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How to defend against network attacks
How to defend against network attacks
VPN Network
VPN Network
A VPN is a private network that helps offer a secure connection to limit the threat of compromised connection and theft of data.
"[VPNs work by] encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a VPN server. This hides your IP address and helps to prevent third parties and snoopers tracking you"(Higgins, 2022, para. 4).
These types of solutions can be helpful and easily accessible. Some types of trusted VPN services may be IPVanish or NordVPN. These are helpful services, especially in schools, because concealing one's IP address makes them less at risk for MITM attacks or data breaches.
For example, Most students in schools use a guest or building network to complete most of their assignments related to school. However, there are also times when students input personal data in certain instances. Therefore, a VPN would help student devices stay defended if the network was compromised with all the devices connected.
A hidden or scrambled IP address will make it more difficult for hackers to access personal data. Encouraging students to use this solution goes beyond the classroom and will help them take more digital responsibility in securing their privacy.
revise passwords
revise passwords
Classic advice for network protection is for students to learn how to create stronger passwords to protect their data and private accounts. Unfortunately, hackers often will try various combinations and common password tropes to access people's accounts. Therefore, educators can help encourage students to protect their data more securely by following some techniques:
Make your password longer; shorter passwords are easier to guess
Change your passwords often and alternate passwords for different accounts
Use a variety of numbers in your password (be sure to write it down if you follow this method!)
Make your password more complex or specific to something that is in your memory.
Add special characters, upper/lower case letters
Try to avoid using your name or any personal data that can be easily accessed online as a password
Although this might be the most secure method for preventing hackers and data theft, it puts a barrier between your personal information and their attack attempts, especially when connected to a network.
Network Attack Protection (Edpuzzle practice)
Network Attack Protection (Edpuzzle practice)
(Lovegrove, 2020)
firewalls & Antivirus software
firewalls & Antivirus software
Firewalls and antivirus software systems should be implemented more administratively, especially in a school district. However, as students get older, educators can teach what programs are the most effective and how they function.
According to Bader (2022), "Meanwhile, firewalls allow only authorized traffic or content using configured controls, time, like access denial to IP addresses known to deliver malware. Even if a malicious payload is delivered, firewalls can prevent it from communicating with control-and-command servers" (p.14)
This article also supports the idea that network users should immerse firewall and antivirus software together to maintain "the overall health and safety of the network and its data"(Bader, 2022, p. 14). Every technology user, even those learning about network security, deserves to know what it takes to be digitally responsible and practice safe online practices.
Firewalls block malicious software from stealing personal data or corrupting a command server. These defenses can aid users in case of a network attack and help prevent a possible threat. Although, as humans, we seek to solve the errors ourselves, sometimes we need to rely on software to carry out the protective measures that we cannot.
Therefore, when technology users adhere to safe and ethical practices of protective software and firewalls, this helps prevent one from becoming a target of possible network attacks. Furthermore, by sharing this knowledge with others, we can create a stronger digital relationship between us and others.
educate on security
educate on security
Why is it so vital for educators to take responsibility for teaching about security?
Why is it so vital for educators to take responsibility for teaching about security?
Even if they are not very familiar with network privacy themselves, teachers should educate both themselves and their students about these matters to teach them the responsibility of using the technology that we put so much dependency on.
To network both locally and globally, we must be aware of the attacks that threaten us. However, good advice to follow is that we can not always prevent network attacks, but we can have the correct troubleshooting methods to address them. For example, students can be taught how to detect scammers or quickly respond to theft, such as changing a password right away.
Teachers can help promote responsibility by having students:
- Use unique passwords
- Educate on the qualities of a trustworthy software or website
- Teach how to enable privacy settings in social media
- Have students conduct routine purges of software and extensions
Awareness of network attacks contributes to the responsibility we must take on as technology users. Students should be encouraged by their educators to be alert for network attacks and report these attacks. In a growing world of technology, especially as jobs are becoming remote, students must be ready for possible threats in the future. This way, they can use technology safely and securely.
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