Stay Safe Online with Simple Cybersecurity Steps

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and our communities online. Led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, this year’s awareness month focuses on the theme “Stay Safe Online,” encouraging individuals, families, businesses, and especially educators to take simple steps that lead to safer digital habits.

As educators in Texas, we are not just protecting our personal data. We are also modeling safe online behavior for the next generation of digital citizens. Whether you are in the classroom or using your personal device, cybersecurity should always be a priority.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

From student records and testing platforms to email and learning management systems, schools manage sensitive data every day. This makes the education sector a prime target for cyberattacks. Teaching students to be safe and responsible online is no longer just part of digital literacy. It is now essential for protecting schools and communities.

That is why ATPE is proud to support Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 and share resources to help Texas educators stay safe and informed.

The Core Four

This year’s campaign highlights the Core Four: four easy actions that can significantly reduce your cyber risk:

1. Use strong passwords and a password manager.
   Create long, unique passwords for your accounts at home and at school. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
2. Turn on multifactor authentication.
   Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Enable it on all school and personal accounts where available.
3. Recognize and report scams.
   Phishing emails are one of the most common cyber threats. Stay alert to suspicious messages and teach students how to identify and report them.
4. Update your software.
   Keeping software up to date protects you against known vulnerabilities. Your district’s IT department likely manages your school devices, but be sure to keep the software on your personal phone, home Wi-Fi router, and other personal internet-connected devices up to date.
   
   

Be Prepared

To help you get involved, the National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends taking these steps:

1. Access the free toolkit.
   If you are registered as a Cybersecurity Champion, you can download a free cybersecurity toolkit that includes videos, tip sheets, graphics and content to share with your staff or students. Visit staysafeonline.org to access these resources.
2. Check out “Oh Behave 2025.”
   This annual report provides insights into how people perceive cybersecurity and what they are doing about it. The data can inform your school’s approach to training and awareness.
3. Use CISA’s toolkit for schools.
   The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers resources tailored for small businesses and local governments, many of which apply to schools. These include tip sheets, checklists, and communication tools to support your cybersecurity efforts.
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Become a Cybersecurity Champion

Join thousands of individuals and organizations (including ATPE!) by becoming a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion. You will gain access to a free toolkit filled with resources to use in your school or community. Sign up at staysafeonline.org.

Get Involved

You do not need to be an IT professional to support cybersecurity. Here are a few ways educators can participate:

• Integrate digital safety tips into your lessons during October.
• Share daily cybersecurity tips in school announcements or email newsletters.
• Host a student poster contest on online safety.
• Start a digital citizenship club or event during the month.

Lead by example by updating your own passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and reporting phishing attempts.