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Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Data Privacy PolicyGoose Creek CISD has taken action to ensure that all student data is handled securely and in compliance with all state and federal legislation. Through rigorous processes and high standards of compliance, our goal is to not only abide to state and federal law, but to provide students, parents, and our community with the resources and information needed to protect student privacy. This is accomplished by a process of continual improvement of security practices. The district employees the principle of least privilege and role based security to ensure that data is only accessed by those that have a legitimate educational purpose. A multi-layered defense is also employed to ensure that your data remains protected. As the technology landscape is constantly changing, these processes are reviewed at least annually to make sure they are still relevant and provide strong protection. In an effort to achieve these goals, the Goose Creek CISD Technology Department seeks to implement the following programs:

 

  • Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program - The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program is the nation’s only data privacy framework for school systems, focused on building a culture of trust and transparency. The TLE Seal was developed by CoSN in collaboration with a diverse group of 28 school system leaders nationwide and with support from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and ASCD. School systems that meet the program requirements will earn the TLE Seal, signifying their commitment to student data privacy to their community. TLE Seal recipients also commit to continuous examination and demonstrable future advancement of their privacy practices.

    On May 12, 2022, CoSN awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal to Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD). The TLE Seal is a prestigious national distinction that school districts earn for demonstrating a commitment to protecting student data through modern, rigorous policies and practices.

    CoSN TLE Seal for GCCISD until May 2024


  • Texas Cybersecurity Framework - The Texas Cybersecurity Framework is a self-assessment to determine cybersecurity risks. While local governments and K-12 organizations are not required to submit a Cybersecurity Plan to the State, using the framework helps to align security goals and practices with other government entities and institutions of Higher Education across the State of Texas.

 

The district uses data to support a variety of processes throughout the district including supporting student learning, evaluating teachers, improving instructional and operational practices, and complying with various state and federal requirements. For more information on who uses student data, see this infographic.


GCCISD uses many applications to encourage learning through innovation. See this page for more information on approved/denied applications and the process for requesting a free or paid app.

 

Website Privacy Policy: Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (Goose Creek CISD or GCCISD) is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy as a visitor to our websites. This includes the Here, We Grow Giants site. We will only collect, store and use your personal information for defined purposes. Goose Creek CISD values accountability and transparency at all levels including ensuring that student data privacy and security are a top priority. For more information on what data is collected as well as records management, see the Data Governance tab.

Student Data Collection and Security Fact Sheet

Data Governance Guidelines

* Handbooks, procedures and guidelines are reviewed at least annually to provide updates that align with changes in laws/regulations and the constantly changing technology landscape. 

 

Sharing Data with Vendors/Third-Parties

Goose Creek CISD takes the privacy of both student and staff data very seriously. Before procuring services or contracting with a third-party, a security risk assessment is performed. Much like a credit score is used in the lending process, a security risk score can reveal risks that a company would present and the likelihood they would suffer a data breach or other security incident. Goose Creek continuously monitors these third-parties in order to manage any risk that may occur and take appropriate proactive measures to keep district data secure. Secondly, if data will be shared with a vendor/third-party, a signed Data Privacy Agreement MUST be in place before a contract is signed. The current Data Privacy Agreement in use is the TX_NDPA_v1r6.

 

Records Management Board Policies

CPC (LEGAL) - OFFICE MANAGEMENT: RECORDS MANAGEMENT

CPC (LOCAL) - OFFICE MANAGEMENT: RECORDS MANAGEMENT

FL (LEGAL) - STUDENT RECORDS

FL (LOCAL) - STUDENT RECORDS

*Board Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that they align with all current laws and regulations.

Security Tips - How to Safely Use Telehealth Services
03/22/2023

Telehealth is a way for health providers to diagnose, treat, and communicate with patients remotely, by phone or video. Telehealth is a quick and easy alternative to your typical doctor’s appointment, but it could also be a quick and easy way for cybercriminals to find targets.


Here are some ways to safeguard your personal information while using telehealth services.


Keep Your Device Up-to-Date

Whether you connect to telehealth using a smartphone or a computer, make sure the device is up-to-date with the latest security patches. This includes updating all applications, not just the ones used for telehealth purposes. Each app is a potential point of entry for cybercriminals. If the bad guys gain access to your device in any way, then your sensitive medical information will be at risk.


Use an Advanced Login

Telehealth services typically require users to create a username and password. If the service offers Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), use it! MFA requires you to enter your password and then enter another form of verification, such as a code sent via text message. If MFA isn’t offered, we recommend using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.


Connect with a Secure Network

Never use a public wifi connection for telehealth services. You never know who could be watching and tracking your activity. When connecting from home, be sure to set up a strong password for your router. Default router passwords are often public knowledge or easy to guess. For the most secure network, connect to a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts web traffic to protect your information.


Scam of the Week: New Alert! Cybercriminal at Your Door
03/15/2023

Ring is a popular brand of security cameras designed for home safety. Unfortunately, Ring customers were the latest victims of a phishing attack. Cybercriminals sent phishing emails spoofed as Ring to try and steal customers’ sensitive information.

