The internet is a great resource to learn and connect. There are, however, a minority that use it for cyber-crime, bullying, and harassment. We share our advice for keeping the Chevening community safe and secure online, as well as where to get support if things do go wrong.
Since it’s possible for others to screenshot or share your posts, it can be extremely difficult to control who sees it once it’s been posted online.
To keep yourself safe online, try to avoid:
Connecting with people online can be a great way to network but bear in mind that people can trick you into trusting them online. Never give out personal information, even if you like or trust someone you’ve met online.
Where possible, try to avoid accessing confidential documents or your online banking account from cafes, restaurants or any public Wi-Fi network. If it contains something you wouldn’t want a stranger to see, use the secure network at your university or home.
For extra peace of mind, look out for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar. It means the page you’re visiting is secure.
Strong passwords are 14 characters or more in length. The longer they are, the more likely your online accounts will stay secure. They should be a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password for all your online accounts.
An easy way to create a strong password is to pick three, completely unrelated, random words and join them together. Then, mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make your password more complex.
A phishing attack occurs when someone (a ‘hacker’) impersonates someone else to try and get you to reveal your password or to steal from you. Typically, you’ll receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank, a shop, or someone else you trust. A link takes you to a login page where they can capture your details.
Other ways hackers can try to trick you is by calling your phone and impersonating your bank. They can try to pressure you into making immediate payment or transfer of funds.
Although these situations can be daunting, try to remember the following general tips to keep yourself safe and secure online:
We hope this advice will keep you safe while online so that you can focus on making the most of your time in the UK. Remember though, that support is available if things do go wrong.
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