INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

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.

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.