Cybersecurity has become a critical concern as our lives become increasingly online. We communicate with our friends, shop, bank, learn, and much more over the web. But with this transition comes the risk of exposing our personal information to a wide range of cyber threats and malicious actors. As technology advances, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated, as they are essential in safeguarding our digital identities and ensuring the integrity of the online world we rely on daily.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which presents an important reminder and opportunity for parents to advise their students, including those in college, who need to navigate an increasingly complex online landscape, about the importance of protecting their data online. Ensuring that the platforms and technologies their children use are secure is not just a matter of peace of mind—it is a vital responsibility.
There are several types of digital threats that should be on every student's radar.
Phishing emails and texts are deceptive messages masquerading as if they are from trustworthy sources that pose a grave threat to unsuspecting students. These messages often impersonate teachers or other organizations students can expect to get communications from. Designed to incite panic or urgency, they contain malicious links or attachments that, when interacted with, can lead to malware infections or direct students to counterfeit login pages, where their credentials are stolen. Sadly, Javelin Strategy & Research found that students are the “least concerned yet most severely impacted by fraud.”
Parents should educate their children about the dangers of these nefarious tactics and encourage vigilance when encountering unexpected emails or text messages. A tip for students is always to verify the domain name of the sender's email; cyber criminals often make their email addresses look like those used by a trusted source but with one or two letters off. And, when in doubt, don’t click on a link sent to you by an unverified source.
Another concern is the prevalence of public Wi-Fi networks, which tend to be less secure. Students connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi may unwittingly expose themselves to data interception by bad actors. Public Wi-Fi networks are typically open and unencrypted, allowing cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information like login credentials, private messages, or financial data. Attackers can exploit these networks to distribute malware to connected devices. Students must exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi and consider utilizing a Virtual Private Network like NordVPN for added protection. Some other tips to keep in mind when using public Wi-Fi include confirming the network name before connecting, not connecting to the network automatically, and keeping your anti-virus software up to date.
Many students are increasingly using social platforms for both academic and personal purposes, which introduces a myriad of cybersecurity risks for students. For example, many students have embraced Discord as a means of communicating with each other beyond their classroom discussions. While some use the message-sharing platform for collaboration, the private nature and opportunity for anonymity in these groups can allow nefarious actors to glean access to personal, academic, or confidential information – or worse – if students are not careful.
Thankfully, Discord and many other platforms have safety settings, but many need to be manually enabled. Parents should work to educate themselves on the types of platforms their students frequent and ensure these security settings are activated.
Many students also frequently seek online resources for homework assistance while pursuing academic attainment. However, relying on unverified or dubious websites like Homeworkify, which has the “express purpose of helping students get behind paywalls of subscription-based education content,” can expose them to various risks. Sharing personal information on such platforms could lead to unauthorized data collection or potential identity theft. Furthermore, unverified homework help sites may offer inaccurate or low-quality information, impacting the quality of a student's assignments and academic performance. Please encourage your child to exercise discernment when using online resources and support them using reputable, well-established educational websites.
Our responsibility as parents extends beyond physical safety; it also encompasses preparing our children to be safe and secure in the digital realm. As we continue to face increasing cybersecurity threats, we should equip our students with the knowledge and resources to protect their personal data and academic integrity. Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder of this duty, urging us to empower our children to navigate the digital world securely. Together, we can ensure that our students thrive in an environment where their online experiences are safeguarded and enriched.
Erin Phillips - President and CEO of Power2Parent
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