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Cybersecurity and Network Services

About Cybersecurity in Boerne ISD

The Cybersecurity Department strives to create a secure and resilient learning environment where students, staff, and the community can confidently utilize technology to enhance teaching and learning while minimizing the risk of cyber threats. The Cybersecurity department works hand in hand with out Network and Technology teams in insuring our students, staff and our systems are sfae and seccure from any outside threats.  Our goal is to proactively safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Boerne ISD's technology infrastructure, student data, and all sensitive information. Through continuous improvement, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, we will empower Boerne ISD to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 

Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unlawful access or criminal use, and providing confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Much of your personal information is stored either on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Knowing how to protect your information is important, not just for individuals but for organizations, as well. Every time you use the internet, you face choices related to your security. Your security and the security of the nation depends on making responsible online decisions. Making the internet safe and secure requires all of us to take responsibility for our own cybersecurity behavior.

Technology is integrated throughout the work and learning days of employees and students, and responsible use of technologies goes hand-in-hand with the privilege of technology access. Below you will find official district policies which cover the responsible use of technology by employees and students, as well as official internet safety policy and web publishing regulations. All employees and students agree to follow these policies by virtue of their association with the school district.

Contact Us

John Kipp
Director of Cybersecurity 

Email the Director of Cybersecurity

How Parents Can Protect Their Children

Starting the conversation: Learn how to approach the topic in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.

  • Building trust and open communication: Create a safe space for your child to share their online experiences, good or bad.
  • Setting clear expectations: Work together to establish ground rules for internet use and responsible online behavior.
  • Navigating social media and online challenges: Explore tools and resources to address cyberbullying, online predators, and other potential dangers.

Remember, by having regular conversations and working as a team, you can empower your child to become a responsible digital citizen and thrive in the online world.

Cybersecurity & Social Media: Cybercriminals use social media to spread malware, malicious links, and malicious advertising. They can also leverage hacked credentials to refine their malware and scamming targets. In addition, they will use the “oversharing” of personal information to target online accounts. It is critical that you practice good cyber hygiene by understanding their tactics and knowing the cyber basics.

  • Never click and tell. Limit what information you post on social media—from personal addresses to where you like to grab coffee. What many people do not realize is that these seemingly random details are all a criminal needs to know to target you, your loved ones, and your physical belongings—online and in the real world.
  • Keep Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and even vacation plans.
  • Connect only with people you trust. While some social networks might seem safer for connecting because of the limited personal information shared within them, keep your connections to people you know and trust. If communication from a post seems strange or odd, delete it.
  • Speak up if you’re being cyberbullied online.
  • Report any and all instances of cyberbullying you see or experience to the appropriate social platform.
  • Report suspicious or harassing activity. Work with your social media platform to report and possibly block harassing users.
  • Report an incident if you have been a victim of cybercrime. Local and national authorities are ready to help you.
  • Remember, there is no ‘delete’ button on the internet. Share with care, because even if you delete a post or picture from your profile seconds after posting it, chances are someone still saw it, and information is permanent in cyberspace.
  • Update your privacy settings. Set the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Disable geo-tagging, which allows anyone to see where you are—and where you are not—at any given time.
  • If you connect it, protect it. Whether it is your computer, smartphone, game device, or other network devices, the best defense against viruses and malware is to update to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. Sign up for automatic updates, if you can, and protect your devices with anti-virus software. 

Helpful Links

Safe Kids

Digital citizenship, online safety and security

Net Family News

Kid tech intel for everybody

Common Sense Media

Age-Based Media Reviews for Families

Healthy Children

from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Boerne ISD: A Safe and Secure Learning Environment

Boerne ISD prioritizes a safe computing environment for all students. We comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) by using web content filtering on student Chromebooks, even when taken home. But true protection goes beyond filtering. The most effective approach combines student knowledge with active parental involvement.

Technology has unleashed incredible potential for students to connect, create, and learn. However, navigating the online world comes with challenges like cyberbullying, screen time balance, digital footprint management, and misinformation.

Boerne ISD views all possible concerns with our students as opportunities to teach digital citizenship – a critical skillset for today's students. Our schools are committed to fostering critical thinking and responsible technology use, empowering students to learn, create, and participate effectively. We've compiled valuable online resources below to equip students with good digital citizenship habits and internet safety practices. Parents will also find resources to understand their role in fostering a safe and successful online experience for their children.

  • Malware is a general term for any malicious software that cybercriminals use to steal data, damage or destroy computers, spy on online devices, and hold devices hostage.

