Guide: Cybersecurity for Students
As students, you have a lot going on—classes, extracurriculars, jobs, and your personal life. Scammers take advantage of this, targeting you when you’re busy or distracted. This guide will share tips for how to protect your personal and online information.
Need help?
If you are the victim of a security incident, or even if you spot something that seems scammy, get in touch with the ITS Service Desk as soon as possible. They will help to address the situation.
Types of security threats
Security threats that target students are increasingly common and, unfortunately, increasingly sophisticated. One of the most common cybersecurity threats is phishing, where scammers trick you into revealing your personal information, often via email or social media.
Connect securely
Random wireless hotspots are not secure, and using them can put your passwords and other data at risk.
- Use secure wireless access (eduroam) on campus.
- Use residential wireless access (ResWiFi) if you live in a campus residential hall.
- Verify the security of wireless at other locations.
Risks of file sharing
Although file sharing is not by itself illegal, if you share or download copyrighted material without permission–even unwittingly–you are breaking both the law and UC policy and could be subject to university, criminal, and/or civil sanctions.
In addition to legal concerns, file sharing can expose your computer to a number of security risks:
- Improperly configured file-sharing software can allow others access to your entire computer, not just to the files you intend to share.
- Viruses and malware can be transmitted by file-sharing software.
- Files offered by others may not always be what they say they are.
How to reduce file sharing risks:
- Run up-to-date antivirus software, required for Macs and PCs on campus.
- Make sure your file-sharing software is configured to only share the files you intend to share.
- Turn file sharing off when you’re not actively using it to avoid unknowingly sharing personal or copyrighted files.
- Understand appropriate and inappropriate use of copyrighted materials.
- Use legal file-sharing services for obtaining music, movies, TV, games, books, etc. on the Internet.
Security settings for Google
Google is great for email and its many other apps and tools. To use these services safely and securely:
- Visit Google’s Safety Center for more information on using Google service safely.
- Visit Google Apps Security to learn how to protect your account and private information.