Implemented measures for the security of digital workspaces (ENT)
Nicole Belloubet decided to pre-emptively suspend ENT messages after a meeting that brought together ministry teams, academic services, representatives of local authorities who manage the equipment as well as various publishers of the digital tools in question.
This decision therefore generalizes to all educational institutions the first measures taken in recent weeks in middle and high schools that have been the targets of intrusions and acts of cyber-maliciousness, in order to prevent new attacks. Nicole Belloubet reaffirmed the priority given by the Ministry to the safety of students and staff.
In order to strengthen the security of digital environments in schools, the minister also asked institutions and communities to plan additional actions, especially relying on the spring vacation period, which favors response measures and anticipation of future malicious actions.
These actions envisage information and awareness measures, as well as more technical measures, such as, for example, possible blocking of messages from external messaging systems on ENTs or even limiting the right to send messages to authorized administrative staff only.
In the medium term, and especially from the beginning of the school year 2024, additional measures will be taken on a larger scale, from academy to academy and in cooperation with communities, especially to strengthen authentication procedures on digital tools related to National Education.
Teachers and members of educational teams: resources and educational actions to raise awareness of cyber security
Find a number of tools and resources on Éduscol to train yourself and your students on digital security issues
Access resources at Éduscol
7 tips to combat computer hacking
Fighting computer hacking is everyone's job, here are simple rules to avoid hacking:
- Do not download programs or modules (add-ons) from unofficial sites. They may contain invisible spyware that steals your passwords (stealers) and may block your computer or phone.
- Use the latest antivirus program and never disable it. An antivirus program can detect a large number of threats if it is up-to-date. Never disable your antivirus; the malware asks you to disable it so it can install.
- Beware of unexpected messages. For example, those coming from an unusual interlocutor. If in doubt, do not open them, click on links or open attachments: these messages can trick you into stealing confidential information or installing a virus.
- Don't use the same password everywhere. Use different passwords on each online service to avoid cascading hacks.
- Create strong passwords and enable strong authentication where possible. Use strong passwords (12 characters, lowercase, uppercase and special characters) that do not reveal anything about you. Avoid your first and last names, your dates of birth, be creative!
- Apply security updates to all your devices (PCs, tablets, phones, etc.) as soon as they are offered to you. This fixes security vulnerabilities that hackers could use to steal your data and passwords.
- Don't save your passwords on a shared computer and remember to log out when you leave. Otherwise, your passwords and sessions will also be shared.