Emerging Trend: Cybersecurity for Students
With society becoming increasing more dependent on technology, cybersecurity is important now more than ever! Due to the pandemic, public schools across the U.S. have integrated one-to-one technology to make education accessible to students from a distance. Technology in schools isn't new; what has changed is the access students have 24/7 to technology usually without the knowledge or guidance to use it safely and appropriately. Below are my cybersecurity tips for students that educators can use in their classrooms to teach digital literacy.
Beware of Scams
Show students examples of common scams that can be found on social media, email, and even websites. Have a discussion with your students about being cautious on using random websites and clicking on items that look suspicious. Also include that it's not a good idea to respond to messages or follow requests from strangers. Remember, if it's too good to be true, it usually is!
Avoid Posting or Sharing Personal Information
In the golden age of social media, it's easy for students to share a lot about their personal lives on their social media accounts. Sharing too much information can give hackers clues to your passwords and other sensitive information they shouldn't have. Always be mindful of what you share publicly!
Use Secure Wi-Fi
Using secure Wi-Fi is extremely important when out in public or using a shared Wi-Fi source. Using a secure connection will prevent your accounts from getting hacked and can prevent your device from picking up viruses.
Resources
Cybersecurity in education: What teachers, parents and students should know. Berkeley Boot Camps. (2020, September 3). Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://bootcamp.berkeley.edu/blog/cybersecurity-in-education-what-teachers-parents-and-students-should-know/#resources-for-parents
5 Tips for Cyber Security Safety with Mayim Bialik . (2020, January 22). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOtQ21hXJ7k
