While students are getting back into the swing of doing homework, researching school projects, and focusing on getting good grades, they also need to be cyber aware. Malicious cyber activity affects students in a variety of ways, ranging from malware and scams to cyber bullying. Whether it’s a laptop, a new phone, tablet, or any other device, it’s important to keep cyber awareness in mind and to lay down some ground rules when it comes to cyber security.
You can use the following cybersecurity tips to educate and prepare yourself and your children for the upcoming school year:
- Ensure that security software and tools are installed on new devices. Cyberattacks can come from many places so it’s important to have security software including antivirus with anti-phishing features, firewalls, script blockers, encryption software, ad blockers, password managers, anti-theft apps, anti-malware and anti-ransomware software installed on all devices.
- Configure your devices and applications with security in mind. The “out-of-the-box” configurations of many devices and apps are default settings often geared more toward ease-of-use than security or protecting your information. Enable security settings on your device, and as you install software and applications, pay particular attention to those that control information sharing.
- Don’t jailbreak/root your device. Jailbreaking a device is when you gain “root” access to the device, which means that you disable the manufacturer and operating system protections so that you can access areas you were not intended to have access to. This access can allow you to have greater functionality but also reduces the security on the device, making it more likely that you will be infected with malware. Jailbreaking your device puts you at a greater risk of getting hacked, and makes the device more susceptible to malware, malicious apps, and sensitive information disclosure. It is best not to jailbreak your devices.
- Be wary of application downloads from unknown sources. Malicious and high-risk apps are more common now than ever before. Before downloading an unfamiliar application, verify the authenticity by researching the developer and check for user reviews. You can also download a free security scanner for your devices that will detect malicious activity.
- Keep software up-to-date. Be sure to keep the operating system, browser software, and apps fully updated with patches. Even new machines can have out-of-date software that leaves you at risk. Operating systems and applications are constantly being updated to fix bugs and address security issues. You should use automatic updates to ensure you’re using the most secure version of the software that is available. Also, review the privacy settings when an application is updated, it may change your settings.
- Backup your data. Backing up your data is important given the growing risk of “ransomware” infections. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks up a person’s files until the victim pays a ransom to the hacker. It is prudent to back up often, using both a physical storage device like a flash drive, external hard drive, or a cloud-based account.
- Be aware of physical security. Physically securing devices is just as important as securing the data inside them. This isn’t just padded backpacks or shatterproof screens, but locking cables and USB port blockers, things that thwart theft and unauthorized access while in school. A key problem for college students is the general lack of privacy and personal space they have at school. Whether it’s a shared living space or a college campus, they’re constantly exposing their devices to access by others. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your computing devices with you or locked in a safe place.
- Be careful of social media ads and third-party apps. Malicious code within ads or third-party apps, posts containing links to malicious sites and sharing of sensitive information or derogatory comments pose real risks. It’s important to use social media smartly, especially as our online identities for personal, work, and school use continue to converge.
- Get into the habit of locking computers when moving away from them for even a short period of time. Locking your screen when away, even for just a few seconds will help prevent unwanted snoopers, cyber theft, vandalism, and someone looking at files they shouldn’t be looking at.
- Be aware of shoulder surfers. Some say it’s only normal for people to glance over your shoulder while you’re on your laptop, tablet, or phone. But don’t be too quick in giving this behavior a pass. Shoulder surfing is a serious security and privacy risk, and a lot of users may be in danger of compromise by unknowingly letting the person behind them watch as they key in their account password with their user name in full view. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Use strong passwords. It is crucial that your password or child’s account passwords are complex enough to avoid a simple cyber hack. They are your last lines of defense and “12345” or “Password1” are simply not good enough. A strong password combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. (e.g., Thr3eBl!ndMice). It is also important to change your password every couple of months. Make sure you use a complex and unique password for each account, system, and device.
- Beware of email phishing. Email phishing is when the victim receives a false email claiming to come from your bank, online retailers, or even from the inside of your own organization. These phishing attempts will try and trick the victim into giving up sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and bank account information, for the purpose of stealing information or gaining access to other accounts. It’s important to verify the sender of an email that appears suspicious. Never download any attachments or visit any links contained in an email if you do not know the sender first.
- Be a smart network user. Don’t access personal or financial information over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks such as the free Wi-Fi in coffee shops, bookstores, hotels, and schools, as this data can be easily “sniffed” (viewed) by others. Instead, consider using your smartphone’s more secure cellular signal to surf the Web.
- Think before sharing. It’s easy to overshare online. Be careful about divulging personal information like school names, team names, home addresses, and telephone numbers.
Many families have back-to-school preparation routines such as purchasing new clothes, new school supplies, and adjusting back to a more rigid activity and sleep schedule. Make learning about basic cyber security awareness and securing devices a part of your family’s routine.
Resource links:
https://www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/back-to-school/
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2017/08/back-school-cybersecurity-tips-parents-kids/
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2015/08/how-to-protect-your-school-computer/