When you start with higher
education, you’re taking on new responsibilities, making your own decisions,
and becoming part of the campus community. Your
computer and mobile devices are primary tools in your educational and social
life. Student safety and use the internet for online education, homework, research,
social networking, online shopping and other activities.
When you log on to the campus network (or any network), what you do online could impact not only your computer, but other students and the network as well. By combining up-to-date security tools with good judgment, you and your online community are much less likely to encounter a security violation, loss of data, or system problems. There is an important role that you can play in your college's cyber security efforts that combines these elements of responsibility, decision-making, and community by adhering to the following steps to protect your identity, your personal information, and your equipment.
When you log on to the campus network (or any network), what you do online could impact not only your computer, but other students and the network as well. By combining up-to-date security tools with good judgment, you and your online community are much less likely to encounter a security violation, loss of data, or system problems. There is an important role that you can play in your college's cyber security efforts that combines these elements of responsibility, decision-making, and community by adhering to the following steps to protect your identity, your personal information, and your equipment.
1.
LOCK YOUR DEVICE: Set up pass codes and lock-screen
security on mobiles as well as PCs to protect your private
information such as course materials and email, location, personal
calendars, and financial transactions and bank account details.
2.
SECURE PASSWORDS: Don’t use common
nicknames, birthdays, memorable dates and pet names et al. Create passwords
that are unique and that include letters, numbers, symbols and random
capitalizations. Don’t share it and don’t use the same password for everything.
3.
SHARE SELECTIVELY: Internet is a hive of social
activity where you are meeting tons of new people daily and trying out tons of
new things. It could be tempting to post a lot of information online, or share
your personal information with friends. However, exercise some caution when
creating your social media profiles and chatting online. Avoid giving away your
address, revealing the make/model of your car, or discussing your exact
location on campus.
4.
CHECK YOUR SETTINGS: Most of the educational and
social networking websites and search engines provide an efficient privacy and
access system that can be effectively used to keep a check on who can and
cannot access our profile and information.
5.
CHECK YOUR WIRELESS CONNECTIONS: Don’t
use the Internet in locations where the wireless
connection may not be secure. An unsecure
network connection makes it easy for an identity thief to get your financial
and other information. Save those activities for the dorm room.
The
Internet is an amazing tool, but must be used safely and securely by taking the
above mentioned internet safety measures.
