As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s not just students and parents gearing up for a busy time—scammers and hackers are too. This time of year brings a flurry of activity, making it easier for bad actors to take advantage of distracted individuals. Whether through fake sales, phishing emails, or deceptive websites, these cybercriminals are looking for any opportunity to exploit your personal information.
Here’s how to protect yourself and your family during this busy season.
1. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
With the rush to purchase school supplies and new gadgets, it’s easy to get excited about big discounts and special offers. Scammers know this and create fake online stores offering deals that seem too good to pass up. These sites are designed to steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or nonexistent products.
How to Protect Yourself:
Shop from reputable retailers: Stick to well-known stores or official brand websites. If you’re unfamiliar with a site, do some research before purchasing. Make sure the brand name is spelled correctly and the domain name is correct - don’t just click the first one that pulls up in search!! Many hackers run ads to get to top of the list and mimic the look and feel of the brand..
Look for security signs: Ensure the website uses “https” and check for a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating the site is secure.
Be cautious of extreme discounts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify the offer through official channels before proceeding.
2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Texts
During the back-to-school season, you might receive emails or texts that appear to be from your child’s school, a retailer, or even the government. Scammers use these messages to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
Verify the sender: If you receive a suspicious message, contact the school or organization directly through official channels to confirm its legitimacy.
Avoid clicking on links: Instead of clicking on links in emails or texts, visit the official website by typing the address directly into your browser. Again - Make sure the agency/institution is spelled correctly and the domain name is correct - don’t just click the first one that pulls up in search!! Many hackers run adds to get to top of the list and mimic the look and feel of the brand..
Check for signs of phishing: Look out for generic greetings, poor spelling, or suspicious email addresses that don’t match the official ones.
3. Protect Your Personal Information
Back-to-school forms, online registrations, and new accounts for school-related services can require sharing personal information. Unfortunately, this data can be targeted by hackers.
How to Protect Yourself:
Limit the information you share: Only provide the necessary details and avoid oversharing sensitive information.
Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong passwords for any new accounts, and don’t reuse passwords across different sites. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA. This way, your account will remain protected even if your password is compromised.
4. Secure Your Devices
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are essential tools for students today, but they also represent a potential entry point for hackers.
How to Protect Yourself:
Keep your software updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Install antivirus software: Protect your devices with reputable antivirus software to detect and block malicious activity.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or accessing personal accounts. If you must use it, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection.
5. Talk to Your Family About Online Safety
Teaching your children and other family members about online safety is crucial, especially as they navigate new school-related platforms and tools.
How to Protect Yourself:
Discuss the dangers: Discuss the risks of clicking on suspicious links, sharing personal information, and downloading unknown apps or files.
Set up parental controls: To monitor and restrict access to inappropriate content or potentially dangerous websites, use parental controls.
Encourage open communication: Ensure your children feel comfortable coming to you if they encounter something suspicious online.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Informed
The back-to-school season should be an exciting time for students and parents, not a stressful one filled with concerns about scams and privacy. By staying vigilant, practicing good online habits, and educating your family, you can protect your personal information and enjoy a safe and smooth transition into the new school year. Remember, taking a few simple precautions now can save you from a lot of trouble later on. Stay smart, stay safe, and have a great school year!
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