Though you may think that school is a safe place for your cybersecurity, this isn’t always the case.
Students and teachers can be targeted by cybercriminals at any time, including during the school day. That’s why it’s important to know how they and parents/guardians of students can make sure everyone is protected while they’re at school.
So, what are the risks here, and how can you stay safe?
How to stay cyber safe at school
Whether you're a student or a teacher heading back to class, or a parent/guardian preparing your family for the school season, here are some essential cyber safety tips to follow and make back-to-school season stress-free.
Keep devices updated
Ensure that all devices, including smartphones, laptops and tablets, are regularly updated with the latest security patches and software updates.
These updates often contain fixes for known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may use.
Create strong, unique passwords
Avoid using easily guessable passwords like ‘123456’ or ’password’. Instead, choose complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
Consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
Beware of phishing attempts
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages or calls asking for personal information or login credentials.
Cybercriminals often use phishing techniques to trick individuals into sharing sensitive data.
If you receive a suspicious message, verify the sender's identity before responding or clicking on any links.
Practice safe social media habits
Review privacy settings on social media platforms and limit the amount of personal information you share publicly.
Be wary of friend requests or messages from unknown individuals, and think twice before posting anything that could compromise your safety or reputation.
Stay vigilant on public Wi-Fi
Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as they might not be secure.
Avoid accessing sensitive information or logging into accounts that include confidential data while using public Wi-Fi. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for an extra layer of encryption and security.
Be mindful of downloads and links
Only download software, apps or files from trusted sources, such as official app stores or reputable websites.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages, as they may contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
Secure your home network
If you're learning from home, ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is properly secure with a strong password and encryption.
Regularly update your router's firmware and consider enabling additional security features, such as firewall protection.
Backup your data regularly
Protect your important files and documents by regularly backing them up to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
In the event of a cyber attack or data loss, backing up your data means that you can quickly recover your information.
Making sure you’re safe at school
With these simple yet effective tips, you can make sure that yourself or someone you know has a safe and secure back-to-school experience.
Going back to school brings its own set of stressors, but the Admiral Cyber and Identity Theft helpline can provide peace of mind and support every step of the way.
Admiral’s Personal Cyber and Identity Theft Helpline
If you have Platinum Home Insurance or Family Legal Protection as an add-on with us, you have access to our Personal Cyber and Identity Theft Helpline.
This helpline can be used to get support and advice from experienced fraud and cyber specialists if you’ve fallen victim to things like:
- identity theft
- fraudulent fund transfer
- cyber extortion
- financial loss
- breach of personal information
- cyber bullying
The helpline can help you with a range of things, including:
- documenting evidence and filing reports
- notifying authorities and liaising with banks and financial service providers
- securing accounts and helping with password changes
- giving advice on protection
- working out if data backups are available
Cyber specialists will also give you advice on how to protect yourself from any future attacks.
To see if you have access to it, check your cover in MyAccount.
