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In an increasingly digital world, this blog post is your guide to ensuring online safety during the back-to-school season. Tailored for students, parents, educators, and all concerned about educational cybersecurity, we draw from a conversation with Dr. Ryan Ko, distinguished cybersecurity expert and University of Queensland professor, who graciously shared his wisdom, not only as an academic but as a parent deeply invested in the safety of his own children.
Expect actionable insights on digital literacy, safeguarding your online presence, and fostering essential conversations about online safety. This post empowers you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, urging you to join a community dedicated to securing our digital future.
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Top Cyber Risks in Academia
Dr.Ko highlights two primary cyber risks faced by academic institutions. The first is the alarming rise of ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals encrypt an organization’s data and demand a ransom for its release. To counter this threat, schools are advised to improve authentication methods by implementing multi-factor authentication, a critical step in preventing breaches.
The second risk comes in the form of data breaches, often preceding ransomware attacks. These breaches occur due to poor authentication methods that fail to challenge authentic users effectively. Strengthening authentication processes can significantly mitigate this risk.
Digital Safety in the Age of Online Learning
We’ve all heard about school bullies, right? But when they morph into cyberbullies, things get tricky. It’s like dealing with a shadowy figure online – you can’t just tell them to “stop” face-to-face. Dr.Ko advises parents to chat with their kids about the online world. It’s like teaching them the ropes of the digital jungle – who’s who, what’s what, and how to deal with it all.
But it doesn’t stop there. The cyber world can be a dangerous place for the little ones. There’s a real risk of them crossing paths with strangers who pretend to be their buddies. It’s like someone in a disguise trying to trick you. Dr.Ko suggests staying vigilant and having open conversations with your kids. Think of it as giving them a map and a compass to navigate the digital wilderness safely.
Privacy and Digital Safety on Campus
For university students, Dr.Ko advises being cautious with your student IDs and email credentials. It’s like locking your dorm room when you step out. Creating backups of personal data is another way to safeguard in-case of a technological mishap. Avoid oversharing on social media. Think of it as not giving burglars a map to your dorm room.
Starting Conversations on Digital Safety
And for everyone out there, whether you’re a student or a parent, starting conversations about digital safety is essential. Dr.Ko suggests sparking discussions about how social media companies make money. It’s like uncovering the secrets of your favorite magician’s tricks – you’ll be surprised by what you find out.
But it doesn’t stop there. Dive deeper and ask questions like, “How do these companies use our data?” It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion – there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, the conversation around cybersecurity and digital safety is one that should be ongoing and evolving, much like our ever-evolving digital world.
Here’s the Keep It Real Online campaign in NZ:
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