Tips for College Students to Deter Identity Theft
With the start of the school year quickly approaching, the PrivacyGuard team would like to offer tips to college students to prevent Identity Theft. Research from Javelin Research & Strategy identifies 18-24 year olds as consumers who are most likely to engage in risky electronic behavior, so college students should definitely be mindful of their online behavior while at school!
Tip #1: Use a Strong Password on Your Computer
The use of a strong login password on a computer is a way to prevent fraud from occurring in a dormitory setting. Doing so can prevent roommates and strangers alike from logging on to a potential victim’s computer. We recommend using passwords with upper and lower case letters, mixed with numbers and symbols.
Tip #2: Protect Your Computer with Antivirus Software
Be certain to install antivirus software and to regularly update it to protect your computer from online threats. This is particularly important as universities move their data to the cloud, and continual connectivity to the internet becomes more prevalent in day to day studies.
I was required to update my antivirus software every semester while I attended college. Even if your University doesn’t require it, we highly recommend updating the software on your own!
Tip #3 Don’t Transact Over Public Wi-Fi
While Public Wi-Fi offers an exceptional degree of convenience, it’s important to realize that thieves are able to intercept information being sent over the technology. Students are discouraged from sending any personal information, from credit/debit card numbers to social security numbers via public Wi-Fi.
As a college student, it is nearly impossible to follow this piece of advice, but it is an important factor to keeping your identity safe at school!
We have mentioned University Data Breaches before in our blog, so we know that they do occasionally occur. Don’t let yourself become a victim! Be sure to check out our previous series for college kids, and de mindful of protecting your identity when returning to campus this fall!
Posted by Katie