There is increasing emphasis on exposing young students to the digital world. Almost every school these days provides Wi-Fi connection to their students. According to a study published on the Daily Mail, children as young as three spend up to two hours on the Internet per day.
If you are reading this, you probably know the Internet is not the safest of places. Most school Wi-Fi networks are insecure. Anyone can easily snoop on your private data as you use your laptop around the school compound. If not for the hackers, you probably need extra tricks to access websites and online channels your campus has disabled.
PC Security Systems
The first thing you should when you buy a new computer or smart device is to equip it with up to date security systems. Install an antimalware program. Turn the Firewall on and add extensions that help block malicious programs.
Hackers mainly target vulnerable computers. If they snoop into your PC and realize you lack an antivirus program, be certain you will be victimized. Having secure computer systems make it harder for attackers to infiltrate your computer, thus keeping you secure.
Besides installing antimalware programs, seal any other vulnerabilities in your PC. Manage who can access your computer. Set stronger passwords for your emails and social networks. Avoid visiting insecure sites and generally don’t share your smart devices with strangers.
Back Up Everything
As a student, losing your class project right after completing it is one of the most painful things that can happen. Your lecturer probably doesn’t listen to student explanations. You can’t start it all over. And when you think of all the time and energy spent into it, it can be heart-breaking.
When ransomware attackers hit you, they corrupt all your computer programs. They block your school projects. Your music files and programs are hijacked. Your security systems are altered and you whole PC compromised. Having a backup to all your programs and projects ensures you can access them should anything ever happen to your computer.
Luckily, backing up your assignments ensures you are secured as you use the school Internet. If your PC is attacked by a computer virus and your projects are compromised, you can easily recover your documents. You can back up your files online or offline on a different hard drive. Whichever choice you make, always ensure you have copies of your school programs.
Use a VPN
Backing up your school projects and having antimalware programs is the bare minimum in today’s world. Attackers can still pry on your Internet connections despite having antimalware programs. To use the Internet securely, install a VPN program.
VPNs are virtual private networks that encrypt your Internet traffic. Usually, your private information like your IP address and location are broadcast publicly. Anyone with the right tools can pinpoint your exact location and see what you are searching.
A virtual private network hides your IP address, your location and everything else about you. In fact, VPNs give you a new IP address and a new server as you use the Internet. You become anonymous and your private information is hidden from the public.
Of course, VPNs are not all created equal. Some free providers still leak your private data in spite of that being their only job. The best VPNs, as seen here: VPN for school, secure your Internet connection and provide so much more. They unblock social media sites if your campus Wi-Fi restricts them. You gain access to Netflix and gaming sites securely, without your school’s knowledge.
Stick to Secure HTTP Sites
There is a thin line between secure websites and insecure ones. Online shopping sites without HTTPS label are probably replicas waiting to scam you. If Google warns you about a site’s security, be careful with it.
The Internet is full of fake, scam websites. Many students are targeted on peer to peer platforms and online libraries. If you have to find educational materials online, rely on secured websites. The green padlock symbol is one of the best ways to guarantee a site’s security. Another method is to double check the platforms you visit.
Because anyone can start a website, ensure you are on the website you meant to visit. Confirm a website’s official app name before downloading any app on play stores. Being careful with the platforms you visit makes you less of a target compared to everyone else.
Enable 2-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication ensures any login to your smart devices is confirmed at least twice. If you have 2FA on your email address, a password won’t be enough to let you in. Instead, you must enter a code sent your phone by message or to Google’s authenticator app. That way, an attacker must possess both your smartphone and your email password to access it.
Enabling 2FA on all applicable websites keeps you safe when using public Wi-Fi networks like your school’s network. Instagram, Whatsapp, and Facebook all have 2FA enabled. You can also secure your student account and other areas where you wouldn’t want anyone to compromise.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data
Unless you have a VPN in place, avoid shopping using your school’s Wi-Fi. Don’t key in your credit card numbers and other sensitive data. Public Wi-Fi connections are highly insecure and can make you vulnerable to attacks of all kinds.
Limit the information you make accessible when using your school Wi-Fi. You could access educational materials and social sites if allowed, but not to pass on sensitive data to your friends. For that, use home Wi-Fi.
Protect your Belonging
Hackers aren’t the only people you should be afraid of when using the school Internet. Be cautious of how you interact with strangers and the people close to you. Leaving your laptop unattended while on a bathroom break is a security vulnerability. Installing flash drives from strangers is another way to get a spyware installed on your PC.
Keep your smartphones and laptop safe as much as you secure your PC with up to date security programs. Don’t share your passwords and use the tips shared above.
