Secure and prevent a catastrophe with my laptop, ChromeBook, and phone?
 | How to prevent harm to your devices. |
|---|---|
 | Intended for Employees and Students |
 | Categorized under Classroom Technology and Systems |
 | Maintained by Matt Ringh |
 | in need of review. |
Riverdale requires that you configure tracking software and keep it operational at all times on any RCS-issued laptop, tablet, and phone. This will help prevent data loss, and will help if your laptop, tablet, or phone is ever damaged, missing, lost, or stolen.
Even if Riverdale didn't give you your device, we strongly recommend you follow these instructions.
Preparing for catastrophe
These are listed in order of importance -- if you do nothing else, do #1, etc. But really you should do them all.
1) Enable device tracking
As long as you configure one of the below, you or the Tech team can attempt to track your device's general location if it's lost or stolen.
On macOS
- Enable Find my iPhone/iPad/Mac.
- You can check the activation lock status of any Mac, iPhone, or iPad by clicking here.
On Android
- Enable Find my Phone (Android)
On ChromeBooks
- We utilize GoGuardian on all RCS managed ChromeBooks.
On everything else
- Download free tracking software called "Prey" and follow its instructions. Prey’s free version offers room for 3 devices and most of Prey’s features.
- If you need help with the installation please go to Prey's support page.
2) Set up system security
- Set a good device password.
- Set up a password requirement -- you want your device to lock after a certain time. Directions for Mac. Directions for Windows.
3) Turn on backups
Even if you store your data in the cloud, backups help you recover from a catastrophe quickly. Everyone should enable them.
RCS employees are given a backup drive with their laptop. Yes, it might be in that small box you put in the back of your drawer. :)
On macOS
- To the grweatest extent possible, we recommend that you store your files in the Google Drive for Desktop App.
- Use Time Machine. Instructions are here.
On ChromeBooks
- We use Spanning Backup for Google Apps.
On Windows
- Set up Backup and Restore with these instructions.
On iOS
- Set up your backups with these instructions.
On Android
No perfect options here for backup/restore, sorry.
- You should set up Android Backup Service to save your data... but it's not perfect. It'll get you started, though.
- Back up my data (to the Google cloud)
- Back up data (to the Samsung cloud)
- AppBrain App Market is a good app syncing utility if you just want to restore apps you've installed.
4) Store important documents in Google Drive
We offer massive amounts of Google Drive storage. By setting it up and using it for all your Riverdale documents, you instantly have another backup of your important data.
- Go here for instructions on installing and using Google Drive for Desktop for your Riverdale documents.
5) Physically secure it
Lock up your devices when not in use. Riverdale is a remarkably safe campus but theft can occur anywhere. Employees must physically secure their school devices when they're not in use. (This includes locking laptop carts.)
Dealing with a missing, lost, or stolen device
If you can't locate your device, immediately report it to us. It's much better to have us scramble to find it quickly -- and then remember it's at home -- than to give a thief time to exploit it.
1) Report
- Directly notify someone from the Tech Department -- by phone (x50) or in person. Please don't leave a message; actually talk with someone so you know we're working on it.
- Submit a Tech Request to report your device missing. Choose ticket type "Tech support (exact) > Loss or physical damage."
- You may also want to request a loaner in your report.
2) Locate
Apple Devices
- To find your missing devices, sign in to the Find My iPhone app on any iOS device, or sign into https://www.icloud.com/#find.
Windows or Android Device
- With Prey Project: Visit https://panel.preyproject.com/devices and log in to see your device's location.
- With Android Device Manager: Visit https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager and log in to see your device's location.
Dealing with data loss
- Submit a Tech Request. We're here to help.
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|---|---|
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