Young Adults (18 - 25 yo)

Cybersecurity for Young Adults

Young adults, specifically those aged 18 to 25, have distinct cybersecurity needs and concerns as they navigate the digital landscape. In this era of advanced connectivity, it becomes imperative for young adults to proactively address their online safety. By comprehending and adopting cybersecurity protocols, they can mitigate potential hazards and cultivate a resilient and secure digital environment.

Online Environment

Young adults need to be aware of cybersecurity risks and take steps to protect themselves online. This includes safeguarding their personal information, ensuring safe online experiences, protecting against cyber threats, and securing devices and networks.

Specifically, young adults should:

• Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online and be aware of the privacy settings on social media platforms.
• Be mindful of interacting with strangers online and avoid sharing personal details with individuals they don’t know. Recognize and report inappropriate content.
• Be familiar with common cyber threats such as phishing attempts and social engineering and learn how to identify them. Create strong passwords for their accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update their software and apps.
• Set up strong passwords for their devices, ensure that their Wi-Fi networks are secure, and keep their devices up to date with the latest security patches.

Protection Needs

Here are some key protection needs for young adults online:

• Privacy Protection: Young adults need to be aware of the importance of protecting their privacy online. This includes understanding how their online activities can be tracked and used, and taking steps to minimize their exposure. For example, they should use strong passwords and two-factor authentication and be careful about what information they share on social media.

• Data Security: Young adults need to take steps to protect their data from unauthorized access. This includes using encrypted messaging apps and services, storing sensitive files in encrypted and password-protected containers, and being careful about what links they click on.

• Online Harassment and Bullying: Young adults need to be aware of the risks of online harassment and bullying and know how to prevent and respond to it. This includes blocking and reporting abusive individuals on social media platforms, and talking to a trusted adult if they are being Harassed or Bullied.

• Social Engineering: Young adults need to be able to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks. This includes phishing scams, which are attempts to trick people into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.

• Location and Tracking: Young adults need to be aware of how their location can be tracked online and take steps to protect their privacy. This includes managing location-sharing settings on devices and apps, and being wary of location-based apps that might inadvertently reveal personal information.

• Online Dating and Relationships: Young adults need to be safe when using online dating apps and building online relationships. This includes using reputable and secure dating apps and being cautious about sharing personal information.

• Community Support: Young adults need to have access to online communities that are safe and supportive. They should also be aware of reporting mechanisms on online platforms for instances of inappropriate behavior.

• Legal Considerations: Young adults need to understand their rights under online privacy and anti-discrimination laws. They should also document any online incidents or harassment for potential legal recourse.

• Personal Cybersecurity Hygiene: Young adults need to practice good personal cybersecurity hygiene. This includes using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible, and keeping operating systems, apps, and security software up to date.