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Using Gmail Filters to Reduce the Risk of Phishing Emails

  Phishing emails constantly threaten educators and school staff as cybercriminals grow more creative in their attempts to steal sensitive information. While tools like spam detection and built-in security features offer a first line of defense, you can take additional steps to protect your inbox. One effective method is using Gmail filters to automatically sort, label, or even delete suspicious messages before you’re tempted to click. In this post, we’ll show you how to set up and manage Gmail filters to help reduce your risk of falling for phishing scams. Why Use Gmail Filters for Phishing Defense? Gmail’s filtering system allows you to create custom rules for incoming emails. By setting up filters, you can: Identify High-Risk Messages : Automatically flag emails from unknown senders, suspicious domains, or those containing certain trigger words. Reduce Inbox Clutter : Move questionable emails into separate folders so you can review them later without exposing yourself to risk in...

Tech Resolutions: 5 Ways to Start the New Year with a Digital Refresh

  As the New Year kicks off, many of us set personal goals—getting healthier, learning a new skill, or better managing our finances. But what about refreshing your digital life? You can start the year more organized, secure, and efficient with a few intentional tech tips. Here are five easy resolutions to boost your digital well-being and help you make the most of your devices in the coming year. 1. Declutter Your Digital Workspace It’s easy to let your desktop, cloud storage, and mobile apps get cluttered over time. A new year is a perfect opportunity to tidy up. Organize files and folders : Sort documents into logical folders and delete duplicates. Uninstall unused apps : Remove apps you no longer use from your phone or computer to free up space and reduce distractions. Clean up your inbox : Use labels, filters, and bulk delete options to archive old emails and get to “Inbox Zero.” Pro Tip : Schedule a monthly “digital declutter” session to keep your system tidy year-round. 2. St...

5 Tech Tips to Brighten Your Holiday Season

  The holiday season is in full swing, and while the spirit of Christmas often centers around togetherness, relaxation, and generosity, technology can help add a modern twist to these traditions. Whether connecting with loved ones remotely or sprucing up your digital décor, these tech tips will help make your Christmas a little more merry and bright. 1. Host a Virtual Christmas Gathering If friends or family are far away, use video conferencing tools like Google Meet or Zoom to host a virtual holiday party. Encourage everyone to wear their favorite ugly sweaters, sip eggnog, and show off their Christmas trees. You can even share your screen to watch a festive movie or play holiday-themed trivia. Pro Tip : Send a digital invitation with the meeting link well in advance. Consider testing everyone’s audio and video settings a day before so the big event goes smoothly. 2. Go Digital with Your Holiday Cards Create e-cards or photo slideshows instead of traditional paper cards to save ti...

Phishing in Google Drive: Recognizing Malicious File Sharing Requests

 As educators increasingly rely on Google Drive to share lesson plans, collaborate on documents, and store sensitive information, phishing scams are evolving to exploit this environment. Instead of focusing solely on email, attackers now create convincing file-sharing requests to trick users into granting access or sharing login credentials. Understanding these tactics and spotting suspicious requests is essential for keeping your school community safe. How Phishing in Google Drive Works Traditional phishing attempts often come in emails directing you to fake login pages or malicious attachments. When it comes to Google Drive, attackers use a similar strategy but with a twist: Fake Shared Documents : Scammers may send a legitimate-looking email notification that a file or folder has been shared with you. At first glance, it looks like a standard Google Drive alert. Misleading Links and Fake Previews : The shared link might take you to a deceptive login page or a document embedded w...

5 Creative Ways to Use Google Slides Beyond Presentations

 Google Slides is often considered a presentation tool, but its versatility makes it perfect for much more than slideshows. Educators, in particular, can leverage Google Slides to create interactive learning experiences, streamline workflows, and foster creativity in the classroom. Here are five creative ways to use Google Slides beyond traditional presentations. 1. Interactive Student Portfolios Google Slides is an excellent tool for creating digital portfolios that showcase student work over time. Each slide can represent a new project, assignment, or achievement, making organizing and displaying progress easy. How to Do It : Have students create a new slide for each piece of work, including images, videos, and written reflections. Pro Tip : Use hyperlinks to create a clickable table of contents for easy navigation. Why It Works : Students can build a sense of ownership over their learning while developing digital skills. 2. Collaborative Group Projects Google Slides makes group ...

10 Google Workspace Tips to Simplify Teacher Workflows

 Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to managing time and organizing tasks. Google Workspace offers a suite of tools that can help streamline your workflows, saving you precious time while enhancing productivity. Whether grading assignments, collaborating with colleagues, or organizing your schedule, these 10 tips will help you make the most of Google Workspace. 1. Streamline Lesson Plans with Google Docs Templates Create reusable lesson plan templates in Google Docs to save time and stay consistent. How : Set up a document with your lesson structure (objectives, activities, assessments) and save it as a template in your Google Drive. Pro Tip : Share the template with colleagues to collaborate on lesson ideas and resources. 2. Use Google Calendar to Manage Class Schedules and Meetings Google Calendar isn’t just for meetings—it’s a powerful tool for organizing your day. How : Create separate calendars for each class...

Phishing Scams Targeting Educators: What You Need to Know

 In the digital age, phishing scams have become a most common and dangerous cybersecurity threat. Educators, in particular, are prime targets for phishing attempts due to their access to sensitive student data, school systems, and administrative accounts. Understanding and recognizing how these scams work is crucial for keeping your school community safe. Here’s what you need to know about phishing scams targeting educators and how to protect yourself. What Is Phishing? Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers impersonate a legitimate person or organization to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial details, or personal data. These scams often appear as emails, text messages, or even phone calls designed to look trustworthy. For educators, phishing scams may appear from school administrators, colleagues, or education vendors. The consequences of falling for a phishing scam can be severe, ranging from unauthorized access to studen...