Essential tech tips to stay safe online for university students

The internet is one of the most important resources for university students in today’s world. It is their go-to destination for grabbing information, but also a wide range of educational resources. Cloud apps such as Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 have become staples across labs, online sessions, etc as students are getting back to school.

A lot of schools and colleges store information on the cloud-based system for the students to access. Here’s a brief look at the number of internet users in the UK as per their educational level:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent: 28%
• Master's degree or equivalent: 15%
• Doctoral degree or equivalent: 3% 

Source: Statista

This blog explores some of the crucial tips for students to stay online and have a great browsing experience! 

• Use strong passwords with a mix of characters, and always enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and adjusting privacy settings to control who can access your details.
• Recognise and avoid phishing scams by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before sharing personal information.
• Stick to trusted websites for schoolwork and entertainment, and always connect to secure Wi-Fi networks when browsing online.
• Monitor your screen time, and practice safe online behaviour, for awareness of cyberbullying risks.

Essential tech tips for students to stay safe online

Universities should create a space for the students to foster open communication. Teachers at the university can encourage students to indulge in the online activities, but also be able to voice their concerns. Providing timely support and guidance can be extremely beneficial in the long run to offer proper tech support and overcome the challenges to the students.  

1. Use strong unique passwords

A strong password is one having a combination of special characters, letters and numbers. While creating a strong password it is advisable to avoid using guessable information like names, or birthdays. Teaching students about safe online behaviour is extremely crucial, especially to monitor their digital footprint.  

2. Enable 2 factor authentication

A 2-factor authentication refers to adding an extra layer of password protection, such as a security question or OTP verification, apart from the already added PIN or password. It is advisable to enable the 2FA to add an extra layer of security for the verification process along with the password. With the rampant evolution of social media, awareness about the usage of platforms is crucial. You should be very careful about sharing personal information on the platform like school details, phone numbers, addresses and not on a public forum.  

Critical thinking is crucial for the university students to help them research and use the information appropriately for academic purposes. Furthermore, one of the most important things is the interaction of kids with online strangers. It is advisable to instruct them to refrain from interacting with strangers online and report any suspicious behaviour to parents.  

3. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi

While using public Wi-Fi, be extremely careful as the network may not be secure and vulnerable to hackers. You must not access any sensitive information on public Wi-Fi such as personal accounts of banking details. Apart from that, you may consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encrypting the connection and protecting the data.  

It is advisable to disable automatic connections to public WiFi. You may also avoid logging into any personal social media network while using public WiFi. It is advisable to consider added security and use a personal hotspot so that you can handle the sensitive tasks online.  

4. Avoid spammy links

Students must be cautious of suspicious emails, links and messages. Most of these would ask for personal information or login credentials. Never share the information without verifying the sender's details and avoid downloading these attachments. Being a little mindful can help to prevent falling into phishing scams and online threats.  

It's important to avoid clicking on links or downloading files from sources they don't know, as these could cause viruses or steal personal information. When using the internet away from home, students should always connect to secure Wi-Fi networks to keep their data safe from hackers. By being careful about the sites, they visit and making sure their internet connection is secure, students can lower the chances of facing online risks.

5. Keep your software updated

Always monitor how the kids are using their browsers and apps. Keeping the software updated helps in avoiding phishing attacks and preventing vulnerabilities. Moreover, updating your software helps in avoiding any malware which may be harmful for the software.  

Also, keep scanning and protecting the devices for any harmful software which may damage your personal information. As updating a software can take up a lot of data, check out more about how you can get unlimited data here.  

Conclusion

As students, you are likely to come across a wide range of challenges, especially while navigating the digital world. However, it is important to be aware of digital literacy to protect your privacy and security online. Browse the internet safely and prevent the risk of cyber threats.  

Check out the wide range of exclusive Lyca Mobile student offers, crafted to help browsing experience fun for students. Furthermore, as technology evolves, you will have to be vigilant and proactive in your approach to overcome digital challenges. As technology evolves, so is the wide range of risks, so adopt the safety practices and stay away from scams. 

For more informational content visit Lyca Mobile today!  

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