How College Students Can Avoid A Cyber Attack:
Internet safety matters, particularly for college students. They need to prioritize cybersecurity awareness. By taking a few simple steps, students can protect their private data and decrease the chances of being victim from a cyberattack.
1- Never leave devices1- Never leave devices unattended If you need to leave your computer, phone, or tablet for any length of time no matter how short, lock it up so no one can use it while you’re gone. If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to lock it up as well.
2- Keep unfamiliar objects out of your computer Only put something into your computer if you know where it came from and trust the source. Cybercriminals could load USB thumb drives or CDs with malicious software that can take over your computer.
3- Cover your webcam Covering your webcam with a piece of paper, tape or sticker is an easy way to prevent potential exploitation. Cybercriminals who successfully take control of a computer might be able to activate the webcam while keeping the indicator light off (camfecting). They could then record whatever the webcam sees and then use or sell the information they gather or blackmail the owner with a threat to release videos.
4- Don’t expose your banking or credit card data Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should only be done on a device that belongs to you, on a network that you trust, preferably using a secure VPN. Whether it’s a friend’s phone, a public computer, or a cafe’s free WiFi,your data could be copied or stolen.
5- Beware of unsecured WiFi Always choose a secured network if possible, unfamiliar and unsecured wifi can put your data at risk. Cybercriminals can access these networks to steal your information. Many colleges offer unsecured wifi access on campus.
