Lesson 5 of 8 · about 1 minute
The State of Texas bans certain apps and equipment. GCHS follows that list on every device used for GCHS work.
The Texas Department of Information Resources keeps a list of prohibited technologies. None may be installed on any device that reaches GCHS systems, TDHCA systems, or State data. That includes your personal phone if you use it for GCHS work.
The apps include TikTok, Lemon8, RedNote, WeChat, Temu, Shein, CamScanner, DeepSeek, WPS Office, SHAREit, Kaspersky and Xiaomi apps. The full list is on the one-page handout in this course.
The equipment includes DJI drones, TP-Link routers and devices, Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Dahua, Xiaomi and other brands on the handout.
A router carries all of your internet traffic. Texas lists TP-Link because of national security concerns that a foreign government could use technology to spy on Texans. The State gives that same reason for the whole list.
Any router used for GCHS work, including at home, must not be on the list. Look at the label on the router. If it says TP-Link, tell Don Williams. It cannot be used for GCHS work until it is replaced. A router must also have current firmware, a changed administrator password, and remote management turned off. The list changes, so check the State page any time you are unsure.
Open the banned apps and devices handout
Texas list: https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/covered-applications-and-prohibited-technologies