PREPARE
Protecting Your Device
- Make sure it is backed up
- Invest in a laptop lock or a locked security box
- Download laptop and/or phone tracking software
- Register your electronic devices with campus police
Protecting Your Data
- Update your passwords: uniqueness, length (8+ characters), special characters, acronyms
- Choose a virtual private network (VPN) over public wifi
- Obtain free downloads safely and legally: download only from sites that offer public domain or user-generated content
- When switching to a new device, backup your information and then remove/erase all information on your previous device
Protecting Your Identity
- To avoid phishing attacks, where you hand over your personal information voluntarily, keep an eye out for the following in emails
- Suspicious links
- Bad logos
- Body images
- Tough tones
- Do NOT overshare on social media
- Monitor your accounts
Resources:
https://www.cyberdegrees.org/resources/internet-safety-for-college-students/
Click to access PI_2017.07.11_Online-Harassment_FINAL.pdf
The College Student’s Complete Guide to Cybersecurity
RESPOND
With technology becoming more and more prevalent in today’s age, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly more popular as a way to target and exploit students. Additionally, there are many kinds of cyber crime, and people can be exploited in various ways. Cyber crime can have a large impact on a victim’s mental state, as well as their social and financial reputation. Here is what you can do if you are a victim of cyber crime:
For victims of identity theft:
Keep all evidence (receipts, credit card statements, etc)
Change all passwords for all online accounts such as bank and credit card accounts
If necessary, close certain accounts such as credit card accounts
File a report with your local law enforcement agency
Report the crime to one of three fraud bureaus and have them issue a fraud notice on your respective account: (Equifax: 1-800- 525-6285, Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289)
For Social Security fraud, call the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (1-800-269-0271) to report the crime and for further steps
For victims of cyberstalking:
If you feel comfortable, send a warning message to the stalker threatening to contact local authorities
Keep all copies of communication from the stalker
If warranted, file a report with local law enforcement
Change privacy levels of your social media accounts
Take action to block and report your stalker’s social media account or phone number
Advice and tips courtesy of staysafeonline.org
Recover
- Make sure to use a VIRUS SCANNER to make sure you are rid of any threats of a virus on your computer. It is also important to regularly update the virus scanning program.
- Install a FIREWALL to protect your computer from viruses, worms, hackers, and data thieves. This software can be downloaded to common operating systems, including WIndows, Apple, and Android.
- Make sure to UPDATE YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS and CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD
- If you do not already do so, backup your files periodically to keep your data safe. External hard drives, cloud services, and online backup services are all great options to ensure you won’t lose any important schoolwork.
- UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE to further evade cyberthreats and protect your computer.
Resources:
https://www.thebestcolleges.org/resources/student-safety/
https://learn.g2.com/recover-from-a-cyber-attack