Cybersecurity Resources
Practical tips and guidance to help students, staff, and families stay safe online.
Meet Simon — The Defender Dog
Hello, my name is Simon — The Defender Dog. I am on the mission to protect Plano Independent School District from cyber threats and help raise awareness of cybersecurity. Will you join my mission?
Knowledge is the most powerful defense against cyber threats.
RESOURCES
Resources for Students, Parents, and Staff
Curated links to help everyone in the Plano ISD community protect their information and devices.
Student & Parent Resources
Phishing & Scam Protection
Cybersecurity Awareness
AWARENESS
Top Security Tips
Simple habits that dramatically reduce your risk of a security incident.
Think Before You Click
Always verify the sender and hover over links before clicking. Phishing emails often mimic trusted sources with subtle differences in the domain name or address.
Strong Passwords
Use at least 14 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords across accounts and consider a password manager to keep them secure.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Enable MFA on every account that offers it. Duo two-step authentication is required for PISD systems — it adds a critical second layer of protection beyond your password.
Keep Devices Updated
Install operating system and software updates promptly. Security patches close vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit — delaying updates puts your device at risk.
Protect Student Data
Student information is protected by FERPA. Never share student records via personal email or unsecured platforms, and always use district-approved tools for handling student data.
Use Secure Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public or unsecured Wi-Fi. If you must use a public network, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic and protect your credentials.
EMAIL SAFETY
Recognizing Phishing
Phishing is the #1 method attackers use to gain access to school systems. Learn to spot the signs.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Urgent or threatening language demanding immediate action
- Sender's email address doesn't match the displayed name
- Unexpected attachments or links in unsolicited emails
- Requests for passwords, SSNs, or financial information
- Generic greetings like "Dear User" instead of your name
- Misspelled words or grammatical errors throughout the message
- Links that don't match the expected destination when hovered
- Offers that seem too good to be true or unexpected prizes
What To Do
- Do not click any links or open attachments in suspicious emails
- Report the email to security@pisd.edu immediately
- Use the "Report Phishing" button in Outlook if available
- Contact the apparent sender via phone to verify the message
- Change your password right away if you clicked a suspicious link
- Notify your supervisor or IT department if credentials were entered
- Check your account activity for any unauthorized logins
- Never delete the email until IT has reviewed it
MONTHLY FOCUS
Topics of the Month
Each month we highlight specific cybersecurity topics to keep our community informed and prepared.
Strong Passwords
This month we focus on building strong, unique passwords for every account. Learn best practices for creating passwords that are easy to remember but hard to crack, and explore password manager tools approved for PISD use.
Avoiding Phishing Emails
Phishing remains the most common attack vector targeting school districts. This month's focus helps students, staff, and families recognize deceptive emails, understand how attackers craft convincing lures, and respond correctly when they encounter suspicious messages.
Spot Something? Report It.
If you receive a suspicious email, notice unusual account activity, or believe a security incident has occurred, contact the PISD Technology Security team immediately. Prompt reporting helps protect the entire community.