While the infusion of technology in the classroom presents many advantages, it also entails a number of "security risks".
A security risk is an event that results in the impairment of computer processing and/or loss of hardware, software, and data. Some risks are criminal in nature and punishable by law. Common examples include viruses, unauthorized access/use, theft, vandalism, and software piracy.
Computer viruses
A virus is a program designed to corrupt data on a computer. It typically infects files when opened by a user. Classified as "malware", the primary purpose of viruses is to destroy or steal data. Every day, thousands of new malware programs are spread via the Internet when visiting websites, downloading files, or opening email attachments. All schools use anti-virus programs with malware detection features to identify and remove malware (e.g., Norton or McAfee).
Unauthorized Access and Use
Unauthorized access and use is the hacking into a computer to perform unlawful tasks (e.g., steal or modify a user's personal information). To prevent its occurrence, schools typically implement security measures (e.g., user id and password requirements) and ask staff and students to sign acceptable use policies. Teachers should always train students not to never share their login nor to save personal information on a school computer.
Theft and Vandalism
Access to technology in school can sometimes lead to theft or vandalism. To prevent theft, many school districts install security systems, alarms, deadbolt locks, or physical devices that lock equipment into place. They also enforce policies to deter from acts of vandalism.
Software Piracy
Software piracy is the illegal copying of copyrighted software or the actual theft of software. It may result in fines and jail time as it causes software companies to lose billions of dollars each year.
When software is purchased, it usually can only be installed on two machines (i.e., desktop computer and laptop) unless otherwise specified. School districts all have to purchase licenses to install the same software on several computers or their network.
To prevent software piracy, teachers should teach students about copyright laws and abide by the laws.
References
Kaspersky. (2016). Malware: Difference between computer viruses, worms, and trojans. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/n8mbzU0X2nQ
Maloy, R., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Park Woolf, B. (2017). Transforming learning with new technologies (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson.
NIH Videocast. (2015). Protecting yourself from identity theft online. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/UQCzTkzIypU
Information from this post may be used provided credit is given to Dominique Charlotteaux