Cybercriminals start this attack by sending you a phishing email with an HTML file attached. The email looks like it’s from Ring, and it instructs you to open the file to update your Ring membership. If you click this file, you’ll be redirected to a malicious website that spoofs Ring’s login page. This website prompts you to enter sensitive information, such as your credit card number and social security number. If you enter your information, you’ll be redirected to Ring’s legitimate website, making the email look more real.

Follow the tips below to stay safe from similar scams:

  • Never click a link or download an attachment in an email that you aren’t expecting. 
  • If you receive an email claiming that you need to make changes in your account, always log in to the organization’s website directly.

Remember that this type of attack isn’t exclusive to Ring. Cybercriminals could use this technique to impersonate any type of service.


Security Tips - Unexpected Emails
03/09/2023

When you receive an unexpected email from an online service or business, proceed with caution. For example, if you receive an email from eBay stating that you have won an online auction, ask yourself the following questions to verify that the email is legitimate:


  • Do you have an eBay account? If you receive an email from an organization that you do not have an account with, don’t click any links in the email.

  • Did you bid on an eBay auction recently? If you haven’t bid on an auction, then the email is probably fake. 

The questions above do not only apply to eBay and online shopping websites. Cybercriminals can send malicious emails that appear to come from several different types of organizations, such as bands, social media platforms, and shops. Remember to stop, look, and think before you click any links in emails.

If you’re unsure if an email from an organization is legitimate, open a web browser and visit the organization’s website. From the website, you can log in to your account and verify any activity that has taken place.


Privacy & Security Discussion Topic Ideas


Phishing Emails
- Have you noticed any phishing emails to share with others? What clues did you notice that made you aware that it was not legitimate? How should these emails be reported? Should general SPAM be reported as Phishing?

Social Engineering
- Have you received phone calls using social engineering techniques trying to get you to give information to someone that you do not know? What did you do to verify their identity before sharing information?

Current Events
- What are some recent cyber attacks or data breaches in K-12 from news sources? How we can better be prepared to prevent a similar attack at Goose Creek CISD?
- What recent cybersecurity/data privacy news have you seen and how could it impact us?
- What are upcoming/recent laws or regulations around privacy and cybersecurity that would impact Goose Creek CISD?

Applications & 3rd Party Systems
- Have you used a new app, program, or website lately? Did you make sure you knew what data is being collected/transmitted and if it is being protected? How did you verify?
- Why is it important to vet our applications for security, privacy, or content concerns?
- Thinking about using a new app? Discuss the vetting process and assign someone to submit it for review.

Data Privacy Webpage
- What data do you collect on students? Review the Data Fact Sheet.
- Review resources on Data Privacy site

Data Breach Notice
- If you became aware of a potential data breach, who would you notify?
- What is the role of the District's cybersecurity coordinator? Who is this at Goose Creek CISD?

Data Privacy Curriculum
- How are you implementing data privacy in your classrooms?
- How do you integrate the Digital Citizenship Curriculum in your classrooms?
- What discussions have you had with students, parents, teachers, or staff about privacy/security?

Disaster and Recovery
- How do we protect data when in a disaster (fire, flood, hurricane, cyber attack, school shooting, etc)?
- How would we recover from a disaster and is that documented?

Cybersecurity and Privacy Training
- Has everyone completed the required trainings on Cybersecurity and Privacy?
- What is something each person learned from the Texas Cybersecurity training.
- What is Board Policy CQB and why is it important?

Handbooks

Employee Handbook

Student Handbook (English)

Student Handbook (Spanish)

* Handbooks, procedures and guidelines are reviewed at least annually to provide updates that align with changes in laws/regulations and the constantly changing technology landscape. 

 

Board Policy

CQB - Cybersecurity

*Board Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that they align with all current laws and regulations.

 

Laws/Regulations

FERPA - Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

PPRA - Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

COPPA - Children's Online Privacy Protection Act

CIPA - Children's Internet Protection Act

 

GCCISD Resources

Agenda Discussion Topics

Security Access Procedure

GCCISD Digital Safety

Digital Citizenship Curriculum

 

Are you considering an application?

Is the app already approved or denied?

 

You must follow the approval process to request apps for student use. Teachers may research apps they wish to use. Consider the resources below before using a third-party application (website or app). If you feel the app is a good candidate, please follow the approval process listed below or on the Ed Tech webpage.

 

  1. First ask yourself these questions:
    Checklist for Choosing Tools Worth Your (and Your Students') Time
    Educational App Evaluation Checklist

  2. Second make sure you understand how the data is being used. To protect student data as well as the security of other district systems, you need to understand the importance of App Vetting. Things to look at are the privacy policy, is the data encrypted, can you request deletion of data, is the data strictly used for educational purposes, is the data protected, is the app appropriate for the targeted age group, etc.
    What is App Vetting and Why is it Important?
    Vetting Apps Across the District (RED FLAGS to watch out for)

 

Vetting Process

iPad App Approval Process

iPad App Approval Workflow

 

Data Privacy

Educator's Guide to Student Data Privacy

Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Resources

Privacy Basics - Facebook

Privacy Basics - Twitter

 

Laws, Regulations and Standards

COPPA 101

FERPA 101

ISTE Standards for Modeling Digital Citizenship

 

Ransomware

Ransomware References for IT Staff

Ransomware References for Teachers and School Administrators

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