Lesson 2 - Protecting Yourself Online

•Learn how to create strong passwords

•Evaluate online threats

•Protect yourself against malware/hacking

•Protect yourself against identity theft

Objectives

•Explain how to remain safe on public networks

PasswordsThe whole purpose of a password is to keep private information safe.

• Strong passwords use upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. (8 or more characters)

Weak passwords: Jennypassword123

• Don’t use information that is personal or easy to guess

Good password practices:

• Don’t share your passwords with anyone

• Change your password frequently or use a different password for every site you visit

Strong passwords:Fi#1c@t! Fluffy1992!

More Examples

I1uvS0ccer#1976

Bigbro01

Dimlyf3!7

Tissue_12

Hacking is the act of cracking into a computer to steal information.

Malware is software that has malicious intent.

Two types of malware:

A computer virus attaches itself to a file or program, enabling it to spread from one computer to another.

Worms spread from one machine to another, rapidly, without human action.

Hacking/Malware

Antivirus software is a computer program that detects, prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs, such as worms and viruses.

Malware can be shared by:

• E-mail attachments• Fictitious websites• Pop-up ads• Spam

Antivirus Software

Hacking/Malware Defenses

How to avoid attacks:

• Do not open emails or attachments from unfamiliar email addresses

• Question suspicious attachments (even from people you know)

• Right-click the pop-up taskbar or use the task manager to close pop-up ads

• Use tools to prevent viewing potentially dangerous sites (ad blocker)

Internet Scams

The goal of an internet scam is to trick someone into giving money or share their information.

Some of the most common Internet scams include:

• Lottery wins• Contest wins• IRS (tax) audit• Dating schemes• Jury duty • Bank or credit card company

Avoiding Internet Scams

Ways to Avoid Internet Scams:

• Never provide your social security number.

• Keep all personal information private.

• If you are receiving some type of deal or offer, get the facts before giving information.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data, typically for economic gain.

There are four major types of identity theft:

Financial – thief spends another person’s money or opens a line of credit in their name.

Criminal – thief uses someone else’s identity to commit a crime.

Governmental – thief uses SSN to file taxes or reap other governmental benefits.

Medical – thief uses identity to gain medical treatment or commit insurance fraud.

Public Networks

Free Wi-Fi is typically offered on public networks, which are generally unencrypted.

If the network is unencrypted, that means the data sent back and forth between your device and wireless router can be viewed by others.

Special encryption called HTTPS can protect your web browsing information.

Public Networks

Here are some things you should avoid doing while on a public network:

• Online banking

• Logging into social media accounts

• Sending emails

• Never log on to fake Wi-Fi networks