Avoid interacting with strangers on-line.
Beware of cybercriminals. They lure you in with enticing offers. Don’t take their bait!
Create strong passwords that are hard to guess. Never use words or dates that are easy to identify such as your birthday, social security number or favorite saying.
Don’t share your passwords. Sharing your password with others creates security risks to your accounts and can lead to identity theft.
Exercise caution when browsing on-line.
Fend off hackers with end-point protection such as anti-virus or anti-malware software.
Get your cybersecurity hat on! The Internet can be a great resource when used properly.
Hackers know no boundaries and are constantly looking for their next target. Be diligent. Keep your guard up.
Identity theft is real. You are never too old or too young to have your identity stolen. Keep all personal information safe.
Join on-line groups or websites cautiously. Have you verified the group or site you are about to join?
Keep all personal information safe. Never give out account numbers, your Social Security number, passwords or other personal information to anyone.
Logout of the computer, or all accounts you have accessed, when leaving your workstation. This applies to home or school.
Multi-factor authentication helps you double-down on account security and keeps you safe. Implement multi-factor authentication when available.
Never open an attachment from a sender you do not know or trust.
Only open attachments you know are from a trusted source.
Pause before opening an email from a sender you do not know. Ask your teacher or parent if it is okay to open the email.
Question emails or sites that look suspicious. If it looks or sounds suspicious, it probably is not safe.
Report any mean, hurtful or phishing emails you receive to a teacher, school administrator or parent.
Seek parent or teacher approval before downloading software or images.
Type the web address or URL you want to visit correctly. Misspelling a word in the URL can lead to visiting unsafe sites.
Understand that once you post a message, upload an image or send an email, it is on the Internet FOREVER. Although the message or image might be funny to you, ask yourself, “Is this hurtful or harmful to someone?” If it is stop.
Visit only websites you know are safe and approved by your parents or teachers. Visiting websites not approved may result in you downloading a virus.
Webcams are instrumental and important tools for remote learning. However, review webcam etiquette so your sessions are safe, respectful to others and productive.
X factors are circumstances or variables that could have a strong outcome or influence. The X factor here is that free downloads provide the hidden possibility of malware being downloaded on your computer or device. Avoid downloads you have not verified.
Yesterday is gone forever. However, on the Internet and through screen shots, once content is posted and viewed, it has the potential to last FOREVER.
Zeroing in on cybersecurity allows you to have a fun and productive learning experience. Be cyber smart and the Internet can provide you with a multitude of exciting educational opportunities.