Borgstrom's Byte Bites

Stay Safe: How to Spot a Phishing Email

We have recently seen an increase in sophisticated spam emails. To protect your data and our
school district’s network, please keep these security best practices in mind when reviewing your
inbox.

Resource:

1. Verify the Sender’s Domain

Be extremely skeptical of any email originating from outside our official domain:
@monticello.k12.mn.us.

• How to check in Gmail: On a computer, click the small down arrow (▼) under the sender’s name to see the full "from" address. On mobile, tap the sender's name to expand the header.
• Stay Vigilant: Even if an email appears to come from within our domain, remain cautious. Scammers can "spoof" internal addresses, or a colleague's account may have been compromised. Always double-check that the email format matches our official organization style.

2. Critical Warning: MFA Fatigue

Please be hyper-vigilant regarding MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) Fatigue.

This is a technique where cybercriminals send a high volume of push notifications or login attempts
requests to your mobile device, hoping you will become frustrated, distracted, or confused, and
eventually click "Approve" just to stop the notifications.

3. Avoid Clicking Links in Emails

The safest policy is to avoid clicking links contained in emails, even if they look legitimate. If
an email directs you to a website or a "secure document," proceed with extreme caution.

• Verify Verbally: If you receive a link you weren't expecting—even from a colleague—the
  best way to confirm it is safe is to verbally verify with the sender. Give them a quick call
  on their official district number before you click.
• Navigate Manually: Instead of clicking a link to a service (like Duo, a bank, or a district
  portal), open your browser and type the known official address directly into the URL bar.

Never click a link that looks unfamiliar or leads to an unexpected website.

• Pro Tip: Hover your mouse over a link (without clicking) to see the actual web address
  in the bottom corner of your browser. If it doesn't match the supposed source, do not
  click.

4. Exercise Caution with Attachments

Be wary of opening any attachments, especially from unknown or unexpected sources.
Malicious files can contain viruses or malware designed to compromise your device or the entire system
district network.

5. Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests

Scammers love to use fear or urgency (e.g., "Dispute," "Account Suspended," or "Immediate
Action Required") to trick you into acting before you think. If an email threatens negative
consequences, take a moment to verify the request with the sender through a separate
communication channel, like a phone call or a fresh chat message.

If you have questions or suspect an issue, please reach out:
● Create a Service Ticket: isd882.grouplink.com
● Onsite: x2099
● Offsite: (763) 272-2099
● Direct: Feel free to email or call me directly if this occurs.

 

- Jason Borgstrom, Director of Technology

 

January 2026

 

Supporting Learning with Technology:

 

Technology is an important part of learning in our classrooms. When used intentionally, Assistive Technology helps students access learning materials, stay organized, and show what they know–while building independence and confidence. Assistive Technology includes tools such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, closed captioning, screen readers, and built-in accessibility features on school devices. These tools support many learners and are designed to remove barriers–not replace learning. That’s why it is the goal of the District Technology Department to Empower Every Kid, Every Day.

 

Screen Time with Purpose:

 

Balanced screen time helps students stay focused and healthy. Devices should be used for learning tasks like reading, writing, research, creativity, and accessibility support, alongside hands-on activities, discussion, and movement. Clear expectations and regular breaks help students develop positive technology habits at home.

 

Stay tuned for February’s edition of Borgstrome Byte Bites, where we had the chance to sit down with 2025 Monticello High School graduate, Wilhelmina Scharmer, on the importance of Digital Citizenship.

 

Jason Borgstrom, Director of Technology

 

 

We are pleased to announce that the Monticello School District (ISD 882) Technology Department has been awarded a significant grant of $80,000 through the Building and Cybersecurity Grant Program.
 

This generous funding will be dedicated to enhancing our district's building infrastructure and strengthening our cybersecurity defenses. Investing in these critical areas is vital to ensuring a safe, reliable, and secure technology environment for all our students and staff.

- Jason Borgstrom, Director of Technology

 

Video: Transfer Files to Google Drive: A Quick and Easy Method

Why Use Google Drive Instead of a Shared Drive or Your Desktop?

Using Google Drive to store your documents offers several key advantages over traditional shared drives or storing files directly on your desktop:

1. Accessibility: Google Drive allows you to access your files from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you're at school, at home, or on the go.

2. Collaboration: Google Drive is designed for collaboration. You can easily share documents with colleagues, work on them simultaneously, and see real-time updates.

3. Security: Google Drive provides robust security features, including encryption and secure login, to protect your files.

4. Backup: Storing your files on Google Drive means they are automatically backed up in the cloud. You don't have to worry about losing your documents due to computer crashes.

5. Storage Space: By using Google Drive, you free up valuable storage space on your desktop and local drives, helping your computer run more efficiently.

6. Version Control: Google Drive keeps track of changes to your documents, allowing you to view and restore previous versions if needed. This feature is particularly useful for managing revisions and corrections.

    

Making the switch to Google Drive for document storage not only enhances your productivity and collaboration but also provides a secure, reliable solution for managing your important files.

- Jason Borgstrom, Director of Technology

Here are three preventative best practices to help ensure consistent device connectivity  

• Power Off Daily: Restart or fully power off the device at the end of each day to clear temporary network issues and refresh connections.

   

• Regularly Check for Updates: Ensure the device’s operating system and drivers are up to date, as updates often include connectivity improvements and bug fixes.

   

• Toggle Wi-Fi When Moving Between Locations: Turn Wi-Fi off and back on when moving between rooms or buildings to encourage the device to connect to the nearest, strongest access point.

- Jason Borgstrom, Director of Technology