Sanford Schools IT took proactive measures last winter to reassess their network security and implemented changes to safeguard the student, staff, and faculty data.
By implementing a split network, the network is now divided it into three distinct sections: Staff_Sanford_Schools, Student_Sanford_Schools, and Guest_Sanford_Schools.
Staff_Sanford_Schools: This network section caters to faculty and staff members who utilize devices owned and managed by Sanford Schools IT. Macbooks, Chromebooks, Windows laptops, and related devices automatically connect without user intervention, ensuring seamless access for authorized personnel.
Student_Sanford_Schools: Sanford School Department Chromebooks, iPads, and most Promethean boards are assigned to the Student_Sanford_Schools network. Similar to the staff network, these devices automatically connect without requiring user input, facilitating a smooth learning experience for students.
Guest_Sanford_Schools: The Guest_Sanford_Schools network serves as an access point for personal devices that are not managed by the Sanford School District, such as personal phones, laptops, or tablets. This network segment allows visitors and guests to connect securely while maintaining a clear separation from the school's internal systems.
By implementing these changes, Sanford Schools aligns itself with industry best practices for network management. The district has made a substantial investment in both physical and virtual network infrastructure, prioritizing the security and privacy of its stakeholders. Although the changes may sometimes cause inconveniences, they serve as a protective barrier against those seeking to exploit personal and confidential information.
Sanford Schools emphasizes that its users play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment. To support this, the school encourages following these security tips:
1. Don't share passwords.
2. Utilize trusted anti-virus and malware-resistant tools on devices.
3. Avoid social media-based data collection methods that gather personal information.
4. Use complex passwords with a combination of characters, upper and lower-case letters, and numbers.
5. Avoid password repetition; use different passwords for each application.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available for added security.
7. Secure home networks with WPA3 authentication, the latest and most secure protocol for Wi-Fi devices.
8. Exercise caution when opening flagged or suspicious emails not sent from within the network.
9. Report any problems, issues, or suspicious digital activity to repairs@sanford.org