Stay Cyber-Smart: Essential Tips for Students

[Michael Caraballo]

Campus Community,

Cybersecurity is something many of us often overlook, placing ourselves,
our families, and our organizations at risk. Whether you’re just getting
through freshman year, writing your thesis, or battling a major case of
senioritis, if you’re online, you’re a target. Hackers don’t discriminate.
Protecting yourself from online threats helps make the internet a safer
place for everyone.

To help you stay safe online, here are practical tips adapted from
StaySafeOnline:
Cybersecurity Tips for College Students
<https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/cybersecurity-tips-for-college-students>

   -

   Check your school email carefully
   -

      Your .edu email provides access to school accounts, financial aid,
      and personal data, making it a prime target for phishing.
      -

      Avoid suspicious links and unexpected attachments.
      -

      Double-check sender addresses; official school emails won’t come from
      random Gmail accounts.
      -

      If unsure, go directly to the school’s website or contact IT.



   -

   Use strong, unique passwords
   -

      At least 16 characters; consider a password manager to keep track.



   -

   Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)
   -

      Adds an extra layer of security; never share codes.



   -

   Watch for scams everywhere
   -

      Email, texts, DMs, and fake job postings; ignore urgent requests for
      money or personal info.



   -

   Keep devices updated
   -

      Install software updates promptly and restart devices regularly.



   -

   Back up important files
   -

      Use cloud storage and external drives; test backups each semester.



   -

   Lock your devices
   -

      Use PINs, passwords, or biometric locks and enable “Find My Device.”



   -

   Manage your digital footprint
   -

      Review privacy settings, remove old accounts, and think before
      posting.



   -

   Know where to get help
   -

      Contact your school’s IT department for suspicious activity or tech
      issues.



   -

   Use AI responsibly
   -

      Follow your university’s AI guidelines, protect sensitive data, and
      avoid letting AI do your thinking for you.


Study safely online!

By adopting these cybersecurity habits, you can protect your identity,
finances, and future while enjoying your college experience. For more
online safety tips, visit StaySafeOnline <https://www.staysafeonline.org/>
or sign up for their newsletter.

[image: image.png]
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-- 

*MICHAEL CARABALLO*

Director, Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Lower Saranac Hall
101 Broad Street
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

(o) 518-564-4950

(f) 518-564-7986

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*




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