The internet is good and bad

The internet is incredibly useful in our daily lives, making many tasks more convenient.

However, the internet also has its risks, including viruses, harmful software, and deceptive websites that might try to scam you.

The good news is that with some awareness and caution, you can steer clear of many of these dangers. This module aims to guide you in doing just that.

Keep your passwords private

A lot of the crucial activities you carry out online, whether it's banking, accessing government services, or even buying groceries, are safeguarded by passwords.

Picking robust passwords and keeping them confidential can prevent most harmful actions from hackers and other ill-intentioned individuals.

For more details on how to create strong passwords and keep them safe using a password manager, check out the course titled "Managing Your Passwords."

Keep your software and devices updated

Online criminals can access your personal information by taking advantage of problems in your apps or old firmware, a type of program on an electronic device that helps it work as intended.  These problems are like broken locks that can be opened easily.

Luckily, the companies that make your apps and devices are constantly updating them to fix these issues. It's important to keep your apps and devices updated to benefit from these improvements. 

When there's an update available, your device will typically let you know through a notification, text, or on-screen message. Pay attention to these alerts and install the updates as quickly as possible. 

Keep your operating system up to date

Just like with apps and the firmware on your devices, your computer's operating system (like Windows or MacOS) also gets frequent updates.

It's important to install these updates promptly once your computer has automatically downloaded them.

For added security, you can also use separate antivirus software on your computer and make sure that's updated as well. To learn more about how to use antivirus software effectively, check out the course titled "Using Antivirus Software."

eSafety Tip

Stick to installing only the official updates that your computer's operating system automatically downloads.

Avoid clicking on online links that promise to 'speed up your system' or 'clean and update your system.' These offers are often not only unnecessary but could also cost you money or even infect your computer with viruses.

Be cautious about where you click, especially when you see offers that seem too good to be true. Staying vigilant and sticking to trusted sources for software and updates is key to keeping your computer safe.

Be very careful when sharing personal data

A lot of websites will ask you for personal details, like your address or birthdate.

It's important to only give out this kind of information to people or companies you're familiar with and trust. Avoid sharing details with websites that appear out of nowhere, even if they seem to offer something enticing.

Be extra careful with sites that ask for sensitive information, especially if you didn't reach out to them first. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and refrain from giving out personal details.

Be careful when granting permissions to apps

Some smartphone apps will request permission to use various features on your phone, like your camera, contacts, or even the ability to send emails.

If you're confident the app is trustworthy, you can go ahead and allow these permissions. But if you have any doubts, it's better to tap 'Deny' or 'Cancel.' Keep in mind, denying permissions might make some features of the app unusable.

Always take a moment to think about whether the app really needs those permissions to function properly. Remember, it's better to be safe and limit access until you're sure the app is reliable and respects your privacy.

Take care when using public Wi-Fi

Always exercise caution when using your gadgets in public places, as someone might peek at your screen and see your password. Make sure to shield your screen when typing in sensitive information.

Public Wi-Fi, like the ones in coffee shops or libraries, isn't as secure as your home network.

It's best to steer clear of doing important tasks that involve personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi, particularly online banking or accessing government websites.

Only share your information on secure websites

Even when you're on a website you know and trust, always take a moment to look at the web browser's address bar before typing in any information.

Check for a padlock symbol or the letters "https://" before the website's address. This indicates that your connection to the site is secure, making it safer for you to enter personal details on websites you trust.

If you don't see these security signs, think twice before entering any personal or financial details. Lack of these indicators could mean the website is not secure, putting your information at risk.

eSafety Tip

Only share personal information with websites you're familiar with and trust. Even if a site shows "https://" in its address, it's a good idea to double-check that the website is legitimate. 

Sometimes, scammers can make fake websites that look real, complete with the "https://" sign. Always look for additional signs of legitimacy, like correct spelling and a familiar layout.

Also, consider checking for verified contact information or customer reviews, if available. If in doubt, it's better to directly type the website's address into your browser rather than clicking on a provided link. This way, you can be more certain you're going to the genuine site.

Avoid links in emails and text messages

Avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar text messages or emails. Legitimate organizations, like your bank or government agencies, will Never request your password via email or text.

They Won't instruct you to change your password by clicking a link sent through these methods either. Rather, they'll prompt you to log in and review your account settings.

If you're uncertain about the authenticity of a message, even from a source that looks familiar, it's always a good idea to call the organization directly to confirm. This adds an extra layer of security to your online interactions.

WELL DONE!

You've reached the end of the "Protecting Your Privacy Online" module.

We hope you found this course informative and useful for safeguarding your online presence. Take these skills forward in your day-to-day digital activities to create a safer online environment for yourself. Keep an eye out for more courses and activities that can further enhance your knowledge and online security.

Feel free to share this course with friends and family, as online safety is something that benefits everyone. Keep practicing what you've learned, and don't hesitate to revisit this course if you ever need a refresher. 

And if you ever need any help with VPNs feel free to reach out to our friendly team at Quokka IT!