With college education becoming almost a necessity in today’s world, it’s good to equip yourself with the right safety measures as a student. A lot of college work, including assignments and projects, require a computer or laptop. This device is essential for you to research, draft, and complete your coursework.
In addition to schoolwork, there are many confidential details on your computer or phone you wouldn’t want to lose to cybercriminals. Some of these involve financial and other personal information. If you are not careful with how you handle your data, you could be in for a big shock.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your information secure as a student.
1) Back-Up Your Data
You can never anticipate when your laptop, computer, or phone will break down. If anything happens to your internal hard disk or you get hacked, you might lose all your schoolwork, photos, videos, and other essential details.
Relying on single storage is as risky as operating on one kidney. If it fails to function, then you are in big trouble.
Backing up your data in a cloud-based account or external hard drive is crucial. Copy all your files to your external hard drive or cloud on a regular to keep your information updated. Remember to buy an excellent quality portable hard drive that you can carry conveniently. Check this review of the best external hard drive to learn more.
2) Use the Internet Safely
Most colleges and universities provide free on-campus Wi-Fi to make learning easier for students. However, just like any public Wi-Fi, school Wi-Fi can be a haven for hackers.
Although most learning facilities have installed strict security measures to secure their internet, your data still can be vulnerable to hacking. Avoid logging to sensitive information whenever you are using public Wi-Fi to be on the safe side.
3) Always Log out and Clear Browsing History When Using Public Computers
Most schools have computer labs where students can access the internet during their studies. While this is an excellent opportunity for students to learn, it poses a severe threat to personal data.
For instance, if you use a computer and leave without logging out, the next user might tamper with your information.
You need to avoid exposing your personal information by always logging out once you have finished. Clearing browsing history also ensures people don’t recover the sites you visited when using the computer.
4) Avoid Phishing Sites and Other Online Scams
When signing up for applications or online services, be careful not to land on phishing sites. Never open emails or links from sources you don’t recognize.
Although there might be confusion arising from the many lecture-related emails, academic societies, and newsletters, avoid sites you don’t know.
5) Secure Your Devices with Passwords
Most of us recycle or use easy to crack passwords on our devices. As much as this might be easy to remember, it doesn’t offer enough security to your data.
You need a long and unique password to lock up your virtual data. If you are not so good with remembering passwords, there are password managing tools you can use to save your passwords carefully.
6) Maintain Your Personal Space
If you share your dorm or hostel with another person, be careful with your computer or phone. No matter how much you trust your roommate, they might invite friends who are not as trustworthy.
Always have your private space when logging into your computer or phone. Secure your devices with PINs and passwords. Don’t forget to lock your room when going out.
Bottom Line
Keeping your data safe during your college life is crucial. It will secure your school work and personal information from hackers. Follow these tips to ensure the best cybersecurity.
