What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is how individuals and organizations reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Cybersecurity's core function is to protect the devices we all use and the online services we access, at work and at home, from theft or damage.

Congress enacted the K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021 which required the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to report on cybersecurity risks facing elementary and secondary schools and develop recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to help schools face these risks.

Each year, ACPS teachers and staff participate in security awareness training and simulated phishing campaigns. Security awareness training helps protect ACPS data, systems, and networks from malicious attacks and cyber threats, while simulated phishing campaigns strengthen an employee's ability to detect emails from hackers. 

KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. ACPS uses this software platform to build a strong security culture by implementing annual security awareness training and phishing campaigns.

Phishing campaigns are designed to be a learning experience within KnowBe4's controlled environment and these opportunities provide employees with the tools needed to protect district and personal data. 

Beware of Smishing Scams

What is Smishing?

• Smishing - or SMS (Short Message Service) - is a phishing tactic cybercriminals use to trick people into providing personal information over text messages.

Smishing and other mobile threats are on the rise, so it's important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of unusual messages.

Look out for:

1. Enticing offers
2. Unusual requests for information
3. Alerts that make you panic
4. Unusual links

Recent smishing attacks include the SunPass Toll and TRUIST smishing scams.

End-of-Year ACPS Cybersecurity Newsletter

Scam of the Week: June 21 - June 28, 2024