It is vital to ensure your online security with Cyber Security as the digital age evolves into an integral part of everyday life. These are some ways to protect online life with the help of these Significant Cyber Security Tips for college students.
Cyber security is becoming a major concern. Students can take precautions to protect their online information and devices. FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more internet scam-related complaints (847,376) than in the previous four years.
Secure your academic journey with these top cybersecurity tips for college students. Shield your data, recognize common online threats, and establish smart online habits that will benefit you throughout your college years and beyond.
6 Cyber Security Tips for College Students
Doug Jacobson, an engineer in electrical and computer engineering, said that there is a digital twin of all we are: our identity, our bank information, all our medical records and all our bank information. “So, we want that we have complete control over that.”
#1. Use multiple passwords
You should never share the one thing you don’t want anyone to see about your online life. Jacobson stated that having multiple passwords is as important as having one strong one.
You should, at the very minimum, change between several passwords. It doesn’t matter how detailed or strong your password is. Hackers can access your accounts if you use the same password for each service.
Jacobson suggests separating passwords into three categories and using a password manager for multiple accounts to make it easy to remember them.
Jacobson stated, “Bank accounts and other forms of authentication, I tend to tell people that they should be unique.” You may then have a list of items that could be dangerous if lost, but you can reuse your passwords.
Read: How to Become a Cybersecurity Expert
Some stupid sites also require a username/password to view a news report. It doesn’t have any associated links. Security is more important now than it will be later. There are three options: NordPass, LastPass, and Bitwarden.
Bitwarden offers a free version. LastPass costs $3, and Nordpass costs $2.49. Prices can vary depending on the plan.
#2. Use multiple email addresses.
Multiple email addresses can be used for different purposes, similar to passwords. This is a great way to keep your professional and personal lives separate.
You don’t want other people to see she is more difficult by throwing away email addresses and tracking activities. Different email addresses can be used for entertainment, school, and work.
Read: How can we improve the Human Aspect of Cybersecurity?
#3. Use virtual private networking (VPN).
A VPN can be used in two ways. NordVPN claims VPNs protect personal information by hiding your IP address, search history, and other details. Your activity will not be visible to hackers, organizations, websites, or your internet service provider.
Jacobson stated that all those “free wi-fi” networks are open to anyone with a computer and free software. VPNs can hide traffic, so they don’t know what you are doing.
Jacobson is an example of Iowa State’s use of a VPN. Jacobson stated that Iowa State’s VPN uses two-factor authentication. “The VPN is required to establish an identity on campus. This protects against misuse and attack.
To make security setup easy, you can buy a user-friendly VPN. NordVPN’s 1-year plan costs $4.99 per month, and ExpressVPN’s $11 per month. CyberGhost offers the best value deal at $2.29 monthly for three years or three months. Prices may vary depending on the plan.
Read: Top 10 Cyber Security Threats to Know
#4. Scams on social media
Scammers are everywhere, whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Cofense says that social media phishing involves posting, emailing, or messaging interesting links, a way to steal personal data and sell it.
Jacobson stated that many scams would tell you to do certain things and give you information that the organization should already have about you. “You just need to be able to recognize some of the things that legitimate people won’t do.”
Beware of bots and other sketchy organizations who send you links through your direct messages. Jacobson stated that you shouldn’t trust anyone, even friends if their accounts have been hacked.
Jacobson stated, “If you are unsure and receive an email that your bank account has been compromised, and you’re panicked,” Jacobson advised. You can either go to your bank account to check the situation or call your bank.
Read: Cybersecurity in the Age of AI & ML 2022
#5. Backup data and antivirus software
Antivirus software is a must-have to ensure your device is safe. Jacobson stated, “Run any virus scanner, even free ones.” I don’t care about what it is. You can run anything. They all are the same.
These are all signs that your device is being compromised. Run the antivirus software if you click on any suspicious activity. If corruption is severe, back up your data occasionally and restore it as an option.
#6. Learn cyber security.
You can prevent disaster from ever happening by being proactive. Jacobson advised that you trust your computer’s instincts.
“If your computer asks you if you would like to open the file, it is not a good sign. Jacobson suggested Jacobson think twice before you answer yes. Jacobson explained that the brain asks these questions because it believes something is wrong.
Read: How to Apply Cybersecurity to Enterprise Security
Online security education can help prevent disasters. Jacobson said Iowa State is working to improve cybersecurity literacy through various curricula.
Jacobson stated that there is a free high school curriculum that teaches cybersecurity to the masses. “We just started a project in the College of Engineering, and we hope to grow it. Nine faculty members from the college have been identified who will add cybersecurity to one of their courses.
Every major could benefit from cybersecurity being included in their general education requirements. Jacobson suggested that professors could teach cybersecurity within the context of each major.
