The Evolving Campus: Protecting Students in the Digital Age
Gone are the days when college revolved around paper notes and pencils. Today’s students, armed with various gadgets, consider themselves adept digital users. But despite their tech familiarity, Atlas VPN reveals an alarming trend: Gen-Zers and millennials are most susceptible to phishing scams.
Shockingly, the National Cybersecurity Alliance found that 1 in 5 Gen-Zers have experienced identity theft.
Here’s a snapshot of how cybercriminals ensnare today’s students:
Fake Financial Alerts: Emails claiming unpaid tuition fees or other academic financial obligations.
Deceptive Financial Aid Sites: Clicking can lead to data theft or malware installation.
Rogue Wi-Fi Hotspots: Set up in public spaces to hijack data from unsuspecting devices.
Social Media Deceptions: Harvesting private details to manipulate or fabricate accounts.
Digital Blackmail: Hacking to seize personal photos, then demanding payment to keep them private.
The landscape of threats is vast and continually evolving.
It begs the question: Why do digital-age students fall prey so often?
Lack of Cyber Education: Many have relied on secured school or parent-guarded devices.
Social Media Comfort: Growing up online, they’re used to sharing personal info—making them lucrative targets.
Lack of Credit History: This makes it easier for hackers to misuse their identities.
Multiple Devices: The variety of devices students use offers cybercriminals multiple entry points.
Distractions: Juggling academics and social lives means cybersecurity often takes a backseat.
So, how do we shield these young adults?
While we provide cybersecurity solutions for businesses and recommend home security software, college-going students remain vulnerable. It’s impractical to monitor them constantly, but what’s feasible is educating them about potential threats and equipping them with preventive tools.
Here are 14 protective measures for students:
1. Robust Security Software: Invest in reputable virus and spyware protection; run regular scans.
2. Prompt Updates: Don’t postpone device updates; enable auto-updates.
3. Maintain the Latest Versions: Browsers, extensions, and OS.
4. Cloud Backup: Regularly backup data to the cloud.
5. Secure Browsing: Use only HTTPS:// websites for sensitive data.
6. Safe Connectivity: Avoid public Wi-Fi; use personal hotspots or VPNs.
7. Phishing Awareness: Be cautious with email links and attachments. Always verify before clicking.
8. Strong Passwords: Use unique passwords and consider a password manager.
9. Clear Cookies: They can sometimes offer hackers an entry point.
10. Install Trusted Software: Ensure all software and apps come from verified sources.
11. Multifactor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security.
12. Secure Devices: Lock devices and maintain password privacy.
13. Cover Webcams: Use stickers or makeshift covers.
14. Device Registration: With the institution for safety in case of theft.
Discuss these guidelines with students headed to college. Ignoring cybersecurity could have repercussions just as they embark on their adult lives.
In today’s digitized world, a few caution moments can make a significant difference. And as the cyber threat landscape expands, the importance of cybersecurity will only amplify.
If your business needs comprehensive cybersecurity training tailored for your employees, we’re here to guide you. Begin with our FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment link here.
You can also call us at 941-240-2675
