Advice on staying safe on and offline for university students

A guide on keeping finances and devices free from harm online and offline has been issued for students across Sussex who will be heading to university.
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Get Safe Online’s experts have put together some top tips to start students off:

Don’t ‘Unlock’ your Smartphone

Also known as Jailbreaking or rooting, ‘unlocking’ your smart phone turns off software restrictions placed by the manufacturer, allowing you to download and install apps which aren’t available through official app stores. This might seem like a good idea, but did you know you’re also opening your phone up to dodgy apps and malicious software that can infect your phone and damage or delete the data you have on it?

Protect your ID, and don’t overshare

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The ability to provide ID is everything, and not just in a bar! Without it, you can’t open or access a bank account, sign up for a railcard, student discount or other essentials. Never reveal logins or other passwords and don’t overshare online, in texts or on the phone. Don’t be tempted to provide confidential information on yourself or anyone else, in return for freebies. Check your credit score to make sure nobody has taken out credit or purchased anything in your name.

Look after your money

If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to open an account, directly, with a respected bank. It’s vital that you keep your banking and other financial details private. Most universities and colleges have a Student Money Adviser: talk to yours if you need advice on any other aspect of your finances.

Protect your reputation, and yourself

What goes online stays online - and that includes snaps and stories, as well as pics and posts, including those you might regret either immediately or in the future.

Research shows 70%* of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring, so think about what you’re posting and how it might affect you in the future when you start job hunting.

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Remember that online, not everyone is who they claim to be - Consider this if you’re talked into sharing intimate photos or videos. And for the same reason, remember that not every relationship lasts forever.

Accommodation

Found accommodation you like? Check it out in person before parting with any money, and make sure who you’re paying is authentic. If you can, pay deposits and other up-front payments by credit card for extra protection.

Betting on a win?

For some people, a bit of harmless betting can turn into a habit. If you’re tempted, think about how much money and time you could be throwing away and what else you could do with it. And sometimes, there’s a fine line between gaming and gambling … don’t cross it.

Be on the lookout for fraud

Fake texts, emails, calls and posts claiming to be from your bank, student loan provider or HMRC are rife for everybody… including students. If you’re an overseas student, you could be targeted by visa fraudsters too. Not thinking before you click – or oversharing confidential information – could cost you your money, your identity, or both.

Take care with your tech and how you connect

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Your phone, tablet and laptop are essential to your life, so treat them like the precious possessions they are. If what you’re doing is confidential or financial, avoid using Wi-Fi hotspots: there’s no guarantee they’re secure. And turn off location services to keep your whereabouts to yourself.

Keep your coding legal

Heavyweight coders are sometimes targeted by cybercriminals who need their skills. If you get approached, think about the consequences to yourself and others.

Payments

If you pay a person or company you don’t know by bank transfer and it’s a fraud, there’s very little chance you’ll get your money back, so try to avoid this wherever possible.

Dating apps

If you’re dating online, use reputable apps and keep the conversation on the app. Remember that not everyone is who they say they are, and there’s nothing more important than your personal safety whether you’re dating or hooking up. Don’t be afraid to block or say no.

No means no

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Never be put under pressure to do something you disagree with, or feel uncomfortable with, and don’t put others under pressure either. We’re talking sending or publishing intimate pics, harmful pranking, extreme content, hacking social media accounts or any kind of radicalisation.

Don’t become a money mule

Get rich quick schemes, jobs advertised with pay that’s too good to be true or trusting others with your bank account could result in a sentence and a criminal record. Be wary if approached.

More advice about online safety at: https://www.getsafeonline.org/

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