Either you are a highschool student or a university student, online learning has been around you for a while even before the pandemic mostly in universities for sharing learning material, updating student information, exam results and other academic information.
Even though it is not strictly practiced everyday anymore, students still attend online classes by their teachers and lectures which has become a convenience for everyone.
But do you need to be worried about online learning?
Let’s find out.
The rise of online education has also brought new challenges to students, such as the threat of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity has become a crucial concern for students in Sri Lanka, as they spend more time online for their education.
Here are some of the common ways you can be in the center of cyber attacks as a student.
Malware
Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm your computer or steal your personal information. Malware can be spread through email attachments, downloads, and infected websites. It can be used to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal data.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a type of cyber-attack that uses email or fake websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information. These emails or websites may look like they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a university, but they are actually fake.
Man-in-the-middle attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks occur when a hacker intercepts communication between two parties, such as a student and their online learning platform. The hacker can then steal sensitive information or modify the communication to their advantage.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is a type of cyber-attack that involves tricking people into divulging sensitive information. This can include tactics such as impersonation, baiting, or pre-texting. Hackers may use social engineering tactics to gain access to a student’s online learning platform or steal their personal information.
Denial-of-service attacks
Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks occur when a hacker floods a website or network with traffic, causing it to crash and become unavailable. This can prevent students from accessing their online learning platforms and completing their coursework.
You must have already heard of the above terminologies or even if not must have been pretty concerned as of now. But the hope is not all lost for your student life.
So what should you do as a student to be safe from cyber attacks?
Create Strong and Unique Passwords
One of the easiest ways to protect your online student life is to create strong and unique passwords. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords, such as your name, birth date, or pet’s name. Instead, use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to create a complex password. Additionally, do not use the same password for multiple accounts, as this can put all your accounts at risk if one gets compromised.
Update Your Software and Antivirus Programs Regularly
Keeping your software and antivirus programs up to date is crucial for protecting your computer from cyber-attacks. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your computer. Therefore, make sure to regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software. Additionally, install a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated to ensure your computer is protected from malware and other cyber threats.
Be Cautious When Clicking Links and Downloading Files
Cybercriminals often use phishing emails or fake websites to trick users into downloading malware or giving away their personal information. To avoid falling for these scams, be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources. Always check the URL and make sure it is a legitimate website before entering any personal information.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password, to access your account. This makes it much harder for cyber criminals to access your accounts even if they have your password.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection
Public Wi-Fi networks can be a breeding ground for cyber-attacks. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks, including login credentials and other sensitive information. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like online banking or entering credit card information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and keep it secure.
Let’s not forget! Securing student learning platforms, student information systems and other academic platforms is crucial in protecting personal information of students and teachers without making yourself vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Here are some tips from Emsisoft to secure your student learning platform.
Use Secure Authentication Methods
Use a secure authentication method, such as multi-factor authentication, to ensure that only authorized users can access the platform. Require users to set strong passwords, and periodically prompt them to update their passwords.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Keep the learning platform’s software up-to-date to ensure that it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. This will help prevent vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Use Encryption
Use encryption to secure data transmitted over the platform. This will help prevent cybercriminals from intercepting and stealing sensitive information.
Regularly Monitor the Platform
Regularly monitor the platform for suspicious activity, such as multiple failed login attempts or unusual access patterns. Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems to automatically detect and block malicious activity.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in the platform. Work with a cyber security professional to ensure that the platform is adequately secured.
It is important to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your online student life from cyber-attacks. By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Remember, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so make sure to spread the word and help others stay safe online.
