How can we stay safe online ?
We cannot deny that cyber security is a matter of concern for everyone , organizations , institutes , individuals etc . But there is particular group of individuals that is much exposed to cybercrime .Yeah I am talking about students and there protection to stay online.
Students of 21th century know much about technology and use it for social media or academic research and know much about the use of modern gadgets and how to stay safe .
However, many of them must be exposed to cyber attacks . And that's why talk about cyber security for students is much important .
Lets discuss the reasons to be concern about cyber security and how to stay safe online.
Why should Student be Concerned About cybersecurity
Some people think students are not much exposed to cyber attacks as the don't have much in their bank accounts or something like national security secrets to be stolen . But according to consumer analysis , students are more exposed to exploits because they don't have credit history . The reasons provided are same but the result is different .
By stealing the identity of a student , a malicious actor can easily hide criminal and suspicious transactions . Besides this virus can erase or delete your data.
In a second , one can lose assignments , projects and research which he is been working on for days .
Top Types of Cyber Threats for Students
The major risk for students is they use different devices and spend hours online . They use mobile , laptops and gadgets which makes cybercrime easy .
A major step in building overall cybersecurity awareness for students is identifying the top threats to their safety.
Here’s a list of the most common types of cyber attacks that students must be wary of:
1 : Phishing :
Phishing scam is very common these days . It means You receive an email or message to get you data stolen ; like " You have won a lottery or something , please enter your data to claim " . You can also receive the advance form of this like " someone is trying to get your bank data , Please enter your details to secure it "
These are all phishing scams and the best way is to avoid them never click o them and never share your data through unverified platforms .
Cyber security awareness when using social media and email security can help you avoid cyber attacks.
2 : Malware :
Malware stands for malicious software. These are actually virus that can steal data or damage device . Malware are generally present in email marketing , mobile apps or usual softwares . When you download or install a malware it access to your data , again it can be prevented with cyber security awareness .
3: Man-in-the-middle
This attack takes place in information transmitting process. When two parties interchange information a hacker might interfere . It is quite dangerous because victim is unaware of what has happened despite basic knowledge of cyber security.
4: Brute force
These attacks often targets companies not individuals . Criminal tries all types of passwords until they find the right one. These are fully security intends and human error are rarely the reasons .
Students have to worry about the first three types of attacks beacuse they very easy to implement as student click and download everything they see.
Tips for Students to Stay Safe on the Internet
The best in almost all the places is to stay proactive . It means prepare for the worst and take all the necessary steps to prevent worst situation .
Below are several ways students can do to minimize the risk
1 : Surf the Internet Carefully
Since students spend more time using internet . They search for different informative and entertainment stuffs .
However , students need to fully aware of internet use . Use only secure websites . Look for HTTPS protocols that ensures your privacy . If possible reject cookies or accept only the necessary one .
Other rules of hygiene on internet
1; Don't open links you are not sure about ( sometime hacker may send you link from your friend list , if it seems unusual don't open it )
2: Do not answer spam emails .
3: Do not download ant software from a shady site , its a common way to send virus to your device.
4: Choose protected sites .
2: Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public wifi are dangerous because they are not protected by a password . Your data on open wifi is always open to man in middle.
So to avoid that and meet your need use VPN .VPN hides your IP address and internet activity . VPN hides your information everywhere even in you campus internet .
3: Install Protective Software:
Antivirus is also a security booster . One should have antivirus on all devices . Don't neglect this because it important .
Always update your antivirus to get the recent features . If possible pay for the premium version , no compromise over security.
4: Choose Apps Carefully:
In this era everything can be done through apps . From grocery shopping to buying tickets everthing is online . They really add meaning to life but the fact is they can hide some security measures.
Download Apps from only official store like APP store or PLAY store. Pay attention to reviews and what things the app want to access in your device. Suppose If you have installed the flashlight software and it wants to access your contacts or microphone then its a warning you installed something suspicious .
You can click the option only allow access when using this app.
5: Do Regular Backups
To prevent anything loss make a habit of doing backup . You must have a cloud storage use that . And its also a good idea to have a flash drive .
6: Use Two-Factor Authentication
Set two factor authentication for all devices and apps where it is possible . Whenever someone tries to open you account you will receive an OTP . So the threat of cybercrime is minimized .
Summary
It is better to be safe than sorry . Students need to be prepared for cybercrime fight with all the measures discussed above. Invest in good VPN can help you feel secure more.
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