In October, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security co-sponsor National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that people have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. This year’s theme is “See Yourself In Cyber,” which emphasizes personal responsibility in cybersecurity.

With the vast amount of personal and educational information available online, students are prime targets for cyber criminals. By understanding the basics of cybersecurity, students can protect themselves and their information from being compromised.

How to Practice Good Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene is the practice of taking steps to protect oneself from digital threats. It is important for students to be aware of these dangers and take precautions, such as using strong passwords and being careful about what information they share online. Cyber hygiene is a way to keep yourself safe in our increasingly connected world.

Cyber Hygiene Tips for Students

Cyber hygiene is important for everyone, but especially for students who are using the internet more and more for school. Here are some tips on how to practice good cyber hygiene:

• Keep your software up to date - this includes your operating system, web browser, and any apps you use. Outdated software can be full of security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

• Be careful what you click on - phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking on a link or attachment that will install malware on your computer. If you aren't expecting an email from a company, be wary of clicking on links or opening attachments.
• Install security updates and use antivirus software - always keep your operating system, programs, and apps up to date with the latest security patches and fixes.
• Use different passwords for each account - if you are using the same password for multiple accounts, a hacker who gets access to one of your accounts can easily access other accounts too.
• Use strong passwords - a strong password is longer and has both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. If possible use a passphrase instead of a password. A passphrase is like a sentence that you can easily remember but is difficult to guess or crack.
• Use a password manager - with the help of a password manager, it is possible to create strong passwords and automatically log into websites.
• Use two-factor authentication - use two-factor authentication whenever you can. This will require someone to enter a code in addition to your password when logging into an account.
• Use a VPN - use a Virtual Private Network to protect yourself when using pubic wifi.
• Don't download software from unfamiliar sites.