Technology has taken over many aspects, and technology is one of the most impacted domains. We appreciate the advancement in technology because it has made many things more accessible. Two decades ago, many things seemed impossible, but they are not possible. We attribute the positive changes to the ever-increasing technology. Technology is a broad term that touches many aspects. In this piece, we will consider the internet as one of the best technologies in recent times. Think about it; you can read this article because of the internet connection. It has made the entire world connect like a small village. Businesses are thriving because of the internet, and there are many benefits associated with it. Internet safety in colleges is paramount because of the multiple paybacks derived from this technology. To understand the significance of internet safety in college, it is vital to see how students benefit from it to make safety a priority. First, the internet has made it possible for learners to access information conveniently. Learning is much simpler because what you need is at your disposal. Instead of spending hours in the library, you can get the information you need from the internet in the comfort of your home. Besides, it has made college education simpler; students can study in the colleges of their dreams without travelling to the facility. Online learning has ironed out upkeep costs because you can study comfortably while working. This is convenient because education is no longer confined to the four corners of a classroom. You can get relevant content without struggling because the internet is full of knowledge and pieces of information. You can learn anything you wish to know from it. This makes it essential to protect the benefits by making internet security paramount.
We agree that the internet and tech devices have given us a new outlook by bringing education systems closer to learners. It is an excellent equalizer among students because it provides opportunities for all learners. Average students can use it to create unique projects because they can get help from online resources conveniently. For instance, essay editing companies are available because of the internet. You can access their services as long as you are connected. Even with the many benefits that students enjoy, there are other disadvantages when learners are addicted to the internet. The internet has a lot of information, and students must choose what to consume. The problem comes when many of them go overboard to consume the wrong data. There is also a problem since learners can be addicted to watching videos, reducing concentration in their study time. However, these are minor issues that can be corrected without straining. The real danger is out there waiting for unsuspecting victims. Most of them are college students who know little about internet security. The threats are real because the predators are prepared to harm you physically, mentally, or financially. It is the reason why you must be keen and prioritize internet security. College students are vulnerable because they are always unsuspecting. As you strive to use the internet to shape your creativity, someone will be waiting to take that opportunity and hack your internet with an illegal intent.
Students are in great danger because it is easy to lure them with great deals, misinformation, and promises. Be aware of bad people whose intention is malicious. You may wish to explore different areas, which is a positive move, but the world comprises people in all domains. The internet has people who thrive on luring individuals to get a fortune from them. It is the cause why you must be keen. Better be safe than sorry. While using the internet, you are at risk of various threats, including:
- An unauthorised break where hackers steal your data and use it for wicked purposes
- Exposure to cyberbullying
- Sexual predators who need easy victims
- Wrong addresses that can lead to inappropriate sites or infect your devices with viruses
- Breach of financial information and confidential data can lead to significant loss
You must be aware of these dangers to use the internet effectively to achieve your educational aims without falling prey to these individuals. Even if your college does not inform students on the effects of cybercrimes, take it as a personal responsibility to ensure you are safe when using the internet. Do you know how you can keep safe when using the internet? Here are safety basics; always remember them to stay safe:
- Do not share your password with others. Make it unique so that no one can guess it. Avoid using your birth date and other figures that can be guessed.
- Make a strong password that combines letters, both in lower and upper case, symbols and numbers.
- Do not talk and share your information with people you do not know online. Some of them are scammers.
- Back up essential documents and school work. Also, avoid putting personal information on flash drivers.
- Do not put your personal information on social media. Besides, know what to post on social platforms because many hackers skim and follow vulnerable students.
These are among some of the things you can do to stay safe. In addition, you can find more information to assist you in doing the right things when using the internet.
Why students are prime targets
Data theft is a growing problem, and college students are prime targets for various reasons. You can get out of this vulnerable group when you know why you can be targeted. The number one reason is that learners are naïve and are not aware of how internet theft occurs. Lack of understanding makes them vulnerable to providing personal information. It is because learners do not comprehend the threats. The lax cyber security standards also make it easier for them to be prime targets. The idea that you can easily make money online makes students do anything they are asked to do. Therefore, they provide information with the hope of landing a good job or opportunity to make money. They are also financially unconscientious. Most of them do not check their accounts regularly. It implies that fraudulent charges can be easily imposed, and students will not notice. Therefore, check your accounts regularly and know where you stand.
Students live close to others
There are many activities in college, and many students are excited to make friends and go out to have fun. They think about their immediate friends and are often overwhelmed with the new environment. Therefore, protecting themselves from cyber threats is the last thing on their mind. They tend to leave devices unattended, open accounts and leave them when they are not logged out. The beehive activities make it easy for individuals who wish to use their accounts with an ill motive to get a good chance to execute their plans. Unsecured online accounts become the open doors to data theft.
Students use multiple devices
While in college, learners prefer using public networks and computer devices. Frequent use of multiple devices compromises the security systems. Sometimes you neglect security warnings. Besides, they use free networks without considering if they are secure or not. This means that many avenues that put students in compromising situations when it comes to using the internet. Unsecure Wi-Fi makes it easier for hackers to steal your data. Students also love social media. They post a lot on the internet, providing more information than they should. They also tag locations and identify data. This makes it easy for hackers to grab all kinds of sensitive information.
These are some of the reasons why hackers will target you. However, you should not be afraid to use the internet. You can stay safe when you know why they target you and what you must do. In conclusion, here is a recap of how you can avoid falling prey to online hackers:
- Use anti-phishing, anti-virus, and anti-malware software
- Review your financial information frequently
- Do not use unsecured wireless networks
- Consider two-step authentication
- Create strong passwords
- Be smart about internet browsing
- Keep your personal information away from social media
These are some of the things you can do to ensure your internet security is not compromised. Do not be lured by everything you see online, particularly enticing ads. There is no easy way to make money. Many people get into traps to provide personal information when money is involved. Be aware of these aspects and be smart about what you do while browsing.
Alicia Saville did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
