What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is how individuals and organizations reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Cybersecurity's core function is to protect the devices we all use and the online services we access, at work and at home, from theft or damage.

Congress enacted the K-12 Cybersecurity Act of 2021 which required the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to report on cybersecurity risks facing elementary and secondary schools and develop recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to help schools face these risks.

Each year, ACPS teachers and staff participate in security awareness training and simulated phishing campaigns. Security awareness training helps protect ACPS data, systems, and networks from malicious attacks and cyber threats, while simulated phishing campaigns strengthen an employee's ability to detect emails from hackers. 

KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks. ACPS uses this software platform to build a strong security culture by implementing annual security awareness training and phishing campaigns.

Phishing campaigns are designed to be a learning experience within KnowBe4's controlled environment and these opportunities provide employees with the tools needed to protect district and personal data. 

Beware of Smishing Scams

What is Smishing?

• Smishing - or SMS (Short Message Service) - is a phishing tactic cybercriminals use to trick people into providing personal information over text messages.

Smishing and other mobile threats are on the rise, so it's important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of unusual messages.

Look out for:

1. Enticing offers
2. Unusual requests for information
3. Alerts that make you panic
4. Unusual links

Recent smishing attacks include the SunPass Toll and TRUIST smishing scams.

Simulated Phishing Campaign In Progress

The ACPS KnowBe4 Team launched its district-wide Simulated Phishing Campaign November 1st. The goal for each school is to have the lowest phishing percentage at the end of May 2024.

Simulated phishing emails will gradually increase in difficulty over the course of the academic year.

A school's phishing percentage, combined with its October Security Awareness Training 'Compete and Complete' percentage, will determine the K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 district winners at the end of the school year.

Security Awareness Training 2023-2024: October's Compete & Complete Winners!

The ACPS KnowBe4 Team launched district-wide Security Awareness Training in October to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Teachers and staff competed and completed in record numbers for the month of October to earn reduced Security Awareness Training "screen time" next year and to gain an advantage in the district's annual Security Awareness Training & Phishing competition!  

Congratulations to Metcalfe, Kanapaha, and PAM@Loften for posting the highest percentage of 'completers' during the month of October! 

Scam of the Week: May 3 - May 10, 2024