Using the internet is essential when you are a college student. The vast majority of college students use the web to revise for exams, to research and submit assignments, and to communicate with friends and family. However, to ensure your safety and security, there are a number of steps you will need to take when surfing the web.

Here are three tips to ensure internet security in college.

1. Ensuring that your computer is safe and secure

When using the internet at college, make sure that the computer is equipped with the latest security software and web browser to minimize the risk of viruses, threats and other threats.

Make sure that your computer firewall is turned on. If you are using a shared computer in a library or classroom, you may be unable to change the security settings of the computer without permission from the relevant department of your college. If you suspect that the computer is unsafe, or doesn’t have the latest security updates installed, contact a member of staff.

USBs and other devices that you connect to the computer can sometimes contain viruses so will need to be scanned via the security software on your computer.

Ensure that your computer is able to update the latest software updates automatically. You will be able to customize your security settings from the control panel of your security software. Remember, software updates are one of the most important tools to protect safety and security of college students on Internet.

2. Protecting your personal information when browsing the web

You may have to provide some personal information when purchasing items online at college, or when submitting personal details to faculty or members of college staff. Security will need to be adhered to at all times to minimize the risk of cyber-crime.

When choosing a password for an online account, make sure it contains both a capital letter and a number. Your password should be strong enough so that it will not be easily guessed by other people.

Create unique passwords for different online accounts. You may need to create a password to access your college emails for example, or to submit assignments online. Separate passwords for individual online accounts can minimize the cyber-criminals from accessing your details.

Never leave your computer or laptop unattended when you in a public space, for example at the college library or when in a classroom or lecture theatre. Take care to lock the computer and to password protect the account on your operating system to safeguard against other people accessing private information.

3. Protecting college work and assignments

You will most likely be spending long hours completely assignments and other work when at college, so care must be taken to back up your work.
Make an electronic copy of all files, documents, photos, and folders and store this in a safe place using not so complex backup tools. Not only will this ensure that no-body can access your files if your laptop or computer is stolen, but you will be able to access these files if your computer has become affected by a virus.

Label USBs so you can find the files that you are looking for quickly. You may also want to include a phone number or email address on the label so somebody can contact you if you lose it.