7 Simple Cybersecurity Lessons for College-Bound Kids
Use Different, Strong Passwords
Using a different password for each site or service can help prevent one data breach from putting the rest of your accounts at risk. It's also important to use strong passwords, such as a random series of letters, numbers and symbols. Short passwords, particularly those with common words or names, may be easier to crack.
Rather than trying to remember or write down dozens of complex passwords, you can use a password management service to create and store unique passwords for you. All you'll need to do is remember one master password for the service.
Choose Security Questions Carefully
Ever have to answer a security question to confirm your identity or reset a password? While you may think your high school mascot or favorite movie are impossible to guess, a persistent attacker might be able to find that information on your social media accounts. Try to choose questions that don't have publicly available answers and, when possible, pick different security questions for each service.
Another option is to use a false, and easy-to-remember, answer to common security questions. For example, you could always use a grandparent's first name when prompted to enter your mother's maiden name.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account and ensures a password alone won't give someone access. When offered and enabled, the system will prompt anyone logging in from an unrecognized device to enter a password and a second security code, which is often sent to the account holder's phone or e-mail. Unless someone knows your password and has access to your phone or e-mail, they won't be able to get into your account.
Don't Share Your Private Information Over the Phone
Be careful about sharing personal information over the phone, particularly when someone calls you. The person on the other end might pretend to work for a bank, the university or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ask for your information to "verify your account." Sometimes the caller tries to create a false sense of urgency by saying your account is in danger or threatening you with a lawsuit.
Only share personal information when you initiate the call, and be cautious about what you share even when that's the case. Also remember that many large organizations will never ask for your password over the phone, by e-mail, text or in person.
Keep Unfamiliar Objects Out of Your Computer
A hacker could load USB thumb drives or CDs with malicious software that can take over your computer. Someone could even order drives and discs with the school's logo and scatter them around campus, waiting for an unsuspecting student to pick one up. In short, only put something into your computer if you know where it came from and trust the source.
Install and Update Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software can help protect your computer from attacks while detecting and removing those that sneak through. It's important to keep anti-virus software installed and up to date on all of your computers. There are options for even the most frugal college student. Several companies offer free anti-virus software online and some schools have free options for enrolled students.
Cover Your Webcam
Covering your webcam with a piece of paper, tape or sticker is an easy way to prevent potential exploitation. Hackers who successfully take control of a computer might be able to activate the webcam while keeping the indicator light off. They could then record whatever the webcam sees and then use or sell the information they gather or blackmail the owner with a threat to release videos.
Computers are an essential tool for college students and a valuable target for hackers. Parents, including those who are novice computer users, can help a college-bound child keep their personal information safe by sharing valuable cybersecurity lessons. Try to emphasize the importance of simple actions, such as choosing a strong password and the importance of being cautious when discussing personal information with strangers.