In the last 10 years, teens and young adults have always been the two groups most likely to be online. Studies show nearly 95% teens are connected to a smartphone and 45% report that they’re connected ‘almost always’.

With the increasing presence and intelligence the internet has the internet has, cybersecurity is important more so than ever. Protecting your networks, systems and software secure from digital attack is becoming more of a threat, especially for university students.

Wherever you’re studying anywhere in the world, a laptop is essential for finishing projects, studying materials and even taking classes! Without having a laptop, you’ll be impossible to fulfill your obligations in the classroom, so it’s vital to ensure that your laptop and the contents secure and protected.

While campus security is a major concern for most parents, parents are likely to also worry for their security online.

Okay… we’re celebrating Computer Security Day, so we’ve compiled a list guidelines to help keep your accounts and your laptop safe from hackers and thieves!

1. Utilize a firewall, an antivirus and antispyware application

Many colleges will install an application to protect your data for free and this is especially true for campuses that have just one or two wifi networks to all of the campus, making it more difficult for hackers to hack your personal information and allowing hackers to gain access to hundreds of users through just one vulnerability.Join Us companionlink.com website

2. Be wary of clicking on suspicious hyperlinks or attachments included in emails or messages.

If you get an email or message from someone else you don’t know (or even someone you do know) that includes links or attachments that look like they might be spam… be sure not to open the email or attachments! You must delete the email immediately and clean your trash bin. There is a chance that these viruses could infect your home.

3. You can invest in credit cards

This might sound like a lot of fun… considering that I’m certain you’ve heard of the debt credit card can result in if they’re not paid off in a timely manner, however shopping online using credit cards is much more secure than shopping with a debit card. The debit card you use is linked up to your bank account. That means If someone takes your debit card’s information it will be able to gain direct access and access to the cash in your account. You should be sure to examine your credit card’s statement often and notify your bank immediately whenever you observe any suspicious transactions. If you’re approved for the credit card you want, keep up with monthly payments so that you don’t get costly fees for paying late.

4. Backup your files

We recommend investing in a portable hard drive, particularly during the finals season. There’s nothing more devastating than the loss of months of hard work due to a security breach. There are always risks, and it’s best to be prepared for anything. While you’re probably not attacked, you might spill a cup of coffee on your laptop or computer and then lose everything. It is better to be secure rather than sorry!

5. Lock your dorm room

Never leave your dorm room unlocked! Your laptop is not the only thing stored in there, but the same is your personal possessions (and your roommate’s, in the event that there is one). Be cautious when you grant access to your space as well. Although someone might seem nice, it’s best to make sure nobody has access to your home with you not present. Avoid storing your laptop in your vehicle in case it’s able to be broken into and stolen.

6. Cleanse old devices

If you purchase a brand new mobile or laptop on campus, you should make sure to scrub your old one clean before reselling. It’s not always easy when you do it correctly so ensure you adhere to the instructions on the internet carefully or take your device to a local library or store to receive additional assistance.

7. Make sure you use strong passwords, and play around with passwords

When you create passwords for your accounts, choose ones that contain alphabets with capital letters and distinctive characters. Avoid using things like “password” or “123456′. Additionally, you should use different variations of your passwords for multiple accounts. By using the common password for all this could result in hackers’ access to every account.

8. Be smart on social media

While social media can be an excellent platform for updating your loved ones and friends about what is happening with you, it’s definitely essential to observe who’s that are following you on Twitter. Based on the number of followers you have, you should consider sensoring your posts with your social network. If you have many followers, be careful posting your address, location, etc. because it might give someone an idea that they are away while your belongings at the house are not being attended to. We recommend keeping your accounts private and monitoring your followers to ensure your pictures and data are safe.

9. Enable two-factor authentication

Many email providers offer this method to safeguard accounts. It might not seem necessary but it does increase the strength of your password and helps protect you from being compromised. It is possible to set this up using your mobile device, or with an application.

10. Don’t share your passwords

The reason for passwords is they were created to be confidential and strictly for your personal use. Be cautious of sharing your password as divulging confidential details gives them direct accessibility to your personal accounts. Sharing Netflix is a sign of caring But if your Netflix password for Netflix is also your password for all your accounts… may be best to keep it private.