Cybersecurity Awareness for Online College Learners  

Online learning offers unparalleled flexibility, making a college degree accessible to students regardless of their life circumstances or work obligations. In an online degree program, students complete e-learning modules, read digital textbooks, and engage with course materials using the internet. Because they spend so much time online, these students must be especially vigilant against cybersecurity threats that can jeopardize their personal information. Phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and scams targeting college students can have a devastating impact, potentially leading to identity theft, privacy violations, and significant financial loss. 

If you’re an online student or soon will be, keep reading to explore practical ways to protect against cyberattacks and ensure a safe online learning experience.

What Is Cybersecurity Awareness? 

Cybersecurity experts estimate that computer crimes are on the rise, with cyberattacks occurring once every 39 seconds on average. Knowing about these threats is the first step to avoiding them. Cybersecurity awareness empowers you to recognize and defend against cybercrime through proactive measures.

Typically, cyberattacks target your personal information, such as banking details and social security numbers. For example, during ransomware attacks, cybercriminals hold your files or data hostage and demand payment for their release. In a social engineering scam, fraudsters try to manipulate you into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive information. Cyberattacks can also involve identity theft, where criminals impersonate you so that they can open new accounts and make unauthorized purchases. 

Tips to Protect Your Digital Identity 

Cybercriminals leverage increasingly sophisticated methods to steal information. As an online student, you should consistently use proactive defense strategies to protect your digital identity. Strong passwords, multifactor authentication, antivirus software, and other safeguards offer protection on their own, but they’re most effective when combined. In today’s digital world, defending against cybercrime requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating several different strategies and tools. 

Secure All Devices 

Whether you’re protecting a laptop, smartphone, email account, or personal files, a strong password is one of the first lines of defense. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the best passwords are at least 16 characters long and include a random mix of numbers, letters, and symbols. Most importantly, your passwords should be unique. Reusing passwords for multiple accounts or devices creates significant security vulnerabilities. A password manager that generates and stores passwords can simplify the process and eliminate the need for you to remember each password.

Install Antivirus Software 

Antivirus software such as Norton, Windows Defender, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky automatically defend your devices against cyber threats. By regularly scanning for and deleting malicious programs, this software ensures that laptops, computers, and other devices are free of security threats. Many antivirus programs also include a firewall that acts as a barrier between the device and the internet. The firewall monitors all downloads and blocks suspicious content before it ever reaches your device. 

Limit Personal Information Sharing 

The internet has made it easier than ever to share life events and connect with loved ones online. Unfortunately, posting personal information online also creates security vulnerabilities. Hackers can use anything from your birthday to your pet’s name to guess your passwords and gain access to your accounts. It's important to be especially cautious when sharing sensitive information such as your online banking credentials, social security number, or passwords. Only disclose this information when it’s absolutely necessary and when you’re certain of the recipient's identity.

Use Communal Workstations with Caution 

If you use public computers at a library or other shared workspace, take the following actions to reduce cybersecurity threats:

• Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals can intercept data transmitted on unsecured networks. Using the mobile hotspot feature on your personal device is a much safer alternative.  
• Use cloud platforms instead of portable drives. Avoid connecting flash drives or external hard drives to shared computers, as these can be conduits for viruses and malware. 
• Log out of websites before leaving. To ensure confidentiality, manually log out of all the websites and programs you used on a shared computer.
• Delete cookies and temporary files. These records can contain your log-in credentials, browsing history, and other sensitive information. 
• Don’t leave your device unattended. Always log out before leaving a shared computer—even if it's for a short break. It only takes a few minutes for your personal information to be compromised. 

Keep Devices Updated 

When asked to install an update, many people click “remind me later” more times than they like to admit. While the process can be time-consuming, updating devices is vital for online safety as it ensures that the latest patches and security features are installed. Turning on automatic update settings can help you ensure that your computer always has the latest protection against cybersecurity threats. 

Remember to Back Up 

Backing up a file simply means copying and pasting it to another location, such as an external hard drive or cloud account. This practice ensures that your files aren’t lost if a device is damaged or destroyed. It's also a practical way to protect against ransomware attacks. During a ransomware attack, a hacker uses encryption to make your files unreadable. The hacker then demands ransom money in exchange for decrypting your files. By creating backups, you can reduce hackers’ power over you.

Use Multifactor Authentication 

Multifactor authentication or two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional level of security beyond a password. Once 2FA is enabled for an account, you’ll need two different types of verification to access it. For instance, a cloud platform might require you to enter a password and provide an answer to a security question before you can view the cloud files. Or, you might have to input a code sent to your cell phone before accessing an email account on a new computer. With multifactor authentication, a hacker cannot access your account with just a password. Set up 2FA whenever possible to establish an added line of defense against cybersecurity threats. 

Learn More about Cybersecurity 

Online safety has become a critical priority for individuals and organizations alike. Escalating cyber threats and data breaches have created an urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can develop and implement effective security measures. 

If you’re interested in joining the growing cybersecurity field, a cybersecurity degree from WGU can equip you with the latest skills and competencies needed to succeed. Our B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree covers in-demand subjects, such as data management, digital forensics, hacking countermeasures and techniques, penetration testing, and cryptography. The M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree explores advanced cybersecurity topics, including secure software design, risk management, and cybersecurity architecture and engineering. 

At WGU, classes are online and competency based. You can study when and where it's convenient and progress through courses as soon as you demonstrate mastery of the material. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional seeking career advancement or a recent high school graduate eager to begin a lucrative career path, WGU can help you achieve your goals. Apply today!