff to look for signs that can be considered red flags like:

• unfamiliar sender addresses
• poor grammar
• generic greetings
• emails asking for personal details
• urgent requests

Dealing with phishing emails

Another key practice is to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links. If you are unsure, hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If something looks off, contact the IT department and follow their instructions. 

Also, another way to prevent phishing attacks is to verify the authenticity of any communication by contacting the sender directly through trusted methods such as calling or emailing them on their official contact details. 

Introduce School-Specific Policies

Every institution should have a set of policies or guidelines tailored to its unique environment. These may include:

• Acceptable Use Policies (AUP): Clarifies what constitutes appropriate use of school devices, networks, and internet resources.
• Data Protection Protocols: Outlines the procedures for handling sensitive information, such as student records, and compliance with laws like GDPR.
• Social Media Guidelines: Provides guidance on maintaining professionalism and privacy on personal and school-affiliated social media accounts.

Ensure that these policies are communicated clearly and are easily accessible for future reference.

Hands-On Training Sessions

Interactive, hands-on sessions can significantly enhance learning. This can be introduced by:

1. Simulated Phishing Exercises: Send out simulated phishing emails to staff and then provide feedback on who clicked what and why, using this as a learning opportunity.
2. Role-Playing Scenarios: Have teachers practise responding to different online safety scenarios, such as handling data breaches or dealing with cyberbullying.
3. Security Tools Workshop: Offer workshops on how to use specific security tools, such as VPNs, encryption software, or secure file-sharing platforms.

Addressing Online Classroom Safety

With the use of remote and hybrid learning, it’s essential to address the unique challenges of online classrooms which can be but not limited to:

• Video Conferencing Etiquette: Teaching staff how to properly secure virtual classrooms with passwords, waiting rooms, and participant controls.
• Student Privacy: Discussing the importance of protecting students’ personal information and images in online environments.
• Cyberbullying Prevention: Providing strategies for identifying and addressing cyberbullying, ensuring that students feel safe and supported online.

With the rise of remote and hybrid learning, it's crucial to address the unique challenges that come with online classrooms. One key area is video conferencing etiquette, where teaching staff need to be trained on securing virtual classrooms using passwords, waiting rooms, and participant controls to prevent unauthorised access. 

Student privacy is another important concern, emphasising the need to protect students' personal information and images in online environments. This can be achieved by implementing strict data protection policies, using secure platforms, and educating both staff and students on safeguarding their digital identities.

Additionally, cyberbullying prevention must be a priority, with strategies in place to identify and address incidents, ensuring students feel safe and supported in their digital learning spaces.

Evaluate and Adapt

Finally, continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your training program. Gather feedback from staff, monitor incidents, and adjust your approach as needed. This could involve updating training materials, introducing new tools, or revisiting certain topics more frequently.

Conclusion

Online safety is everyone's responsibility. Training teaching staff on safe online practices is an ongoing process that requires commitment from both educators and administrators. Schools can create a secure online environment that protects everyone involved and this can successfully be achieved by providing clear practical and relevant training. Remember, when educators feel confident in their online safety skills, they can better focus on what they do best—teaching and inspiring the next generation.