Tech Tips to Start the School Year Right

Today, back-to-school season means more than new notebooks and sharpened pencils—it also means making sure your student’s technology is safe and secure. With students relying on digital tools for learning, cybersecurity should be at the top of every parent’s checklist.

At VNET, we are committed to safe and reliable technology. We’re proud to provide internet and IT solutions to the Erie School District, Millcreek School District, and several others across the region. We see every day how important technology has become in education—and how critical it is to keep students protected.

Unfortunately, the online world comes with risks, and students can be especially vulnerable. With most households sharing devices, passwords, and cloud services, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s an essential part of back-to-school prep.

That’s where we come in. As your tech experts, we’ve pulled together five smart, easy-to-follow tips to help families stay safe this school year.

Keep devices updated. Software updates aren’t just about new features—they include critical security patches that protect against viruses, malware, and cyberattacks. Set devices to update automatically whenever possible to stay ahead of threats.

Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessed passwords like birthdays or pet names. Consider a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager can make this easier, allowing you to securely store and auto-fill complex passwords.

Turn on multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Even if a password is stolen, MFA helps prevent unauthorized access.

Set up secure Wi-Fi. A strong router password and updated firmware help keep outsiders from accessing your network.

Talk openly. Open communication is key. Remind your children with online access not to overshare personal information, accept friend requests from strangers, or click suspicious links.

Our team of experts is ready to help families start the school year safe and secure. If you’re interested in learning more about parental controls or have any IT tech questions, contact VNET today at vnet.us.

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Back-to-school season should be exciting—not stressful. By taking these steps, families can protect themselves while making the most of today’s digital learning tools.