Be a safer student online

When you go to university or college, it seems like everything’s online – probably more so than at school because you inevitably need to take responsibility for more aspects of your life. However, being online more means that you need to take more care about avoiding the various harms we all come up against every day.

But with life suddenly becoming a whole lot busier, are you going to have time to even think about it? Start by reading our expert advice.

How to live a trouble-free student life online.

Don’t fall victim to fraud

Fraudulent texts, emails, DMs and calls claiming to be from your bank, student loan provider, HMRC and other trusted organisations are commonplace. Overseas students are often targeted by visa fraudsters too. Think twice before clicking on links or attachments, or allowing callers access to your devices or accounts.

Banking

Keep your banking and other financial details private, and make money transfers safely via your mobile wallet or banking app. Get to know your Student Money Adviser.

Buying

If you’re buying from or subscribing at a website for the first time, check if it’s likely to be legit or fraudulent by using the Check a Website tool on your Get Safe Online website.

Making payments

Avoid paying a person or company you don’t know by bank transfer for things like purchases, accommodation deposits and fees. Using a card is considerably safer.

Accommodation

Check in person that the flat or room you’ve seen advertised really exists, and make sure the advertiser is authentic before parting with any money. Pay deposits and any other up-front payments by credit card for extra protection.

Oversharing

Keep financial and other confidential details to yourself, as well as passwords and other login details. Review your location settings on phones, cameras and apps to help protect your physical safety. Avoid freebies and prize draws asking for confidential data. And remember that innocently shared intimate images can fall into the wrong hands.

Respect & Responsibility

There’s no place online for any kind of abuse, hate speech, gender-based violence, forcing views on others or criminal activity. And remember: the majority of employers will check out your social media profiles when they’ve got your job application.

Mobile devices and Wi-Fi

Protect your phone, laptop and tablet from loss or theft. If what you’re doing online when out and about is confidential or financial, steer clear of using Wi-Fi hotspots as there’s no guarantee they’re secure. Review your device, camera and app location services.

Gambling

Betting can become a bad habit. If you’re tempted, think about the more positive things you could do with your money and time. Also, remember that there can be a fine line between gaming and gambling.

Dating

Use a reputable app or site and keep conversations on its messaging platform. Not everyone is who they claim to be … some use online dating to commit fraud or arrange a hookup for the wrong reasons. Don’t be afraid to block or say NO!

If it feels wrong, don’t do it!

Don’t be put under pressure to do something you feel uncomfortable with, like sharing intimate pics, harmful pranking, extreme content, social media hacking or any kind of extremism. Don’t put others under pressure either.

Amazing jobs

Students are favourite targets for illegal get rich quick schemes, like jobs with pay that’s too good to be true or others using your bank account to ‘process payments’. If you fall for it – even innocently – you could get a criminal record, fine or jail term.

Making the right cyberchoices

If you’re a clever gamer or coder, you could be targeted by cybercriminals wanting your skills for malware coding or hacking. Don’t fall for it … consider a career in cybersecurity instead.

#SaferStudents