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Objectives of this Class:
Objectives of this Class:
learn about common online threats
protecting your device and files
know your browser's security features
understand spam and phishing scams
learn tips for safe on line shopping
learn how to create strong passwords
complete and pass the internet safety quiz
It is important to practice internet safety, especially when job searching.
As we know job searching and filling out applications require a lot of personal information.
In this lesson, you will learn tools to help keep yourself protected in your job search and every day on line activities.
Common Online Threats
Common Online Threats
What is Malware?
What is Malware?
Malware is intrusive software that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems. Malware is a contraction for “malicious software.” Examples of common malware includes Viruses, Worms, Trojan Viruses, Spyware, Adware, and Ransomware.
What is a Virus?
What is a Virus?
A piece of computer code that has the ability to copy itself and the potential to copy, corrupt, and damage files. Some common computer viruses could be classified as worm or Trojan viruses based on how they behave.
A worm copies itself and tries to spread to other computer systems.
A Trojan virus can hide in computer systems and attempt to find, copy, and send data files and keystrokes to unauthorized users.
What is Spyware?
What is Spyware?
Spyware is software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive.
What is Adware?
What is Adware?
Adware is software that automatically displays or downloads advertisements when a person is online. A common example is a pop up ad that appears in its own small window when browsing certain web sites.
What is Ransomware and Scare-ware?
What is Ransomware and Scare-ware?
Software used to block access to a computer system or scare a user into believing they have committed a cyber crime until a sum of money is paid.
Ransomware victims have reported their screens are frozen with a messages that demand payment in order to unlock and access files. Ransomware is usually targeted towards individuals but companies and organizations have also fallen victims to these types of cyber criminals.
Scare-ware is sometimes a frozen screen with a pictures of local or federal law enforcement with a message that they have committed a crime and law enforcement is on the way to arrest them unless they pay or could be a pop window warning you that you have a computer virus.
Protecting your device and files
Protecting your device and files
Your internet devices face many potential threats, including viruses, malware, and hard drive failure. This is why it's important to do everything you can to protect your internet devices and your files.
- Download, install, and scan your device regularly with anti-malware software
You should not have more than one anti-malware program running on your device at a time otherwise they tend to conflict with each other
Click on the following link to read Tech radar's reviews of the best paid and free anti-malware programs for 2020:
Tech radar's 2020 Review of Free and Paid Anti-malware Programs
Top anti malware programs download website links:
- Back up your files to another device or cloud storage
1. External hard drive or large flash drive
2. Google drive
3. Microsoft’s One Drive
- Keep your programs and operating system updated
Browser's Security Features
Browser's Security Features
Your computer faces different threats whenever you browse the Web, including viruses, malware, and spyware. The good news is your web browser has a lot of built-in security features to help protect your computer. Let's take a look at some of the most important features you should know about, as well as some simple tips you can use to stay safe online.
Watch the video to learn about your browser's built-in security features.
Remember these 3 things to help keep yourself safe while on line:
Check the web address
Look at the security symbol
Update your browser regularly
Phishing Scams
Phishing Scams
Phishing is a scam used by identity thieves to trick you into providing your sensitive personal or financial information. Thieves use official-looking emails to impersonate trusted entities like banks, credit card companies, and online resources like eBay or PayPal. These emails are used to lure unsuspecting consumers to a particular website through a link where they will be asked to enter their information.
Steps to Avoid Phishing Scams
Steps to Avoid Phishing Scams
Protect your Personal Information:
Protect your Personal Information:
Be very cautious with your personal information including your usernames and passwords.
Some phishing scams divert you to a fraudulent website designed to look like your bank's website or a similar trusted source.
When you enter your username/password and other information, that information is transmitted to the con artist, who can abuse it later on.
Beware of Suspicious Emails and Do not Click Suspicious Links:
Beware of Suspicious Emails and Do not Click Suspicious Links:
Be very suspicious of any emails you receive from trusted entities like your bank.
If the email contains a link, don't click on it.
Type in the web address of the institution into the browser to access the website.
Know the Common Phishing Language:
Know the Common Phishing Language:
Look out for common phishing language in emails like "Verify your account."
Look out for emails that try to convey a sense of urgency.
Warnings that your account has been compromised, for example, are a common way to lure victims.
Be wary of any email that does not address you directly.
Most legitimate businesses will use your first and/or last name in all communication.
Safe On Line Shopping
Safe On Line Shopping
Conduct research: When using a new website for purchases, read reviews and see if other consumers have had a positive or negative experience with the site.
Personal information is like money: value it and protect it: When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete the transaction. Is it necessary for the vendor to request that information. Remember, you only need to fill out required fields at checkout.
Use safe payment options: Credit cards, Pay Pal, and other similar on line payment options are generally the safest.
Don’t be disappointed: Read return policies so you know what to expect.
Protect yourself: When shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with https:// indicating extra measures to help secure your information.
Creating Strong Passwords
Creating Strong Passwords
You'll need to create a password to do just about everything on the Web, from checking your email to online banking to the new world of job searching and applying for jobs. To protect yourself and your information, you'll want to use passwords that are strong and difficult for someone else to guess while still keeping them relatively easy for you to remember.
Watch the video on the left from Safety in Canada for tips on how to create a strong password to keep yourself and your information safe.
You may want to consider using a password manager. A password manager is a program that houses all your passwords, as well as other information, in one convenient location with one master password. There are many password managers to choose from that can be found online. Click the image on the left to see a list of the best free password managers for 2020.
Test your knowledge of Internet Safety by taking the GCF Global Quiz:
Test your knowledge of Internet Safety by taking the GCF Global Quiz:
Take some time to acknowledge and reward yourself for your successes and efforts. Keep working hard, you and your future deserve it!
Take some time to acknowledge and reward yourself for your successes and efforts. Keep working hard, you and your future deserve it!
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