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The sun is starting to rise later and set earlier. School Zone lights are flashing first thing in the morning and mid-afternoon. Kids must be back in school and spending more time than ever online. Today's students are required to send personal information over the Internet in order to use academic online tools. Today's students are also incredibly active social network users. With all that in mind, some thoughts about privacy are in order.
Protect Devices With Passwords
Students are likely to possess a computer, a smartphone, a tablet and/or an iPod. All these devices contain personal data (like photos). Students may also store automatic logins to email and social networking accounts on these devices. Should another student get hold of one of your devices, they will have no trouble accessing your email and social networks. A possible solutions is to password-protect your devices with a strong password. Don't use your dog's name or your birthday. Choose a password that contains numbers, letters and symbols you are able to remember. And don't share your password with anyone else, under any circumstances.
Geo-Locate Your Devices
Get an app that lets you geo-locate your lost device and/or remotely login. Installing this type of app may be the difference between getting you app back and losing it forever. iPhone users can check out Apple's free Find My Phone app.
Social Media Privacy Settings
Now is a good time for students to take a look at their current privacy settings on the social networks they are active on. Older students in particular must keep in mind that future employers are looking at social media to help with the hiring process. Now is not the time to be accepting Friend Requests from people you don't know. It's a good idea to be careful about any activity you participate in online. This includes blog posts, personal websites, chat groups, huddles and your Flickr or Picasa account.
Location, Location, Location
Students, especially young ones, should be careful about allowing applications to tag their current location. Only your closest friends and family should know where you are. Believe it or not, online predators exist and are active. Take the necessary precautions.
These tips, if implemented, should secure you in these areas and let you focus on your studies. That is why you're in school isn't it?
