Back up Files
Just like important personal documents stored on your computer, school files should be backed up as well. This gives you peace of mind that any papers or projects you have worked on will not be lost should something happen to your computer. With ever-advancing technology in the 21st century, there are multiple ways to back up files.
• External Hard Drive. Plug in an external hard drive to the USB port on your computer and you can back up your entire computer or specific files of your choosing. External hard drives often have the capability to store large amounts of data and are typically not outrageously priced. One thing to keep in mind though, is that an external hard drive is another item to keep track of. If you lose it or if it gets stolen along with your computer, you’ll lose your backup. It is also important to plug it into your computer regularly so your most recent files will be backed up.
• Cloud Storage. Using a cloud storage backup method allows you to sync your files to an online storage service, where they are backed up to their servers. Because you typically access cloud storage services through a website or app, you can access and open your files almost anywhere – whether that be on your home computer, a public computer at the school library, or on your mobile device. If your personal computer ever fails, you can simply open the cloud service on another device and pull up or re-download the files you need. There are many options for cloud backup services depending on your needs. Some offer free storage options and there are usually paid options for those who need to store a large amount of files. Well-known free options include Google Drive and DropBox.
• USB Flash Drive. Like an external hard drive, a flash drive is an external backup device that you must keep track of. Although the storage limit with a flash drive is often lower than that of an external hard drive, it’s typically more portable. By copying files to a flash drive, you can easily open them on almost any computer by simply plugging the drive into the device’s USB port. This flexibility and portability can be especially helpful if you’ll be working on a file both at school and at home.
Install Antivirus Protection
Be sure you have some sort of antivirus software on your computer to prevent against viruses and malware. There are many options at a wide range of prices, but even reputable software on the cheaper end will protect your computer. If you already have antivirus software, be sure it is always updated to the latest version.
Even with antivirus protection, it’s important to be aware of what you access while connected to a shared Wi-Fi connection. Although most school networks are locked down by some form of security, shared networks can make it easy for crooks to access your information. If you are doing schoolwork on a public network, be sure you are not opening documents or websites that contain sensitive or financial information like tuition forms or online banking sites.
Stay Aware and Be Cautious
Unfortunately, scammers are coming up with new tactics to fool people every single day. They can attempt to access your information through email, social media, text messages and more. Being aware of scams can prevent you from falling victim to one. Check to see if your school’s IT department has an alert system set up to notify you of recent scams or viruses.
Keep in mind that college students may interact with people in their classrooms that they barely know. Likewise, parents of younger students may not always be familiar with everyone in their child’s classes. Because of this, it is important to be cautious of who people say they are over the internet. If you get an email from a teacher or student that you do not know, even if it comes from your school’s email domain, keep your guard up. Be wary of interacting with someone you do not know through email, social media, or a school discussion board. Specifically, it’s helpful to look out for the following red flags:
• Strange or unexpected requests
• Links leading to a different URL than what is stated in the email or message (always hover over a link to verify the URL before clicking)
• Urgent requests that threaten consequences if action is not taken quickly
• Misspellings within the message, or switched letters in the sender's address
• Messages containing low-quality graphics or school logos
Even if you do recognize the sender of an email or text message, if the communication seems odd, get in touch with the sender through alternative means to verify it really came from them. If you don’t know the sender, contact the school to see if the communication is legitimate. You should also be wary of friend requests and messages you receive through social media.
No matter how familiar you are with your computer and the internet, it is always safe to err on the side of caution if you are not 100% confident whether something is legitimate or secure. Even if a file, URL, or website contains your school’s name, it could still be phony. If something looks off, close out of the communication and access what you need through a verified website or phone number. For more cybersecurity tips, visit BankFive’s dedicated Internet Security page. Have a great school year!