A strong desire to learn new things is one of the characteristics witnessed in college students. However, when exposed to cybercriminals who stalk about looking for such vulnerable pupils who may easily entertain these strangers with personal information, this curiosity can cost far too much. Best Dissertation Writing Service UK base request student regularly on their blog to be cautious with their data.
15 Online Security and Privacy Tips for College Students have little knowledge about cybersecurity and internet privacy precautions. As a result, they are more likely to fall victim to hackers. Human resource management writing help has a specific blog to teach and aware students not to fell victim to them.
The following article provides cyber security advice for students so that they are aware of how exposed they are to hackers:
1. Maintain a complete backup of your data.
Data backups eliminate a student’s dependence on their desktop to store files. Even if their college files are destroyed due to virus injection, their data might be safe with a dependable backup system. So, with data backups, all of your critical data is safe. Students can use cloud-based data backup services that allow them to access data from any location. This eliminates their reliance on desktop files.
2. SSL certification.
A college student should understand the significance of SSL certification. An SSL certificate protects a web connection by encrypting data sent between the web server and browser. Without an SSL certificate, impostors can easily see and steal your personal information, such as bank details, phone numbers, birth dates, email addresses, and more. Certificate Authorities (CAs) such as Comodo and RapidSSL provide a variety of certificates to secure various permutations and combinations of domains and subdomains.
3. Login with caution.
As a teenager, you want to try everything. Many children use their computers and laptops to access doubtful websites that request personal information. Moreover, learning about various issues is necessary in order to know what to use and what to avoid. It is also recommended that you log in to your friends’ accounts with caution. Though OTTs are secure, your friends will only require your personal information in order to access them.
4. Change the default passwords.
A student earns various certifications after graduating from college. There has been an increase in online classes since pandemic (Robeck, 2022). Students should, however, remember to change the default passwords to secure ones. They should change their passwords every six months to avoid being hacked. A student’s account also stores a lot of information about them, such as their contact information, address, and so on. As a result, if hackers gain access to them, they will be able to exploit them for harmful reasons.
5. Antivirus Installation
It is critical that pupils utilize all of their gadgets with complete safety. Computer games, files, photographs, audio files, and movies are commonly shared by children. If the files reach the system without being checked, they may contain harmful software. Antivirus software scans all files before they are saved to the desktop. Antivirus software prevents corrupted files from entering the system, protecting the computer from all forms of cyber-attacks.
Social media has become an integral aspect of daily life. Everyone, whether they are children or adults, enjoys sharing their daily lives on social media and staying connected with their friends. However, not all social sharing is secure. Due to this children should not share important information such as email addresses, OTP, phone numbers, and residential information to everyone (Nyoni, & Velempini, 2018)
7. Use the Two-Step Authentication
If possible, only use websites (where you keep personal information) that need a two-step authentication process, which means something other than a password.
8. Do not provide anyone access to your accounts.
Accounts contain sensitive information such as email addresses, contact information, and other credentials. Data could be stolen if the child shares such sensitive information with their mates. If your friend’s account is compromised, the attacker will have access to your credentials as well. This information can be used on criminal websites or sold on the dark web by a hacker.
9. VPN
Use a VPN if you have accessibility to your college network. It encrypts and protects your student’s internet traffic from interception. It is also advised to avoid utilizing public Wi-Fi because it is insecure. Instead, you can safeguard the public Wi-Fi link by using a VPN. This enables students to work in restaurants and dorms without fear of someone capturing their data.
10. Passwords should be secure and strong
Hackers sell millions of passwords on the dark web. Weak passwords are easily cracked, revealing pupils’ sensitive data. You may also create an 8-character password that combines letter, numerical, and special characters. Again, experiment with unusual combinations that are difficult to guess.
11. Regularly review your bank statements
Make this a regular practice. Check your bank statement once a week and go over all of the transactions. Delays may cause you to miss out on some transactions. Notify the bank immediately if you observe any unusual transactions.
12. Data breach
The computers on campus are constantly vulnerable to data breaches, which mean that hackers can simply access your account via their network or server. As a result, you won’t be able to do anything about it. However, if you find a breach in your account, the first thing you should do is reset your passwords. Then, immediately review your bank statement and notify your bank. Finally, if at all feasible, temporarily block all of your debit and credit cards.
13. Use caution when using café computers and college computers.
If you use a computer in a cyber café or a college library, don’t save any passwords. Also, log out before leaving the device. Finally, remove all files that you have downloaded or saved on your computer.
14. Consider and then connect
This is a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of cyber risks and empowering everyone to be safer and more secure online. Before you click on a link, read an unknown email, or access bank or credit card accounts via an unprotected public Wi-Fi network, you should stop and double-check that security measures are in place.
15. Cautious with Scammers
Scammers continue to devise new ways to defraud you of your money or compromise your data. In an email or phone contact, NEVER disclose important information such as your social security number. Banks, for example, will not request information in this manner. When in doubt, contact your bank or credit card company; however, do not dial the number provided in the suspicious email or phone call. Find it on your own.
Here are some online safety recommendations for college students. After reading these cybersecurity guidelines, you should have a better understanding of the risks and threats that hackers represent. So, make sure to follow all online safety rules to protect your passwords and other important data.
References
Nyoni, P., & Velempini, M. (2018). Privacy and user awareness on Facebook. South African Journal of Science, 114(5-6), 1-5.
Robeck, Abby. Pay to take my class online. 2022. Taking Online Classes – Students Opinion. Available Online https://paytotakemyclassonline.com/students-opinion-over-taking-online-classes/ (Accessed on 22nd June 2022)
