College is an exciting time for students to gain independence, learn new skills, and make lifelong connections. However, they might overlook their digital safety by spending so much time online—whether for studying, socializing, or streaming. Identity theft, phishing scams, and hacking are on the rise, and students can be easy targets. Below are four cybersecurity tips college students should know to help them stay safe and secure online.
Secure Your Devices
Keeping your laptops, phones, and tablets secure is the first line of defense against cyber threats. The best way to do this is by ensuring all software is up to date. Tech companies regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, so clicking “update later” is a bad habit.
Equally important is setting strong, unique passwords for each account or device. A strong password includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Encourage your student to use a password manager instead of scribbling passwords on sticky notes or recycling the same one across all accounts to manage multiple passwords.
Be Wary of Phishing Attempts and Scams
Phishing emails and scams are more common than ever, especially during the holidays and shopping sprees tied to student discounts. Teach your college student to double-check emails and text messages that ask for personal information or urge them to act quickly by urgently advertising a large prize. Scammers often try to mimic legitimate brands, so hovering over links to see their true web address before clicking on them is a smart move.
Remind them to shop online using trusted retailers’ official websites instead of clicking on ads or links that might lead to fraudulent pages. Additionally, learning how to avoid fraud during the holidays and beyond is an important skill they’ll use long after college.
Use Secure Networks and Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but notoriously risky when it comes to data security. These open networks make it easy for hackers to intercept sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. Make sure your student knows to avoid checking bank accounts, making online purchases, or entering sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. Investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a solid alternative, providing secure browsing even on shared networks.
Be Mindful of What You Share Online
Social media is a fun way to stay connected, but oversharing can lead to serious privacy risks. Students should think twice before posting details about their location, vacation plans, or personal information that a hacker could exploit. Hackers often use publicly available information to guess security questions or perform social engineering attacks. A great rule of thumb is to set profiles to private and share details sparingly—especially ones they wouldn’t want strangers to know.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern, and no one is immune to the risks lurking online. By understanding these four cybersecurity tips college students should know, you can help your student take proactive steps to guard their digital lives. Cyber safety isn’t a chore—it’s a smart life skill that will serve them well throughout college and beyond.
