The knowledge of cybersecurity laws isn’t just for tech experts or corporate employees; students, too, need to be aware of these critical regulations.
With education becoming more digitally integrated, students are often exposed to cyber risks, which makes understanding cybersecurity laws essential.
From protecting personal information to ensuring ethical online behavior, awareness of cybersecurity laws can empower students to navigate the digital world responsibly.
Why Students Need to Know Cybersecurity Laws?
In 2023 alone, educational institutions saw a 30% increase in cyberattacks worldwide, making schools the third most targeted sector for cybercrime.
With so much of academic life online, students are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, and ignorance is no longer an option.
Laws are gradually adapting to modern challenges and helping organizations close cybersecurity gaps.
Ignorance of the laws will sooner or later lead to fines or hacks.
Tip! Many students encounter a phenomenon called internet throttling.
Maybe they don’t even think about it.
This is when an ISP slows down the Internet when performing certain actions: watching movies, gaming, etc.
The best way to avoid internet throttling is to use traffic encryption tools.
VPNs are usually used for this.
They are safe, do not contradict the laws, and improve the overall cybersecurity of the device or network where they are used.
1. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is a cornerstone of the United States cybersecurity laws.
Enacted in 1986, the CFAA makes it illegal to access computers without authorization or exceed authorized access with the intent to obtain information.
Originally aimed at protecting government and financial data, the CFAA now extends to almost any unauthorized access to a computer.
For students, the CFAA is crucial to understand.
Even something that seems harmless, like logging into a friend’s account without permission, can technically be a violation of the CFAA.
With cyber-related crimes now counting for over 60% of all reported student misconduct cases in schools across the U.S., knowing this law can help students avoid serious legal consequences.
2. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Next up, COPPA. Established in 1998, COPPA is designed to protect the privacy of children under 13.
The law requires websites and online services to obtain parental consent before collecting any personal information from users in this age group.
But how does COPPA apply to students?
Any student using online platforms for academic or social purposes should be aware that websites collecting personal information must comply with COPPA regulations.
For students under 13, this law acts as a shield against unwarranted data collection.
Knowing about COPPA encourages students to use websites and apps that respect their privacy, especially as they get older and navigate different online spaces.
3. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records.
Although FERPA is primarily aimed at educational institutions, it also impacts students directly.
Schools must obtain written consent from parents or students (if over 18) before releasing educational records to third parties.
Why should students care about FERPA?
If schools mishandle or leak private information, like grades or disciplinary records—students have the right to take action.
FERPA gives students more control over their educational data, ensuring that schools respect and protect it.
Violations can result in severe penalties for the institution involved, and in 2022, nearly 12% of all data breach incidents in schools resulted from FERPA violations.
4. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Although the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU regulation, it affects students worldwide.
Introduced in 2018, the GDPR sets high standards for data protection and privacy.
It regulates how organizations collect, store, and use personal data and mandates that individuals (including students) have the right to access and control their personal information.
For international students or those using global platforms like social media or cloud-based learning tools, GDPR provides a layer of protection.
The law mandates that individuals, including students, have the “right to be forgotten,” allowing them to request the deletion of their data.
This regulation is particularly significant as more students take courses online and interact with European institutions or companies that follow GDPR standards.
5. Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)
Enacted in 2015, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) promotes cybersecurity information sharing between government and private organizations to prevent cyberattacks.
While not directly aimed at students, CISA indirectly impacts them by helping institutions—like universities—stay vigilant against cyber threats.
The goal is simple: enhance overall security through shared insights and data on cyber threats.
How These Laws Protect Students
What’s at stake here?
Cybercrimes in educational institutions have surged, with a reported 15% increase in data breaches affecting students’ personal information over the past five years.
These laws are designed to combat such risks and create safer digital spaces.
A comprehensive approach is needed: using 2FA, activating VPN by VeePN, especially when using public Wi-Fi, privacy and anonymity protection practices, and other measures.
By ensuring student data is secure and by holding educational institutions accountable, these regulations help maintain the integrity of the education system.
When students are aware of their rights under these laws, they are less likely to fall prey to data misuse or cyberbullying and more likely to use online resources wisely.
Understanding these laws doesn’t just help students avoid being on the wrong side of a legal issue; it enables them to protect their digital identities actively.
Cybersecurity in Practice for Students
Cybersecurity laws are one side of the equation; safe online habits are the other.
Here are some practical tips for students:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Password reuse is risky, especially since over 75% of people use the same password across multiple sites.
- Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Public networks can be breeding grounds for cyberattacks. Avoid using sensitive sites (like banking apps) on unsecured networks.
- Update Regularly: Keeping software and apps updated reduces the chance of cyberattacks, as updates often patch vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts
Building an online identity comes with strings attached, and students who want to stay safe need to get familiar with the laws that govern the cyber sphere.
Students who learn about these laws get a double benefit: they keep their info private, and they develop good digital habits.
There’s a lot of heavy lifting being done by laws like the CFAA, COPPA, FERPA, GDPR, and CISA, which keep the internet in check and aligned with the values we expect from it.
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