As wonderful as the internet is, it comes with a host of dangers. As a college student, you’ll use the internet daily for project research, turning in assignments, tracking your grades, and binging Netflix. It’s crucial to browse as safely as you can. That’s where these tips—and NordVPN—come in.
Here’s what you need to know.
Colleges Can Be an Easy Target
Cyber attackers love to attack colleges and schools. In fact, in 2016, the education sector was number two when it came to cyber security breaches. With students sharing computers in the library or classrooms and the internal network required for the school to operate, it can be alluring.
You want to practice the right habits when it comes to your internet use to protect both your personal well being and your personal information.
Remember the Basics of Internet Safety
When practicing internet and computer safety in college, you can never forget about the basics. Here are a few you’ll want to keep in mind, whether you’re on your personal computer or a public one at the library.
-
Use unique passwords for all of your logins.
-
Use symbols, numbers, and capital letters in your passwords.
-
Don’t share your logins with anyone.
-
Be careful about who you talk to online and what you share with them.
-
Don’t put personal information on flash drives.
-
Backup all important documents and work.
-
Don’t click suspicious links or links from emails or people you don’t know.
-
Don’t open attachments from people or emails you don’t know.
-
Never post personal information on social media accounts.
-
Don’t post when you’re going on vacation, your schedule, or similar events on social media.
-
Keep your social media accounts private when you can.
-
Use credit cards online, rather than debit cards.
-
These come with extra protection for fraud and unauthorized purchases.
-
-
Always use your firewall.
-
Always use an antivirus and anti-spyware program.
-
Don’t write out personal or sensitive information when on an unsecured network.
-
Regularly update your computer’s operating system, mobile phone, apps, and software.
-
Use a password for your personal computer, tablet, and phone.
Use a Service Like NordVPN
A VPN service, like NordVPN, can also be a wonderful way to keep yourself safe on the internet, whether you’re living at campus, living at home, or recently graduated. Their CyberSec feature protects you from suspicious websites as well as malware. It even blocks annoying ads! Keep safe when you’re on public networks at school, the cafe, or anywhere else you go.
Your data is important to your life now and your future. Using NordVPN whenever you access the internet can help you protect that. No one will be able to see the websites you visit or the files you download. Additionally, NordVPN will never track, collect, or share your browsing data. Using military-grade encryption, your data is also shielded twice thanks to their DoubleVPN.
NordVPN has 4 different subscription plans available:
- 1 Month: $11.95/month
- 1 Year: $6.99/month
- 2 Year: $3.99/month
- 3 Year: $2.99/month
You can find out all the benefits of NordVPN right on their website. Even if you use them, though, be sure you continue to practice safe internet habits to ensure you’re well protected from hackers and other threats.
