As a student, you constantly spend time on your smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles. However entertaining and productive these devices might be, they still present a lot of security dangers.
Some of the leading cyber threats that children and students face include malware, malicious ads, and identity theft. Not only that, but online gaming presents a ton of risks, including phishing scams, viruses, and harassment.
As students, we must protect ourselves online, especially since we often rely on the internet for schoolwork, communication, and entertainment. In this post, we'll go over some easy but crucial steps you can take to keep your personal information and devices secure. By following these tips, you'll be able to improve your cybersecurity and navigate the online world with confidence and peace of mind.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the most common ways hackers and cybercriminals hack into computers or other devices is by guessing the owner’s passwords. This process is commonly referred to as password cracking.
Password crackers can get your passwords quickly; usually in a few days or even hours, depending on how strong or weak your password is. For this reason, you should strongly consider having a strong password that will make it extremely difficult for such criminals to crack.
A strong password is difficult for others to guess or crack. It should contain a mix of both upper and lower case letters. The password should also include numbers and special characters. It is important to use a different password for each of your accounts and to avoid using personal information such as your name or birthdate in your password.
If that doesn’t sound like a great option, you should consider using a password manager. Using a password manager to help you generate, while storing, strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts.
Keep Your Software Upto Date
It can be frustrating to wait for a software update to finish downloading on your computer or smartphone. However, you might not know that software updates often include security fixes. These are patches that address vulnerabilities in the software that hackers could exploit. Keeping your software up to date ensures that your devices and accounts are protected against these vulnerabilities.
Outdated software can become a security risk in itself. For example, if you are using an older version of a web browser, it may no longer be supported by the manufacturer. This means that the manufacturer is no longer releasing updates or security patches for that version, leaving you vulnerable to potential attacks.
Consider Using Antivirus or Other Security Software
Antivirus software is a program designed to protect your devices from malware. These programs scan your device for malware or any other threats. It then quarantines or removes the malware, depending on the severity of the threat. Antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection for your devices while ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently.
It is important to note that no security software is foolproof, and it is still important to practice internet security principles.
A VPN is a Must, Especially When Using Public Wi-Fi
Speaking of practicing safe browsing habits, it’s advisable to hide your location and identity when browsing, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi. When you browse the web, your location and identity can be tracked by websites, hackers, advertisers, and even your internet service provider (ISP).
Hackers can use public networks to steal your information without you even knowing. For this reason, avoid engaging in sensitive activities like online banking or making transactions.
However, one of the best ways to protect your device when browsing is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers, your ISP, or anyone else to track your online activity.
Public WiFi networks, such as those found in coffee shops, airports, and libraries, can be a breeding ground for hackers. These networks are often unsecured, meaning anyone on the same network can see what you are doing online. Fortunately, top VPNs such as Surfshark or NordVPN encrypt your connection, even on public WiFi, so you can browse and work safely.
Backup Your Data Regularly
As a student, it is crucial to regularly back up your data to ensure that you don't lose important assignments, projects, or other critical information. Backing up your data regularly ensures that you have a copy of your essential files in case your computer becomes infected with malware or ransomware.
Accidents happen, and you could lose your data in many ways. Your computer could crash, you could accidentally delete a file, or you could lose your laptop. Regularly backing up your data can help protect against these types of accidents and ensure that you always have a copy of your important files.
Be On the Look Out For Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are a common cyber threat that all students should be on the lookout for. These scams involve fraudulent emails or websites that pretend to be from legitimate organizations to trick you into giving away sensitive information, such as your login credentials or financial information.
Here are a few tips for spotting and avoiding phishing scams:
Be wary of unsolicited or suspicious emails: Suppose you receive an email from an unfamiliar sender or an unexpected email from a familiar sender, be cautious. Scammers often send fake emails that look like they are from legitimate organizations to trick you into clicking on a malicious link or entering your login information.
Look for telltale signs: There are a few signs that an email or website may be a phishing scam. These include poor grammar and spelling, a sense of urgency (e.g., "act now or your account will be suspended"), and requests for personal information. If an email or website seems suspicious, do not click on any links or enter any information.
Use caution when clicking on links: If you receive an email with a link, be sure to hover over the link (but do not click on it) to see the full URL. If the URL looks suspicious, do not click on the link.
In Conclusion
Cyber threats against students are on the rise. If a threat becomes successful, it could lead to financial loss, data loss, and identity theft. Knowing these risks and vulnerabilities will help you protect yourself when you spend time online. Fortunately, practicing the tips mentioned above and incorporating safe browsing habits will help you stay safe online.
