What is the internet?

Before you learn about security, you should learn more about the basics of the internet and how it works! The internet is a huge network of billions of electronic devices such as computers. Click here to view the video.

What is cyber security and why is it important?

Cyber security focuses on preserving information and keeping it confidential from people with unauthorized access such as spies or hackers. It is important because the government and banks have your confidential information like your social security number that can be stolen and used for the wrong purposes. Being cyber safe is necessary to avoid being scammed by hackers. One way that certain organizations keep the information is by encryption which converts passwords to a code to hide it from outsiders.

How can we stay safe online?

Sometimes, hackers will disguise them as someone you trust, and ask you to verify account important information. Such a scam is referred to as phishing. You can identify such emails by their sense of urgency, demand for money and spelling errors. Beware of such emails!

When you create passwords, be sure to create ones that are unique. Use a variety of characters like symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters, and numbers to make your password difficult to hack. Don’t trust anyone with your passwords, including your friends.

While websurfing, check the web address in the search bar on the top. If the link has a lock next to the web address, it means that your information is kept private by that website. If there is an ‘i’ instead of ‘Secure’, it means hackers could be trying to steal your information and that you shouldn’t trust the website with your private data.