Technology Tips: June 2020 Edition

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Keep your tech clean during quarantine 

While we are experiencing less contact with others during this time, it is as important as ever to keep our mobile devices clean. You can keep germs at bay with just a few quick steps.  

First, turn off your phone and remove the case. You can polish it up with a microfiber cloth, which will remove a lot of the germs. Use a disinfectant wipe on the screen, making sure to avoid ports. Your device should be dry after a few minutes. Then, wipe down your phone with a paper towel or microfiber cloth once again. For best results, clean your phone 1-2 times per week. Here are additional tips on how to keep your device germ-free.  

 

Back up your data 

The end of the school year is a great time to evaluate your disaster recovery plan. If you want high security for your data, we’d recommend following the 3-2-1 rule. It is recommended by the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team for all computer users who want their data secure and protected.  

3: Keep 3 copies of any important file: 1 primary and 2 backups.  

2: Keep the files stored on 2 different media types to protect against different types of hazards.  

1: Store 1 copy offsite.  

For some extra security during COVID-19 remote work, make sure you and your team are aware of these 5 security threats.  

 

Relax with PARKTRACKS 

Time spent in nature can help you, and your students, focus and alleviate cabin fever. Detach from the hustle and escape into nature anytime, anywhere with PARKTRACKS, an innovative audio experience that transports you to the middle of our national parks. In addition to the PARKTRACKS project, the National Parks website offers a library of wildlife sounds captured in the parks and preserved for education and enjoyment no matter where you are. The tranquility of the deep forest is only a click away. It's also the perfect background noise to keep you focused while backing up your data. 

 

Malware of the month 

Despite the proactive security efforts from Google’s Play Store, malicious apps are still on the rise. 38 different applications have been downloaded and installed more than 20 million times just in 2020. These apps will remove their icons from the home screen of a user’s phone, making it difficult for a user to access and remove. Here is a list of the apps, as well as tips for how to remove them from your device.