FIND ALL OUR SAFE START EVENTS HAPPENING SEPT 30TH - OCT 4TH HERE!
As a student, much of your life happens online—whether it’s submitting coursework, connecting with friends, or managing your finances. However, the digital world comes with risks, from phishing scams targeting your university email to hackers trying to access your bank details. Staying safe online is essential for protecting your privacy, academic work, and financial security.
Tips & Trick for Staying Safe Online
1.Always use strong, strong unique emails
Online accounts typically holds sensitive information that could make you vulnerable to hacks and identity thefts. Avoid using weak passwords based on personal information (e.g. pet names, birthdays). The IT services can offer you advice for setting up secure passwords
Best practice: Use unique passwords for each account to prevent a single breach from compromising all your data. Password managers are a good way to generate and securely store your passwords.
2.Be Aware of Student-targeted Phishing Scams
Students are prime targets for phishing scams, particularly around student loan payment dates or tax season. Scammers may send emails pretending to be from Student Finance England or HMRC to steal your personal details or financial information.
Best practice: always look out for poor spelling and grammar and double check the validity of the sender/ email address. Never click on any links.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication on University & Personal Accounts
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor of authentication.
Best Practice: Enable 2FA on all your accounts including your university platforms. You can use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator instead of SMS-based 2FA for extra security.
4.Be Careful on Public & University Wi-Fi
While university Wi-Fi may feel safe, it's still a shared network where data breaches or vulnerabilities can occur. Public Wi-Fi such as TfL underground, McDonalds and Starbucks are even riskers and easier channels for cybercriminal to hack or intercept your data.
Best Practice: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (e.g., online banking, student finance) on public or unsecured Wi-Fi. Don’t forget to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your internet connection. Many UK universities, including Brunel, offer free VPN services to students.
5.Protect Your Devices
Your laptop, tablet, or smartphone holds all your digital life—assignments, notes, and personal information. Losing your device or having it stolen can result in a significant data breach. Make sure you use lock your device and use complex passcodes.
Best Practice: Don’t forget to update your device’s operating system as this protects your devices against known vulnerabilities. Make sure you back up important documents to the cloud, USB stick or an external hard drive.
6.Stay Safe on Social Media
Social media is a key part of student life, but oversharing personal information can expose you to identity theft or even burglary risks if you post about being away from your accommodation for long periods. You may choose to keep your social media private so only friends can see your posts.
Best practices: Don’t post your location in real-time, especially if you’re away from home. Be careful accepting friend request from people you don’t know, as scammers often create fake profiles.
7.Watch Out for Online Fraud and Scams
Students are often targeted with financial scams, such as fake "get-rich-quick" schemes, too-good-to-be-true job offers, or bogus accommodation deals. These scams aim to steal money or personal information. The most common students frauds are investment frauds, fake job frauds, rental fraud, online shop fraud and ticket fraud
Best Practice: Always use trusted platforms when making online purchases, and check reviews or ratings before buying.
Support for Victims
If you’ve lost money or shared financial information due to online fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. For emotional support, you can contact the following services:
Victim Support [ https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ ] – Victim support provides free 24/7 confidential support to the victims and witnesses of crime.
Think Jessica [ https://www.thinkjessica.com/ ] – Think Jessica provide emotional support and practical help to the victims of crime and scams
Samaritans [ https://www.samaritans.org/ ] – Samaritans can help you provide emotional support to the victims of crime and scams
References
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/NCSC-using-passwords-infographic.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/phishing
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/multi-factor-authentication-online-services
https://www.techradar.com/news/public-wi-fi-and-why-you-need-a-vpn
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-keep-your-data-safe-when-using-public-wi-fi-aZKdQ4L8sKI9
https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/cyber/
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/studentsafety