Internet Use
Internet Safety
With the ever-increasing integration of the internet into modern society, it should go without saying that staying safe on the Web is important, yet ever day countless individuals open themselves up to harm from the internet that can be potentially avoided. The threat of hackers, viruses, phishing, and other internet dangers are constant, but with the right knowledge, the risk of running into these can be minimized so that students do not have to worry while using the internet for academic purposes.
Students should be on guard against links from strangers that seem suspicious or that they are unfamiliar with, particularly if they are sent via email. This is a common way for viruses or phishing attempts to gain access. A virtual private network service (VPN) can help guard students against phishing attempts, hackers, and other threats to internet security, but they cost money. Helpful tips can also be effective in ensuring internet safety.
Care should also be taken when posting on social media. Sexually suggestive pictures or pictures displaying immature drinking, partying, pranks, or other potentially embarrassing/unprofessional material may seem like innocent fun during the teen and young adult years, but they can have consequences for professional careers farther down the line. If students wish to be taken seriously and professionally in the future, they should pay careful attention to how they portray themselves online. Embarrassing posts can easily leak into the wrong hands, including coworkers, employees, bosses, and students. In addition, refrain from posting personal information like phone number or address on social media, as it can invite harassment and unwanted contact.
Backing up files is another basic way to enhance security on any device. In the off chance a student device is hacked, broken, or becomes unusable, there will be no need to panic, as all files stored on that device will be readily available on a storage device, cloud, or backup program. One of the best ways to avoid hacking is by making strong passwords. Although simple passwords may be easier to remember, they also make them easier to be deciphered. Passwords should be 8 characters or longer, contain different capitalizations, symbols, and numbers in order to be considered strong. With these precautions taken, students can keep internet dangers to a minimum.
Students should be on guard against links from strangers that seem suspicious or that they are unfamiliar with, particularly if they are sent via email. This is a common way for viruses or phishing attempts to gain access. A virtual private network service (VPN) can help guard students against phishing attempts, hackers, and other threats to internet security, but they cost money. Helpful tips can also be effective in ensuring internet safety.
Care should also be taken when posting on social media. Sexually suggestive pictures or pictures displaying immature drinking, partying, pranks, or other potentially embarrassing/unprofessional material may seem like innocent fun during the teen and young adult years, but they can have consequences for professional careers farther down the line. If students wish to be taken seriously and professionally in the future, they should pay careful attention to how they portray themselves online. Embarrassing posts can easily leak into the wrong hands, including coworkers, employees, bosses, and students. In addition, refrain from posting personal information like phone number or address on social media, as it can invite harassment and unwanted contact.
Backing up files is another basic way to enhance security on any device. In the off chance a student device is hacked, broken, or becomes unusable, there will be no need to panic, as all files stored on that device will be readily available on a storage device, cloud, or backup program. One of the best ways to avoid hacking is by making strong passwords. Although simple passwords may be easier to remember, they also make them easier to be deciphered. Passwords should be 8 characters or longer, contain different capitalizations, symbols, and numbers in order to be considered strong. With these precautions taken, students can keep internet dangers to a minimum.
Tools for Using the Internet
Google Scholar-Google Scholar is a search engine powered by Google that is dedicated to scholarly research Creative Commons-Provides students access to countless works of music, images, educational material, and more that are free to use. Microsoft Academic-A top and very effective alternative to Google Scholar that provides many of the same search functions. |
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