    Website Resources:

    Video Resources: 

  • "Phishing" refers to a fraudulent practice where attackers impersonate a trusted entity, like a bank or company, through email, text messages, or other communication methods to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data, often by directing them to malicious links or attachments.

    Website Resources:

    Video Resources:

  • Every year, more of our home devices, including thermostats, outdoor lighting, door locks, coffee makers, and smoke alarms, are connected to the internet to create a“smart home.” These advances in technology, commonly referred to as the internet of things (loT), are convenient and may improve efficiency and safety, however, they also pose a new set of security risks.

    • Start with your wireless network. Secure your Wi-Fi network. Your home’s wireless router is the primary entrance for cybercriminals to access all your connected devices. Secure Wi-Fi and digital devices by changing the default password and username. Check your internet provider’s or router manufacturer’s wireless security options. Your internet service provider and router manufacturer may provide information or resources to assist in securing your wireless network.
    • Keep tabs on your apps. Most connected appliances, toys, and devices are supported by a mobile application. Apps have the ability to gather your personal information while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Be aware of downloading new, unfamiliar apps or giving default permissions. Check your app permissions and use the “rule of least privilege” to delete apps you no longer need or use.
    • Never click and tell. Disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are, and where you are not, at any given time. Limit what information you share on social media from home—from personal addresses to where you like to grab coffee. Keep Social Security numbers, account numbers, usernames and passwords private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and vacation plans.
    • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that you are the only person who has access to your account. Use MFA for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token—a small physical device that can onto hook your key ring.
    • If you connect it, you must protect it.  Whether it is your computer, smartphone, gaming device, or other network devices, the best defense is to stay on top of things by updating to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. If you have the option to enable automatic updates to defend against the latest risks, turn it on. And, if you are connecting something to your device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) for an external hard drive, make sure your device’s security software scans for viruses and malware. Finally, protect your devices with antivirus software, and be sure to periodically back up any data that cannot be recreated, such as photos or personal documents.

    • Don't use personal information: Avoid using your name, birthdate, pet names, or home address. 
    • Change your password regularly: Change your password every three to six months, or immediately if you suspect it's been compromised.
    • Make it long: A strong password is at least 16 characters long, but longer is better. 
    • Make it random: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using sequential numbers or letters. 
    • Make it unique: Use a different strong password for each account. 
    • Don't reuse passwords: Reusing passwords can lead to credential stuffing, a password attack where cybercriminals can access multiple accounts at once. 

  • CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT (CIPA)

    The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet.

    Department of Education FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. 

    CHILDREN'S ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION RULE (COPPA)

    The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age.

    PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

    The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) applies to the programs and activities of a state education agency (SEA), local education agency (LEA), or other recipient of funds under any program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

    SCOPE ACT (HB18)

    Texas House Bill No. 18, the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act, also known as the SCOPE Act was approved June, 2023. The SCOPE Act requires covered digital service providers to provide minors with certain data protections, prevent minors from accessing harmful content, and give parents tools to manage their child’s use of the service

DPA (Data Privacy Agreement)

Boerne ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students. This includes protecting their personal information and data privacy, as well as ensuring the cybersecurity of our technology systems. We understand that the digital world plays an increasingly important role in education. We use a variety of online tools and resources to enhance learning, but we also take data privacy and cybersecurity very seriously.

Privacy Policy:

What information do we collect?

We collect information from you when you register on our site, subscribe to our newsletter or fill out a form.

When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name or e-mail address. You may, however, visit our site anonymously.

What do we use your information for?

Any of the information we collect from you may be used in one of the following ways:

  • To personalize your experience (your information helps us to better respond to your individual needs)
  • To improve our website (we continually strive to improve our website offerings based on the information and feedback we receive from you)
  • To improve customer service (your information helps us to more effectively respond to your customer service requests and support needs)
  • To process transactions
    • Your information, whether public or private, will not be sold, exchanged, transferred, or given to any other company for any reason whatsoever, without your consent, other than for the express purpose of delivering the purchased product or service requested by the customer. 
  •  To send periodic emails
    • The email address you provide for order processing, may be used to send you information and updates pertaining to your order, in addition to receiving occasional company news, updates, related product or service information. Note: If at anytime you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email.
  •  To administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature

Approved Software Applications:

In our commitment to using technology effectively in the classroom, BISD implements a rigorous process for selecting and approving educational apps. This ensures students have access to high-quality, safe, and age-appropriate learning tools that support their academic growth.  Technology Services works closely with the Teaching & Learning department to review instructional resources.

District Approved Software Applications

District Agreements Listing