Fortinet Cybersecurity Best Practices Internet Safety Guidelines for Students

The internet, a crucial resource for students, facilitates academic research, communication with teachers, peers, and family, social media engagement, and exploration of various interests. With the aid of smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices, the younger generation can stay connected online anytime, anywhere. #Fortinet

 However, this digital accessibility also exposes students to cyber threats, including cyberbullying, phishing, identity theft, scams, and online predators. This risk is particularly significant in the Philippines, as a 2022 study by Surfshark revealed that the country ranks second globally in terms of children’s vulnerability to cyber threats, trailing Thailand and ahead of Turkey.

Effective Online Practices for Students to Mitigate Cyber Threats

As the back-to-school season approaches, students will increasingly rely on the internet for various purposes. To safeguard the younger generation from cybercriminals, Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity, offers these internet safety guidelines for students to foster good cyber hygiene and ensure online safety:

1. Secure Connections and Links: Utilize secure connections to protect your data from cybercriminals. Verify a connection’s security by looking for ‘https://’ in the URL and a small lock symbol on the left side. Avoid suspicious links that may contain malware or other harmful content.

2. Privacy Settings: Always review the privacy settings on websites or applications to understand how your data will be used.

3. Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication: Create passwords that are easy to remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using personal information in passwords. Use a mix of numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.

4. Updated Devices and Applications: Regularly update your devices and applications to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features.

5. Online Interactions: Be cautious about what you post online and the platforms you use. Avoid sharing personal details and be mindful of the photos, videos, and other content you upload. Be vigilant when interacting with people online and report any uncomfortable interactions to a trusted adult.

Enhance Your Cybersecurity Knowledge with Fortinet

Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) program, available through the Fortinet Training Institute, offers a multi-level certification curriculum. The free, self-paced NSE 1 and NSE 2 courses aim to increase cybersecurity awareness among students, parents, and educators, helping them navigate the evolving threats posed by cybercriminals on the internet.

By promoting cybersecurity awareness and practicing good cyber hygiene, students can safely navigate the digital landscape and protect themselves from cybercriminals.

FAQs

1. What are some effective online practices for students to mitigate cyber threats?

   • Use secure connections and links
   • Review privacy settings on websites or applications
   • Create strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
   • Regularly update devices and applications
   • Be cautious about online interactions

2. How can students enhance their cybersecurity knowledge?

   • Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) program offers free, self-paced courses to increase cybersecurity awareness.

3. What are the benefits of good cyber hygiene?

   • Good cyber hygiene allows students to safely navigate the digital landscape and protect themselves from cybercriminals.