The Ultimate Tech Survival Guide for College Students: Data Backup, Digital Privacy, and Digital Hygiene

If you’re a hard-working, talented, and ambitious college student who wants to achieve your academic goals, you need various digital tools to succeed in college and your career.  

Whether it’s the internet, social media, email, the cloud, or your laptop or smartphone – various digital resources can be your best friends as you navigate college and pursue a valuable degree.

Unfortunately, these same resources can also increase your exposure to cyberattacks and data breaches. These events can lead to data losses that can seriously set you back in your academic life.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom! You can avoid the many threats lurking in cyberspace, safeguard your data, and ensure a flourishing academic career.

This guide will show you how!

College Students: The Ideal Cyberattack Target

Cyberattacks are an all-too-common occurrence in educational settings. In 2024, 66% of higher education institutions worldwide were hit by ransomware. In the summer of 2023, a compromise within the National Student Clearinghouse’s file-transferring software led to a data breach that impacted almost 900 colleges and universities and more than 51,000 people. These frequent occurrences also amount to a significantly large bill over time. Presently, the education sector incurs one of the highest average data breach costs: a whopping $3.5 million.

These statistics indicate that educational institutions are desirable targets for hackers and cybercriminals. This is because of the wealth of data colleges and universities hold — from academic records and personally identifiable information (PII) to financial information, health data, email access, and more. Cyberspace villains want to get their hands on this information to exploit it for their gain.

For example, they may misuse your data to engage in fraudulent transactions or sell it on the dark web for hefty profits. In 2023, the average price of stolen credit card details was $150, while a stolen ING bank account login could net the thief a cool $4,255!

Cyberattacks are not the only data loss-inducing events you may experience in college life. You may also lose data due to an inadvertent data leak (say, because someone sent your data via email to the wrong recipient) or system outages resulting from computer malfunctions, power outages, or natural disasters.

Regardless of the cause, data losses can put you at risk of identity theft, fraud, blackmail, cyber-extortion, or cyberbullying, all of which can cause you mental or emotional distress. Losing essential data may also cause you to miss submission deadlines and hinder learning progress and outcomes.

What is Data Backup and Recovery?

The best way to avoid the stress that data loss and cyberattacks cause is through a data backup. Data backup is the process of creating one or more copies of your data so you can recover it in the event of a loss. This may include any information that you need to access regularly. You could also conduct a data backup for any data whose loss may seriously impact your life. For example, looking into a data backup for your lecture notes, study resources, project files, personal files, important emails, academic transcripts, financial records, Social Security cards, and saved passwords may be a good idea.

Once you make copies of your data, you’ll store it in a secondary location. For example, while initially storing most of your data on your laptop’s hard drive, you may want to store it on the cloud. In addition, the more copies you create, the better. 

Cybersecurity experts often recommend the “3-2-1” backup strategy:

• Make three copies of the data
• Store two copies on two different, easily-accessible storage media (“onsite”)
• Store one copy in an “offsite” facility, e.g., the cloud

This approach provides additional data protection and easy recovery if your storage device becomes inaccessible or corrupted due to a cyberattack or outage.

Types of Data Backup

When backing up data, you have multiple strategies to choose from:

• Full backups: This involves making a complete copy of all your data and storing it in a secondary location, such as an external hard disk or removable USB drive.
• Incremental backup: A backup application will copy only the data that has changed since the last backup operation to the secondary device.
• Differential backup: This method copies all newly added or changed data from the last backup.

For most students, incremental or differential backups are better than full backups. While full backups offer the best protection against data losses, they are time-consuming and require much storage space. In contrast, the incremental backup method is relatively quick. 

Differential backups offer faster recovery than full or incremental backups. However, you will need more storage as the backup file increases, which often becomes costly.

Data Backup Storage Options

No matter what strategy you choose to backup your data, you can also choose from different storage options. 

Physical and Local Backup Devices

As a college student, you’re probably familiar with physical storage: local hard disks, tape drives, and removable media. These devices are fast and convenient for storing small amounts of data (e.g., a single paper for a class), but they may not be suitable for large backups, such as an entire semester’s work. Also, they are susceptible to damage due to falls and coffee spills when studying late at night, which can result in significant data loss. This is why we recommend using this backup method only for small projects and to augment it with other methods.

Network-Based Backup

You can also store your backups on a network provided by your college. If your data becomes corrupted or a virus attacks your computer, you can easily store and recover your backups from networked locations. However, this method may not aid with data recovery in a natural disaster.

Also, turning on network sharing changes your firewall settings to allow some communication between your device and other devices. However, if those devices contain viruses or malware, this can create a security risk, so making this your main backup option is not advisable.

Cloud-Based Backup

Cloud-based backup is a low-cost, reliable, and scalable method to store backups for busy college students. Tried-and-tested, cloud-based data backup and disaster recovery applications automatically take backups at preset intervals, so you don’t have to worry about setting schedules or forgetting!

With cloud-based backup, you will store your data in a secure cloud location, protected by encryption and other security controls, to minimize potential losses. Plus, you can retrieve the data at any time and from anywhere. This way, you can minimize downtime and disruptions to your study schedule.

