Data Privacy in College: Understanding and Safeguarding Personal Information
The only possible solution would be a complete integration of personal information safety and cybersecurity lessons in an obligatory academic curriculum. At the same time, one can host public discussions and debates where the problems of data privacy are discussed.
It is the only way one can achieve understanding in terms of keeping personal information safe.
Understanding and Safeguarding Personal Information
- Sharing to a Certain Point.
The most apparent problem of data privacy in college lies in how students share sensitive information and keep their access passwords written down on sticky notes, among other things. While phishing links and scum websites pose a serious concern, it’s the sharing of personal information that creates those risks that attackers or manipulators can use. Even as you compose an assignment on a shared computer, text write my essays to an academic professional when you need to proofread or check something. It will help you to stay safe by not leaving your device unattended and save valuable time!
- Setting up Firewalls.
While your college or university may already have a firewall installed to keep you safe, it does not mean you are completely safe from the risks. Keep it a rule to install a mobile device firewall and add one to your laptop.
According to cybersecurity specialists, you must consider AVG or Norton Security, which offer free versions or discounts for college students. Read the reviews and determine what fits your needs!
If you are unsure about how to keep the ports open and enable this or that for your favourite streaming devices, talk to the IT specialist at the college or discuss your concerns with a tech-savvy friend! Share your concerns and learn from his or her actions!
- Antivirus Software and Attachments.
Another important aspect is installing antivirus software and showing due caution when opening unknown attachments. Even when you download something shared by the teacher, double-check the link by hovering over it first! You can also check this brief list of things that you must follow as a student wishing to learn more about possible online threats as you are on campus and beyond! Remember to read your college’s guidelines about uploading attachments and the rules for accessing your campus via mobile devices.
- Word of Mouth Challenges.
Finally, the most important cybersecurity threat for college students is talking too much (literally!). When a college party takes place or when students leave their smartphones unlocked, it’s easy for anyone to access sensitive information like banking credentials and private photos.
It usually happens not because something is breached but because a person has left a device unattended or shared private data. The same is true for sharing too much on social media or when talking to strangers. Show due care, double-check who you talk to, and stay sober! In a certain sense, your firewall will always pay off!
Social Initiatives as a Part of Data Privacy Training
Another helpful option would be to implement various social campaigns that would address issues like cyberbullying, online harassment cases, and identity theft risks.
One can also discuss issues like plagiarism and cases where students have faced the theft of their original assignments by people locally or by someone from another country. It can easily happen when information is shared online or when a wrong link is clicked.
Hosting such campaigns and reminding people to participate will help college students see the importance of data privacy in practice. It will help to learn what to do and how to avoid the risks instead of focusing on cybersecurity theories alone!
BIO
Mary Herd approached data privacy issues with due seriousness and care. As an educator, she is constantly reminding students and university professors about the importance of keeping their valuable data safe. Follow Mary to see cybersecurity through the lens of a teacher who truly cares about making things safer for the field of education.