Technology and IT Help at Grace Christian Academy
Welcome to the tech support page for Grace Christian Academy! Below you’ll find the resources you need to access our systems and resolve common tech issues.
Tech Support
If you’re experiencing any issues with technology at school, we’re here to help.
- Password resets
- Device issues
- Help with school software
- General tech troubleshooting
Student Security Best Practices at Grace Christian Academy
At Grace Christian Academy, maintaining the security of our digital environment is a shared responsibility. As a student, it’s essential to follow best practices to protect your personal information and the school’s resources. Below are important guidelines for keeping your accounts and devices secure:
1. Protect Your Passwords: Your password is the key to your digital life, and protecting it is crucial:
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication on your accounts:
3. Secure Your Devices: Your device security is just as important as your account security:
4. Beware of Phishing Scams: Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be a legitimate source:
5. Protect Your Personal Information: Your personal information is valuable, and it’s important to guard it:
6. Use School Devices Responsibly: School-provided devices are configured for security, but you still need to follow some guidelines:
7. Manage Your Digital Footprint: Every action you take online contributes to your digital footprint. Here’s how to ensure it’s secure and positive:
8. Backup Your Data: Protect your school work by regularly backing up important files:
9. Avoid Public WiFi for School Work: Public WiFi networks are often less secure, making it easier for hackers to steal your data:
10. Report Any Suspicious Activity: If you notice something strange, don’t ignore it:
By following these security practices, you help protect not only yourself but also the entire Grace Christian Academy community. Remember, security is everyone’s responsibility!
1. Protect Your Passwords: Your password is the key to your digital life, and protecting it is crucial:
- Use a strong password: Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed information such as your name, birthdate, or simple patterns like "12345."
- Do not share your password: Never give your password to anyone, even friends. Your account is your responsibility, and sharing your password could compromise your personal information.
- Use unique passwords for different accounts: Ensure that the password for your school account is different from your personal accounts to minimize risks in case one account is compromised.
- Change passwords regularly: Every few months, consider updating your password to keep it secure. You can reset your school account password through the Password Reset Tool.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication on your accounts:
- What is 2FA?: Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring not just your password but also a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone.
- Why use 2FA?: Even if someone has your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor. This is an easy way to protect your Google and other online accounts.
- How to enable it: In your Google account, go to Security Settings and enable 2FA. The school IT team can assist you if needed.
3. Secure Your Devices: Your device security is just as important as your account security:
- Use a screen lock: Set up a PIN, password, or biometric lock (fingerprint or facial recognition) on your Chromebook, laptop, or phone to prevent unauthorized access.
- Log out after use: Always log out of your accounts and devices, especially when using shared or public computers. Never leave your device unattended when logged in.
- Keep your device updated: Regularly check for software and security updates on your Chromebook or other devices. These updates often include important security patches that protect your device from vulnerabilities.
4. Beware of Phishing Scams: Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be a legitimate source:
- Recognize phishing emails: Be cautious of emails asking for your login credentials, personal information, or passwords. Scammers often pretend to be from your school or other trusted organizations.
- Check for suspicious signs: Look out for misspellings, generic greetings like “Dear Student,” or links that look odd. If in doubt, hover over links to see where they lead without clicking.
- Do not click on suspicious links: If you receive an email that seems off, don’t click any links or download attachments. Forward it to the IT team for verification.
- Verify requests: If you receive a strange request for personal information, verify the sender by contacting them directly through official channels.
5. Protect Your Personal Information: Your personal information is valuable, and it’s important to guard it:
- Be careful when sharing online: Avoid oversharing personal details on social media or in online spaces. Your address, phone number, and other sensitive information should be kept private.
- Don’t save passwords on shared devices: When using a shared or public device, never save your login credentials. Always log out after your session and clear the browser history if possible.
- Use Google Drive responsibly: When sharing files on Google Drive, ensure you understand the sharing permissions. Avoid sharing documents with "Public" access unless necessary.
6. Use School Devices Responsibly: School-provided devices are configured for security, but you still need to follow some guidelines:
- Don’t install unauthorized software: Only install approved software or extensions on school devices. Downloading unapproved programs can introduce security risks.
- Avoid suspicious websites: Stick to educational resources and trusted websites. Avoid visiting sites that may contain harmful content or phishing attempts.
- Report issues immediately: If your device starts acting strangely (slow performance, unexpected pop-ups), it may be infected with malware. Report it to the IT Help Desk as soon as possible.
7. Manage Your Digital Footprint: Every action you take online contributes to your digital footprint. Here’s how to ensure it’s secure and positive:
- Think before you post: Remember that anything you post or share online can stay there permanently, even if you delete it later. Consider the impact before you post.
- Review your privacy settings: Regularly check the privacy settings on your Google account, social media, and other online services. Ensure you're sharing information only with people you trust.
8. Backup Your Data: Protect your school work by regularly backing up important files:
- Use Google Drive: Make sure all of your documents, projects, and class materials are saved to your Google Drive. This way, they’ll be safe even if your device is lost or damaged.
- Set automatic backups: On personal devices, use backup tools to automatically save your data. Google Drive can sync files across devices, ensuring nothing is lost.
9. Avoid Public WiFi for School Work: Public WiFi networks are often less secure, making it easier for hackers to steal your data:
- Use the school’s secure WiFi: Whenever possible, use Grace Christian Academy’s secure network for accessing your school accounts and submitting assignments.
- If you must use public WiFi: Avoid accessing sensitive information like your school account or personal data. If you need to use public WiFi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
10. Report Any Suspicious Activity: If you notice something strange, don’t ignore it:
- Report phishing emails: If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to the IT department immediately.
- Report account issues: If you think your account has been compromised, change your password and inform the IT team.
- Don’t wait: Early reporting of security issues helps the school take immediate action and minimizes risks for everyone.
By following these security practices, you help protect not only yourself but also the entire Grace Christian Academy community. Remember, security is everyone’s responsibility!