Hey there, tech-savvy students! I am pretty sure you are about to invent something special, but you are also cautious of the nosey people on campus who might be snooping around and eavesdropping on your digital activities while connected to your campus Wi-Fi. Well, your concern has been heard, and if you are ready for one more lesson, I will teach you 10 easy steps to get started in protecting your cybersecurity while on campus.
First things first, we all know how crucial WiFi is for our college life – it connects us to our assignments, social networks, and cat videos. But while you’re streaming your favorite show or studying for that big exam, worrying about your cybersecurity and privacy on campus WiFi is too much of a hassle that, quite frankly, can be avoided. If only campuses encrypted data on their network, life would be super easy. Anyways, as promised, we’ve got your back with these easy-to-follow tips that you can implement today, even if you’re not a tech wizard.
Table of Contents
1. Connect to the Right Network
Before you even think about boosting your WiFi security, make sure you’re connecting to the right network. Always choose the official campus WiFi network, if available. Avoid connecting to networks with names like “FreeWiFi” or “OpenNetwork” as they may be unsecured or potential phishing traps. The rule of thumb is this: if you don’t recognize the network, do not connect to it. Curiosity does not pay any dividends when it comes to your cybersecurity. It will only take from you.
2. Use a Strong Password
The first line of defense is your password. When creating a password for your campus network, make it strong. Mix capital and lowercase characters, digits, and symbols in your writing. Avoid easily guessable choices like “password123.” A strong password is your best friend in the digital world.
Under no condition should your password be “password.” That is a recipe for disaster. Also, when setting up your password hint, make it something only you know. Hints like my birthday, favorite color, and street I grew up in are things that people can find online and access your system. Think dramatically and let your creative mind conjure up something unique.
3. Activate two-factor verification.
You have, in all probability, caught wind of two-factor verification (2FA).To set it forth plainly, two-factor validation (2FA) expands the security of delicate information and different things that require a login. More often than not, you will likewise have to enter a code that you will get by telephone or email, notwithstanding your secret phrase. To further develop security, you ought to empower two-factor validation (2FA) on your records in general, including those associated with your personality. Two-factor verification can likewise be worked with by means of validation applications. For standard clients like you and me, most of them are free.
4. Maintain Updating Your Devices
Your best friends in college are your laptop, smartphone, and tablet. Update their operating system and software to the most recent versions. Security patches that guard against vulnerabilities on your devices are frequently included in these updates. Zero-click ransomware is a new threat that cybercriminals have been developing that can harm your computer. This is significant since the majority of conscientious software vendors issue updates to fix any potential vulnerabilities.
5. Setup a Trustworthy DNS Management Service
The benefits of a DNS Management service are immense. These apps can assist in protecting your gadget from viruses, phishing scams, and other dangers. Select and update a reputable DNS management service, such as Control D, on a regular basis. There are several free options accessible, so you don’t have to pay a bunch. Putting it into effect may need some technical knowledge, but it is definitely worth the effort.
6. Use a VPN
This is the actual thing now. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a superhero cape for your internet connection. Hackers can’t readily snoop on you since your internet activity is encrypted. Students can use a plethora of free and reasonably priced VPNs. Even the authorities on your campus won’t be able to see your online activity if you use free VPNs. They can only be aware of your VPN connection. Following that, everything is between you and yourself.
Nobody knows what you did or did not do online because most reputable VPN providers do not store any records of your data. Furthermore, geo-restricted information may be accessible using VPNs, which is useful if you need to access geo-restricted papers and other academic resources.
7. Be Wary of Public Computers
When you use a public computer on campus, be cautious. Avoid logging into your sensitive accounts like email or banking, and never save your passwords on public computers. Logging out and clearing your browsing history when you’re done is a good habit. Keep in mind that browsing in incognito mode will only do much and does not actually provide true privacy and security. The rule of thumb here is: if you don’t trust the system, do not use the system.
8. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Okay, you trust your new campus bestie, and things are going fine, or maybe you have a new campus crush, and they are asking for your Netflix password. Making friends at school is great, but be cautious when disclosing private information to strangers or via university WiFi, such as your complete name, address, or phone number. You can never be sure who is listening. In actuality, never give out your credentials to anyone—online or in person. Both your digital and physical lives may be accessed through passwords and other personal details. Do this if you haven’t already done any of the aforementioned actions. Do not share personal information.
9. Be Mindful of Phishing Scams
As students, we are always fishing for deals, and sometimes, you get carried away that you do not do your due diligence and fall victim to phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or messages that trick you into revealing your personal information. Be cautious about clicking on links in emails, especially if they seem suspicious. Ask the sender to confirm if you are unsure. Social engineering is used in phishing schemes, therefore, you should exercise caution when disclosing sensitive information to strangers. Read tip number 8 again.
10. Log Out and Lock Your Device When Not In Use
Finally, but just as importantly, keep in mind to lock your device while not in use and to log out of your accounts after you’re done using them. Though it can seem like a little effort, it can aid in preventing unauthorized access. Social engineering and identity thefts are real. Just like you would not leave your wallet unattended in a public space, do not leave your devices unattended.
Log out of your account and delete profiles if you are stepping out and you just finished using a public computer. If you are using your device and you must step out for a bit, lock your device, and make sure your password is not “password” and your hint is not your favorite color because the person probably saw you step out, wearing your favorite color.
Final Words
You now have the core tools you need to be safe on campus. When utilizing campus WiFi, it is critical to protect your privacy and cybersecurity to ensure that unscrupulous parties do not access and exploit your personal information. These ten simple procedures can boost your security and reduce your vulnerability to intrusions. I hope everything works out for you of karma in your scholastic profession.
