Technology has become a staple in students’ daily lives. Students create multiple accounts for different social media platforms, game networks, newsletters, newspapers, and plenty more. These accounts store valuable personal data that may be compromised if users aren’t savvy.  Here are some tips from Niles West’s Technology department.

What are common actions students make that put themselves at risk online?

• Installing games, apps, extensions without researching its trustworthiness.
• Submitting personal information via forms, surveys, account creation, and chats without researching the trustworthiness of the website or person(s) requesting the information.  The information being requested should be relevant to the content you are submitting. For example, a form/questionnaire about your favorite hobbies should not be asking for your address or phone number. 
• Passwords: Reusing passwords on multiple accounts and using passwords that are easy to guess. Also, change your passwords often. 
• Leaving devices such as Chromebooks and mobile devices logged on and unattended.

How can students protect themselves online?

• Always know who you are corresponding with and to whom you are sending private information.  Don’t just install games, apps, extensions, click links, open files, or send information when someone requests it.  
• Although a student’s “Nilesk12.org” account contains minimal personal information within its metadata, students may still have private information stored in email correspondences, chats, or documents.  Because of this, the “Nilesk12.org” account should not be used for personal activities such as using your school email to create game accounts, etc.
• Be careful when you when you allow apps access to information on your phone, like location, contacts, or photos.

The internet is a place that can be very useful and fun if used correctly with the right precautions. Niles West’s Technology Department is constantly updating their website to hold more information not only about the precautions the district takes to protect its students, but also general tips for online safety. Be safe, not sorry.