With cloud backups, you have two options:

• Self-managed: With this model, you are responsible for your backups, which gives you the independence to customize the cloud environment. However, it requires more technical experience as you must keep on top of data encryption, testing, and monitoring. Choose a platform such as SpinBackup, Spanning, SysCloud, and Backupify to set up your self-managed, cloud-based backup system. Configure the software with your desired backup schedule, retention policy, encryption settings, two-factor authentication (2FA), etc., and choose the data you want to back up. 
• Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS): This option is a cloud-based service where a provider will take care of all cloud backup/recovery operations on your behalf. You don’t have to set up any infrastructure, download software, or manage storage devices to back up your academic and other data to the cloud. Simply pick a provider, create an account, pick the data you want to back up, and set up a backup schedule, retention policies, and security measures, and the service will do the rest!

Many students find either option ideal, especially if they rely on the cloud. Backing up your data can protect you from data loss so you can study stress-free! 

Digital Privacy for College Students

Data backups are just one aspect of safeguarding your digital life. Another essential aspect is understanding digital privacy and knowing how to store your data to ensure such privacy.

Digital privacy refers to properly handling and storing sensitive data in digital environments. Following certain practices, you can maintain strong digital privacy and keep your personal information confidential and secure from online threats such as breaches, viruses, ransomware, phishing, identity theft, and cyberbullying.

That said, maintaining digital privacy requires constant and consistent efforts, particularly in the following areas:

Protect Your Social Media, Google, and Microsoft Accounts

You likely use a college-provided email account to communicate with teachers and administrators. You probably also use Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to store essential files and study materials, and to collaborate with classmates.

Then there’s social media – your escape from the stresses of student life! And you’re not the only one who loves social media! In 2024, there were almost 5.17 billion social media users worldwide. Furthermore, Gen Z, the most prominent generation currently enrolled in college and universities, admits to using social media for more than two hours a day.

Because students rely heavily on social media, Microsoft 365, and Google for their studies and free time, cybercriminals often target these digital resources first. 

In recent years, the cyberattacks on multiple social media giants have made waves worldwide. Microsoft 365 has also been targeted by hackers, with one report revealing that in just the first quarter of 2024, password-based attacks on the platform went from around 3 billion to 30+ billion per month. Hackers could also exploit Google Workspace to launch ransomware attacks and steal data.

In this worrying threat environment, you must protect your resources and data. These tips can help:

•  Control who can see you on social media by strengthening your account’s privacy settings.
• Avoid oversharing on social media.
•  Use 2FA to protect your Google and Microsoft accounts from compromise by unauthorized or malicious users.

We also recommend taking backups of your:

• email
• Microsoft 365 data
•  Google Drive data

Your email account likely contains a lot of sensitive data, such as your personal info (addresses, phone numbers, etc.), login credentials and passwords, banking details, and copies of important documents like your social security card and driver’s license. Similarly, you may be storing important information like your lecture notes, class assignments, presentations, research documents, grades and transcripts, and intellectual property in Microsoft 365 and/or Google Drive.

A lot of this information is sensitive and confidential, and therefore highly valuable to cybercriminals, which is why they often target these accounts to compromise. The best way to protect yourself from such attacks and avoid potential data losses – take backups!

Finding a reliable third-party backup solution is essential when backing up this data, as it is the most sought-after of all digital sources. This will allow you to recover your accounts in case of an unexpected disaster, thus minimizing potential losses.

Stay Safe from Phishing and Social Engineering Scams

Social engineering scams – one type of phishing – usually aim to trick you into revealing sensitive information. The bad guys may then use this information to steal your identity or money or to perpetrate fraud.

The scam often starts with a bad guy sending you a deceptive email that appears to come from a trusted authority figure, such as your university dean, a teacher, or an administrator. The email is fake and contains malicious links or attachments that can expose you to malware and data breaches.

Fortunately, you can stay safe from such scammers by following these best practices:

• Always confirm the sender’s identity before clicking a link or downloading an attachment.
• Check the sender’s email address. Does it say univorsityname.edu instead of universityname.edu? It may be a phishing scam!
• Never open emails from suspicious or unknown sources.
• Protect your online accounts with 2FA.
• Regularly check your online accounts.
• Use updated anti-phishing browser toolbars that can identify phishing attempts and send you warnings.

Adopting the above practices can prevent bad actors from compromising your email, social media accounts, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 environment. You can also prevent them from accessing and compromising your data, selling it on the dark web, holding it for ransom, or using it to commit illegal activities.

Create Strong Passwords

Passwords verify your identity and allow you to access your online accounts. However, if stolen or compromised, they also create attack pathways for hackers, data thieves, and other cyber criminals. In fact, stolen credentials (passwords) were the #1 cause of data breaches in 2024!

Cyber criminals can steal your passwords in many ways: phishing emails, installing keyloggers on your device, password spraying, credential stuffing, or brute-force attacks. Regardless of the method, they aim to capture your password and then use it to compromise your devices, access your accounts, or steal your identity or data.

