Finding Your Way Around the World (Wide Web)

About the author: My name is Sophie Layton, and I’m an MA International Public & Political Communication and BSc Biology graduate from the University of Sheffield. I am currently the Managing Editor of WILD Magazine, Editor of Ed Fringe Review, and Newsletter Editor for the Essex International Jamboree, as well as former Arts & Theatre Editor of Forge Press. I am also the Digital Media Officer for the Student Publication Association. I am a keen thespian with the Sheffield University Theatre Company, with interests in culture, LGBTQ+ issues and political science.

Our lives are increasingly dominated by the internet, which is a battleground at the best of times. Staying safe online is more important than ever, and with technology developing so rapidly, how we do so is changing too. You know how to keep yourself safe, but your data is just as important! This World Password Day, here are our ten best Internet protection tips for students.

1. Make strong passwords 🔑

Having dozens of passwords for hundreds of different web pages is a pain, I admit! But it’s a necessary evil to prevent something much worse! Make sure all of your passwords are lengthy, use a mix of characters and try to make them as unrelated to the page or yourself as possible. Find yourself a spare hour and change your passwords—no two should be the same, for your own good!

2. Switch it up 🔀

Similarly, change your passwords semi-regularly to help prevent the risk of a break-in. Many phones, computers and tablets have password manager systems to stop you losing track. If this feels like a risk, consider writing them down somewhere secure and private as a backup.

3. Where are you? 📍

When you’re updating your passwords, or logging on to any of your favourite sites, consider what network you’re on whilst doing so. I’m not a hater of public WiFi by any means, but I definitely won’t be logging onto my online banking on it. Just be wary where you are, what network you’re using and who’s around—trust me, it can wait until you get home.

4. Reputation is everything 🔒

Whilst browsing the internet, remember to keep your eyes open, and whether the site you’re looking at is reputable. Have you just found a new marketplace website that sells everything for 95% less than every other place? No. No you haven’t. Shop safe. Surf safe. Only go to sites you trust, and always check that the URL starts with ‘HTTPS’ and therefore has an SSL certificate (which indicates that a website is secure and safe). Remember to ask…

5. Is it too good to be true? 🕵️

Chances are if you’re asking yourself this, the answer is yes and you should go somewhere else. If you get an email telling you you’ve won a competition you never entered, a website which only needs to download one small file to solve all your problems, or a marketplace offering genuine items at a fraction of the price, trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, steer clear!

6. Antivirus, pro-you 🦠

If you have found yourself downloading something dodgy, or visiting that link that your Facebook friend who you’ve not spoken to in years sent to show you their holiday snaps, then antivirus is your best bet. It has a good chance at protecting you and your files from malware…but only if you already have it! Get or update your antivirus now, to save tears down the line.

7. Privacy, please! 🤐

Whether you have your social media on public or private settings is completely up to you; you’re well aware of the differences by now. But keep in mind who can see what you post—on a public account, it’s not just your friends who can see your beach photos. If you’d rather keep your account public, that’s fine, but consider altering what you post, or even create a private story or private account for more personal content.

8. Don't take the bait 🪤

The Internet is filled with trolls. Bots or people alike, there is content on the internet designed to drive engagement by making you frustrated, angry or sad. If you see bots, ignore them or block them; you’re never going to win the argument so stop trying!

9. Algorithm: reset 🔄

If the content you see online is becoming the sort of thing you don't want to be seeing, reset your algorithms. All major social media sites have this option and it can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.

10. Shut it down 🚫

If the trolls are relentless and the content is starting to get increasingly uncomfortable, consider coming off of some social media platforms. Temporarily or permanently, we all have a phone number people can use instead, and you are much more important than hours of doom scrolling!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.