Student tips for university safety from Get Safe Online

STUDENTS are a favourite target for fraud and other online harms, so Get Safe Online has put together some tips and advice on how they can keep themselves safe online as they return to uni or college this month.

“You’ll have already heard this time and time again from family members, but we’ll say it again,” writes the UK's leading online safety advice resource: “When you’re at uni or college, one of the most important things to do is to take care of yourself. That’s not only your health, diet and lifestyle, but making sure you protect yourself online too.”

Emails, texts, DMs, or calls pretending to be from banks, student loans and, if you’re an international student, immigration authorities, are commonplace. Can you tell them from genuine communications, especially if they’re created using AI? Always pause before clicking links, opening attachments or giving anyone access to your accounts or devices. If you suspect a message or website is a scam, check it with the renowned fraud detection tool Ask Silver at www.getsafeonline.org/asksilver

Avoid bank transfers to pay people or businesses you don’t know for purchases, accommodation, holidays or helping out someone you’ve met online. Whenever possible, pay by card for better protection.

Keep your financial details to yourself by using trusted apps or mobile wallets for payments, and not discussing your finances with anyone but your Student Money Adviser.

If you’re buying anything from a website you haven’t used before, check it’s genuine before buying or signing up. Get Safe Online has a variety of easy-to-use tools in their online Self-Help Tool Centre.

Always check new accommodation in person before paying anything. Make sure the landlord or agent is genuine, and use a credit card for deposits where you can – it’s safer that way.

Keep passwords, financial info and personal details confidential. And don’t overshare, including personal or intimate photos or videos. Check your location and privacy settings regularly.

Don’t leave your devices unattended, whether in the bar, on public transport or any other public place. Avoid using Wi-Fi hotspots for anything private or financial as they may not be secure.

Gaming and betting can both get addictive. If you think either is taking over your life, consider other pastimes.

Use reputable apps and keep chats on the platform. Not everyone online is who they say they are, so block or say no if something seems wrong or weird.

Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable — whether it’s sharing photos, getting challenged to pranks or engaging in risky online behaviour. Don’t pressure others to be irresponsible either.

Avoid work offers promising easy cash or using your bank account for payments. These may involve you in money muling, which can result in a criminal record.

If you’re a keen gamer or coder, you could be a target for cybercriminals luring you into illegal activity. Why not consider a career in cybersecurity instead?

Bullying, hate speech and other abuse and radicalisation have no place online. And remember that unis and recruiters usually check social media accounts, so keep it clean, legal, respectful and responsible.