If you used Moodle, the Moodle team typically handles password security for institutionally managed systems, implementing measures such as encrypted password storage and regular security updates. However, verify with your IT support to ensure these safeguards are active.

For Google Classroom and collaborative apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, create strong passwords or enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available—check app settings to activate 2FA using a mobile device or email.

Regularly update passwords across all tools (Moodle, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram) and advise students to keep theirs secure by never sharing them and logging out after using public or shared computers, such as those in community centres, computer labs, or libraries, to avoid unauthorised use. Encourage them to use different passwords for each platform to prevent widespread access if one is compromised, and consider using a password manager, such as Bitwarden (free for personal use), for secure storage of unique passwords.

Set permissions to control access to shared resources in Google Classroom (e.g., ‘view only’ or ‘can edit’)—adjust in the ‘Classwork’ tab. Students join Google Classroom with your class code or email invite, needing a Google account and internet; secure the class by resetting the code via the ‘People’ tab after joining to prevent unauthorised access. Avoid public Wi-Fi. For WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, add students via phone numbers or invite links, restricting access. Regularly review privacy settings in the apps’ settings menus (e.g., WhatsApp’s ‘Privacy’ tab, Telegram’s ‘Privacy and Security’) to ensure data isn’t shared publicly—end-to-end encryption, used by WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram, ensures only you and the recipient can access messages; verify Viber’s settings due to potential updates in its implementation.