Back-to-College Safety: Protecting Students in a Digital World August 20, 2024

As the vacations come to an end and a new academic year approaches, many emotions are mixed. Some students are starting their freshman year, while others are in their senior year. With so much going on, as a parent, it's important to pay close attention to their digital safety. Even though we’re in a digital era, there are many measures that students are not considering, which could end up at risk due to their reliance on technology for everything from academic work to social interaction.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of safeguarding personal information and staying safe online and on-campus. You can share this information in a casual conversation with your children, loved ones, or anyone else, so they can be more aware of digital safety measures for the upcoming academic year.

The Growing Importance of Digital Safety for College Students #

The digital landscape has drastically evolved over the past decade, and college students are among the most active users of technology. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, 99% of young adults aged 18 to 29 own a smartphone, and 96% use the internet daily. This high level of connectivity, while beneficial for education and communication, also exposes students to significant risks, including data breaches, identity theft, and cyberbullying.

Moreover, a 2023 study by the Identity Theft Resource Center found that college students are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, primarily because they often lack robust security measures. Many students are unaware of the risks associated with using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, sharing personal information on social media, or failing to use strong passwords. As a result, they are more vulnerable to cyberattacks that can compromise their personal data and financial information.

You can also read: Securing Your Dorm Room: A Guide for College Students

The previous data is a reminder to be aware of the digital risks that college students are exposed to and the main reason why we consider this topic should be on every family table. From time to time you can create the space to have a conversation about digital safety measures and a list of examples, to give them a better idea of the threats they can fall into if they do not put in practice security measures.

Practical Tips for Digital Safety on Campus #

Given the risks, college students must adopt strategies to protect their digital identity and personal information. Here are some practical tips for parents to start the conversation:

1. Secure devices with strong passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   The Identity Theft Resource Center 2023 Report revealed that 59% of users reuse the same password across multiple accounts, significantly increasing the risk of a security breach.

Keeping in mind that college students bring their computers and other electronic devices to college, they should create unique, complex passwords for each equip and account and also enable MFA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to accounts.

2. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi:
   Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly found in libraries, cafes, and dorms, are notoriously insecure. Cybercriminals can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks. Students should avoid accessing sensitive information, such as banking details or personal emails, while on public Wi-Fi. Instead, using mobile data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic can offer better protection.

You might be interested in: 5 Scenarios Where HelpYouFind.Me Becomes Your Lifeline

3. Manage Social Media Privacy Settings:
   Social media platforms are a treasure trove of personal information that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Students should regularly review and adjust their privacy settings to control who can see their posts and personal details. An extra safety measure is to curate their follower list, explaining to them the importance of keeping that list shorter, since there could be an infiltrate person waiting for the right moment to get information from stories or another social media format.

4. Safeguard Personal Documents Digitally:
   College students often need to keep track of important documents like identification, financial records, and academic transcripts. Digitalizing these documents and storing them in a secure, encrypted platform like HelpYouFind.Me can ensure they are protected from physical theft and unauthorized access. This also provides a backup in case the original documents are lost or damaged.

HelpYouFind.Me: A Digital Safety Net for College Students #

When talking about digital safety, HelpYouFind.Me (HYF.M) stands out and if you haven't heard about our security platform, this is the moment to learn more about it and consider it in your family safety plan.

HYF.M is an end-to-end encrypted digital vault designed to store and securely share personal information. For college students, this platform offers a range of features that enhance digital safety and provide peace of mind. With HelpYouFind.Me, students can securely store copies of critical documents such as passports, driver's licenses, and financial information, and share them only with trusted contacts. The platform uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that this data is protected from unauthorized access, and only you and those you choose to share it with can access it.

Learn more about: What to Do If You Believe You're Being Followed

Furthermore, HYF.M allows students to create an "If I Go Missing" folder, which can be a valuable tool in emergencies. This feature enables students to compile and store all essential information, including emergency contacts, medical details, and last-known locations, which can be accessed by trusted individuals if the student is unreachable. In a world where digital threats are increasingly common, having a secure repository for such information can make a significant difference.

Last but not least: Tips for Regular Digital Safety Conversations with College Students #

As your child heads off to college, it’s important to establish an ongoing dialogue about digital safety. To make these conversations more effective, consider incorporating them into your regular check-ins. Start by discussing recent events or news stories related to digital security, which can help make the topic feel more relevant and less like a lecture. Ask open-ended questions about how they’re managing their online presence and if they’ve encountered any new security challenges. This approach not only educates but also empowers your child to take ownership of their digital safety.

Additionally, you can set up a routine, such as a monthly “digital check-up,” where you and your child review their online security practices together. Encourage them to update passwords, review social media privacy settings, and ensure their devices are protected. By making these conversations a regular part of your relationship, you’re helping your child build a lifelong habit of staying safe in the digital world.

Share these tips with your friends and family, and don’t forget to share your back-to-college digital safety tips and experiences with us on social media.

Written by

Vanessa Martínez