How To Stay Safe Online As A New University Student
GUEST POST
Cybersecurity has been a key concern for the world for years now. Everybody, regardless of their age, profession or location, needs to be aware of cybersecurity when going online.
However, the modern student is arguably most at risk. They spend hours on the web for courses, studying and staying connected. As a new university student, you need to be aware of cybersecurity and staying safe online.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?
As a student, you’re one of the most at-risk groups for online identity fraud and theft. The reason for this is actually not what you’d expect – your lack of credit history or financial assets.
It’s easier to damage a credit score than to build up a good one – and harder to undo the damage. If somebody steals your identity online and impersonates you, to financial providers, you just look like a reckless and financially inexperienced student destroying their credit score. They have no way of knowing – and don’t particularly care – if your identity has been appropriated by a criminal.
THE BIG CYBERSECURITY THREATS
As a university student, there are a few different types of threat to watch out for.
PHISHING
A phishing email masquerades as a reputable source or a competition. You click on the link, and your details are taken. Sometimes, these emails claim to be from your bank, asking you to take urgent action.
RANSOMWARE
Ransomware is just another attempt to extort money or personal information from you via a “ransom” – like paying money to access your files or get your device back.
MALWARE
Malware is malicious software like an email add-on, a mobile app, or any other downloadable content. When you consent to the download, they steal your data.
Generally speaking, these are the main threats a student needs to worry about.
HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
The best approach for security as a student is to be proactive. Therefore, there’s a fair bit you can do!
Be careful with your internet usage. If a site doesn’t look safe, don’t go on it, and stick to reputable sources for research. Make sure that you avoid spam emails (it is NEVER worth it), and avoid public wifi, because it is unsecured and unsafe.
You should also make sure that you install protective tools like an antivirus software. It’s worth spending money on these kinds of things. Furthermore, make sure that you are careful with what apps you pick and save your files to places like the cloud to always have them available. Finally, consider two-factor authentication on any program or device that can use it – it adds an extra layer of security.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When it comes to being safe online as a university student, you need to take the time to be proactive and learn to surf the web in a sensible manner. Internet safety, for the most part, is all about basic internet literacy and common sense.