The internet is an invaluable tool for students, enabling them to conduct research, communicate with teachers, friends, and family, stay active on social media, and explore interests. With smartphones, laptops, and other technologies, the younger generation can easily stay connected anytime and anywhere. #Fortinet #CyberSecurity
While these opportunities are remarkable, they also expose students to cyber risks such as cyberbullying, phishing, identity theft, scams, and online predators. This is particularly concerning in the Philippines, where a 2022 study by Surfshark revealed that the country ranked second worldwide in children’s susceptibility and exposure to cyber threats, following Thailand and preceding Turkey.
Best Online Practices for Students to Avoid Cyber Risks
As the back-to-school season approaches, students will once again rely on the internet for various purposes. To help protect the younger generation from cybercriminals, Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader, shares these internet safety tips for students to develop good cyber hygiene and stay safe online.
Access Secure Connections and Links
Using secure connections ensures that a user’s data is safe from cybercriminals. To check if a connection is secure, look for “https://” in the URL and a small lock symbol on the left side. Additionally, avoid accessing suspicious links that seem too good to be true, as they might include malware or other malicious content.
Always read the fine print about privacy settings on websites or applications to understand how your data will be used.
Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
When creating passwords for accounts, ensure they are easy to remember yet challenging for others to guess. Avoid using sensitive or personally identifiable information such as phone numbers, birthdays, and favorite movies or sports teams. For strong passwords, incorporate numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters in seemingly random arrangements. Each account should have a unique password. To add extra protection, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra step to verify your identity when logging in using physical or mobile application-based tokens.
Keep Devices and Applications Updated
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated applications and devices to access sensitive data. Regularly check for updates to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features in devices and applications.
Be Cautious When Sharing Information and Interacting Online
Content posted online is permanent, even if deleted. Be cautious about what you post and the platforms you use. Avoid posting personal details and carefully consider the photos, videos, and other content you upload. Remain vigilant when interacting with people online, as cybercriminals can easily pretend to be friends or acquaintances to trick you into divulging sensitive information. Share any uncomfortable interactions encountered online with a trusted adult.
Gain More Knowledge to Stay Safe Online with Fortinet
To enhance cybersecurity awareness, Fortinet offers a training curriculum called the Network Security Expert (NSE) program through the Fortinet Training Institute. This multi-level certification program includes free, self-paced NSE 1 and NSE 2 courses designed to build cybersecurity awareness among individuals, including students, parents, and educators, to help navigate evolving threats and cybercriminals on the internet.
By fostering cybersecurity awareness and practicing good cyber hygiene, students can safely and responsibly explore the digital landscape and protect themselves from becoming targets of cybercriminals.
FAQs
1. Why is it important to use secure connections? Using secure connections ensures that your data is safe from cybercriminals. Look for “https://” in the URL and a small lock symbol to verify a secure connection.
2. How can I create a strong password? Create a strong password by incorporating numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters in seemingly random arrangements. Avoid using sensitive information like phone numbers or birthdays.
3. What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)? MFA adds an extra step to verify your identity when logging in to an account, using physical or mobile application-based tokens, providing additional protection even if passwords are compromised.
4. Why should I keep my devices and applications updated? Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features, reducing the risk of cybercriminals exploiting outdated software to access sensitive data.
5. How can I stay safe when interacting with people online? Be cautious about what you post and the platforms you use. Avoid sharing personal details and remain vigilant when interacting with people online. Share any uncomfortable interactions with a trusted adult.