These days, technology has changed our way of doing many things. It has had a significant impact on the ways schools conduct learning and deliver instruction. In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic that saw schools shut down globally, digital learning has rapidly taken root in our schools. Remote schooling through digital tools has kept schools running and has been significant in engaging students while at home. Many students have had to conduct e-learning through computers, smartphones, tablets, and even mobile technology to continue with school amidst the Covid 19 pandemic.
However, tech tools and other digital resources used in e-learning allow schools and tech service providers to collect sensitive data about students, which jeopardizes their data security and online safety. Some education apps sell student information such as location, names, and email addresses to third parties. That indicates that students should beware of the vulnerabilities of using digital resources to study remotely and how to avoid them. In the world of cybercrimes and hacking, students need to pay more attention to the security of their data when browsing online. As a student, familiarize yourself with these digital security tips to keep you safe as you study remotely.
Use an encrypted network.
It is easy for a hacker to stalk your online activity when you browse through an unencrypted network, especially public WiFi. Even your school library WiFi is not secure if you do not browse through encryption. It can be easily tampered with by external hackers who want to steal student's data. Likewise, when you are using a home network, you should encrypt it. Otherwise, you risk your privacy by exposing your data to the prying eyes of hackers.
Avoid that by using a VPN service to encrypt your network and prevent cybercriminals from spying on you. Then turn off the sharing option on your network so that you are not unknowingly sharing your data with other people using the network. A VPN secures your network so that when you are studying remotely using public WiFi in a coffee shop, you don't have to worry about hackers intercepting your network.
Avoid storing passwords in browsers.
Storing passwords in your browser may seem like the most convenient option to you, but it is dangerous for your data. Many people give the excuse that remembering passwords is difficult, but there are certainly other safe practices you can use. Many students fall victim to saving passwords in browsers which ultimately exposes them to hackers. As a smart student, start adopting the best password practices today and take them into the future. If you find it tedious to log in and enter your password with every login attempt, use a password manager to secure your passwords.
Use websites and other tools that encrypt data
Browsing on the internet leaves your digital footprint. Unless you double-check websites, apps, and other tools where you enter your details, you make your data more vulnerable. Avoid websites that install cookies to collect your data without disclosing it to you and browse on websites and apps that encrypt your data. Look out for websites with HTTPS in their URL, which means that the data is encrypted and any leaked data accessed by unauthorized personnel is not useful. Ensure you also double-check the privacy settings on apps to ascertain whether they protect your digital footprint.
Create smart passwords
Passwords are the most vulnerable to hackers, and that is why there are millions of stolen passwords and usernames on the dark web. A hacker can easily guess your passwords in minutes and steal your sensitive information and data. If you are using your pet name as a password, it's time to change that and do better. As a student, you should be smart enough to avoid obvious choices when choosing passwords. Note that even your friend can steal your password. Avoid exposing your accounts by creating a random password through a combination of upper, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Always update your software.
Hackers are always on the move to take advantage of old and vulnerable software that a student uses. Old software is susceptible to malware and viruses that hackers use to access your details. However, you can avoid that by always updating your software to eliminate such viruses. Develop a habit of constantly updating all your operating systems and apps.
It is also wise to use an antivirus service that detects any form of malware as soon as it threatens your device and eliminates it. You may be a student, but there are indeed free and cheap antivirus services you can afford. You only need to search and look around. Some software installers also provide free antivirus applications.
The takeaway
Students are easy targets for cybercriminals, but you can always secure yourself. Avoid sharing your information without double-checking who you are sharing it with. A simple email address login could expose your sensitive data to hackers and cybercriminals. That also means that sharing accounts such as Netflix is not a good idea. So, take every personal step to ensure your digital safety as you learn remotely using the internet.
