Staying safe online and cybersecurity aimed at 16-25year olds

STAYING SAFE ONLINE FOR 16-25 YEAR OLDS

🦺How to stay safe online and understand cybersecurity online🦺

TOP TIPS!

When using devices that have access to the internet, it is important that you protect your personal data. Personal data are things such as, your name, address, phone numbers, birthday, email address, banking information, photos, documents and other private files. 

This means you should have a plan in place when you are uploading personal data to your online devices. 

This plan could look like...

• Using strong password protection for your devices.
• Only downloading apps that you can verify are legitimate.
• Only make online accounts when really necessary. 
• Keep your accounts private via the privacy settings.
• Do not share your personal information with anyone.
• Be careful with what you share online.
• Verify all accounts you are connected with online.
• Make sure you are using secure websites with a https URL and padlock symbol.
• Avoid viruses/malware by downloading anti-virus/malware software.
• Be aware of cyber criminals online.
• Do not open unknown messages or emails.
• Use password protected files.
• Avoid connecting to unknown or public internet servers.

HOW TO SPOT SCAMS:

Scams can be done in numerous ways online, some ways that cyber criminals scam individuals are by...

• Creating illegitimate fake websites and accounts to impersonate individuals or organisations. For example, you might get an email from an account claiming to be the Royal Mail, the logo looks legit but they are using pressure driven language such as "You must pay the remanding balance today or you will not receive your parcel!". No organisation will ever ask you to give away your personal information online, so if this happens then you know it is a scam.
• Cyber criminals can use unsecure websites to lure people into clicking on hyperlinks or adverts, this allow for malware to be downloaded to your device which can lead to your personal data becoming unsafe. 
• Catfishing is commonly used by cybercriminals. Catfishing is when someone is impersonating an identity. For example, you receive a message from one of your old school friends on facebook, their profile looks legit but they are messaging you asking to borrow money, this is when you need to thoroughly check accounts.
• False Advertising is used by scammers by pretending to sell you a product in order to access your banking information or receive a financial gain. For example, you see an advert that says "BUY A £5 RAFFLE TICKET TO BE IN THE CHANCE TO WIN A VOLKSWAGEN POLO" this is most likely a scam, you can verify the account by reporting it to your online safety team. 

HOW TO AVOID SCAMS:

When online it is easy to fall into traps from scammers. To avoid scams you can try the following...

• When receiving an email or text, make sure you verify the account before opening or answering. 
• If you receive a call from an unknown number do not give away any personal information.
• Do not give away any of your personal information even if pressured.
• Report any illegitimate contact to the police or cybersecurity organisations.
• Block any unverified accounts.
• Do not click on random hyperlinks.

Thankyou for reading my blog, I hope this helps!

For more information you can visit the links to watch a video :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oJ8EMfOcGA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCs3aJYXLwo