To protect yourself, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Using personal information in your passwords.
• Reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
• Sharing passwords.
• Never changing passwords.
• Storing passwords in unencrypted locations (e.g., text files).

It’s also important to always create strong passwords for all your accounts.

A strong password is:

• Long
• Unique
• Memorable to you
• Hard to guess for others

It’s harder for bad guys to guess strong passwords, increasing the chances that your accounts will remain safe from their nefarious intentions.

Another tip: always store your passwords in encrypted storage. Hackers cannot read encrypted passwords – even if they manage to steal them – thus protecting your accounts. You can also use a password manager to securely store all your passwords, which encrypts this data. 

The Importance of Good Digital Hygiene for College Students

When it comes to staying safe from data loss and cybersecurity attacks and maintaining your digital devices, you must adopt regular habits to keep your devices functional.  Good digital hygiene can help protect your data, digital identity, and devices. Here are some practices you should adopt for good digital hygiene:

Adopt Safe Browsing Habits

Unsafe browsing habits are easy to fall into. They typically look like: 

• Visiting unsafe sites
• Downloading files from unsafe/untrusted sites
• Ignoring security warnings from browsers
• Clicking on online ads
• Accepting friend requests from unknown people on social media

You are vulnerable to numerous cyber threats if you do any of the above practices.

While an online ad for discounted camping boots may look innocuous, it may install malware on your computer (known as “malvertising”). Similarly, a dodgy site may install spyware that steals your personal information or risks your privacy.

That’s why it’s crucial to avoid all the above habits.

Learn to recognize the signs of risky sites (e.g., no HTTPS in the URL, excessive pop-ups, poor-quality content, and missing contact information) and then avoid them! Also, beware of online ads and new connection requests. Use safe, well-known browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. (Be careful about shady browser extensions and add-ons, though!)

Regularly Update Your Software

You might not realize it, but outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that make you susceptible to malware, ransomware, hacking, and data breaches. To avoid these problems, always keep your applications updated with the latest security patches and upgrades.

Some applications also contain zero-day vulnerabilities, meaning vulnerabilities for whom a patch doesn’t yet exist. In such cases, consider switching to a safer alternative.

Maintain Devices in Peak Condition

Like outdated software, outdated devices are also a significant security risk. These devices lack the latest security updates and features, allowing cybercriminals to steal your information. To minimize these risks, maintain your devices in good condition by regularly cleaning them and proactively dealing with dust buildup and overheating.

Other good practices to maintain your device and protect yourself from cyber threats:

• Run regular virus scans
• Monitor and optimize battery usage
• Keep it away from drinks, chemicals, and damaging substances
• Replace worn-out components
• Supplement the hard drive with data backups with a cloud backup and sync solution.

Additional Tech Tips for College Students

The cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, with new threats and actors emerging every year. As such, it’s essential to do everything you can to avoid a potential attack, including:  

• Avoid using free/public Wi-Fi: These networks allow hackers to eavesdrop on your online activities and transactions.
• Install antivirus software: This software minimizes your vulnerability.
• Use a VPN: It will help you protect your online privacy by masking your IP address and hiding your browsing history.
• Keep an eye on your devices: Never leave them unattended and susceptible to compromise, theft, or malware downloads.
• Maintain cybersecurity awareness: Criminals always use new tactics to steal data, so they must be aware of up-and-coming trends to mitigate future risks. 

Your college experience can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, it can also feel overwhelming, with technology and cyber threats adding to your stress. 

With cyber-tech skills, digital hygiene practices, and data protection information, you can worry less about mishaps when navigating digital spaces and focus more on achieving academic success! 

Additional Tech Resources for College Students

Want to further build up your cyber-tech skills as your college career progresses? Check out the resources listed below!

Explore the Spin.AI blog and the ISACA and US-CERT sites to expand your knowledge about data backup and recovery, and learn to safely explore the world wide web with the Safe Browsing resources. The resources for Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Digital Hygiene will help strengthen your cyber-awareness and digital resilience, while the Device Maintenance resources will show you easy ways to maintain and optimize your devices. Enjoy!

Data Backup and Recovery

•  Spin.AI Blog: Learn more about the latest insights, trends, and news related to cybersecurity
•  ISACA: Use this brief guide to develop a backup and restore strategy
•  US-CERT: Learn the pros and cons of various backup storage options

Safe Browsing

• Safety Net Project: This user-friendly guide increases your digital privacy and online safety
• Google Safety Center and Google Safe Browsing: Google resources to help you browse safely and protect your device

Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Digital Hygiene

• National Cybersecurity Alliance: This resource offers numerous articles to help you avoid online scams and fraud
•  Get Safe Online: This organization offers valuable resources and tools to stay safe online.
•  NordVPN: As a VPN software, this site offers plenty of articles related to cybersecurity, network security, and safe online behaviors

Device Maintenance

•  Apple: If you have an Apple product, use this guide for repair and maintenance. 
• Microsoft: If you have a Microsoft digital device, use these tips for regular maintenance. 
• PreyProject: Use this guide for device maintenance tips — no matter what brand you use. 
• ConnectSafely: User-friendly online resources on various topics like digital privacy, social media safety, and cyberbullying

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