As we all know that cybersecurity is a major concern for everyone. Young children and students are the most vulnerable group of individuals to cybersecurity. With the amount of time an individual spends online either through academic research purposes or staying active on social media platforms, there is always a vulnerability part.
Younger generations might not always be aware of the dangers they might need to face regarding personal data and information they share on the internet.

Why concerned about cybersecurity?

We might think that young children are not vulnerable to cyber-crimes as they don’t possess credit card history and financial assets but this might be the very reason for exposing a bigger risk of identity theft. By using these types of identities criminals can easily hide suspicious transactions and cyber-crimes.With the use of several devices like laptops and smartphones, electronic wearable gadgets for being online all the time, increase more options for attackers to steal personal information and data.

Here’s a list of the most common types of cyber attacks:

• Phishing: A person receives an email or a message in an attempt to get hold of their data. An example of a phishing scam is” you are the winner of the prize; enter your data to claim,” or “someone is trying to enter your bank account; fill your data to secure it.”All these types of phishing are the best way for attackers to retrieve individuals’ personal information and data. So the best way is to avoid them and to never open emails, and messages neither download such files nor share your data.

• Malware: These are viruses that steal information and damage devices. When someone downloads and installs this malicious software or files, they get access to your electronic gadgets.

• Man-in-the-middle: When two parties are exchanging information and a hacker interferes to steal personal information and data during the transmission process. This is quite dangerous as the victim is often unaware of someone breaching their account data.

• Brute force: This cyberattacks target companies rather than individuals. Criminals try out all types of password combinations until they find the correct one. This is one of the most dangerous threats that companies and organizations are facing to keep their clients and customer information from falling into the wrong hands.

Tips to stay safe online on the internet

Being proactive is the key to being secured from attackers and losing your personal information and data.

Here are several ways to be safe online :

• Surf internet carefully: It is obvious for the younger generation and students who conduct research and information collection online devotes a lot of time online but the rule of thumb is to only use secure internet connections and genuine websites. And never enter any personal information or credit card details on a site you don’t trust. Always look out for the HTTPS protocol to insure your information is protected from cyber-criminals.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi can prove to be dangerous as they are not protected by password and has the risk of man-in-the-middle and identity theft. Try not to use public Wi-Fi for financial transactions unless it’s an urgent case or try to use your cellular data for transactions.
Also try to use VPN services to hide your IP address and internet activity. It helps to protect your personal information on all networks.

• Security software: Installing antivirus programs on all of your electronic devices can save you and your files from being used by hackers. It acts as a security layer that helps to protect your financial as well as personal information.

• Download genuine apps: Download apps only from official stores, also pay attention to reviews previous users have posted about the app. Also, check the access that the app is requesting on your device. If a calendar software requests contact and microphone access, then it’s a red flag.

• Two-factor Authentication: Use Two-factor authentication for all accounts and devices as it adds one more layer of security and reduces cyber threats.

• Have regular Backups: It is a good habit of having backups either on cloud storage or physical drive. It helps you from losing your valuable files and documents or in cases where your device gets damaged.

Other online safety rules are :
1. Do not open links you are not sure about. Hackers might send a shady message from your friend’s account with a link.
2. Stay away from spam emails, never respond to them.
3. Do not download application software from untrusted sites, viruses might attack your device.
4. Only open protected and genuine websites.

Summary

Always be prepared for cyber threats and use as many available protective measures. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Invest in good antivirus software and use complex passwords for our accounts. If possible don’t try to reuse the same password for several accounts. Also, have a habit of regular checks on your bank account statements to see any shady transactions that might have occurred.