Target Audience: All citizens participating in the 21st Century Citizenship Program.
Module Duration: 75 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of online safety and security in the digital age.
Identify common online threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop skills and strategies for protecting personal information and devices.
Learn how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying and online harassment.
Cultivate a security-conscious mindset for navigating the digital world safely.
10 minutes
Real-World Risks: Begins with real-life examples or news stories highlighting the consequences of online security breaches and cybercrime to emphasize the relevance of this topic.
Program Overview: An outline of the learning objectives, stressing the importance of online safety for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
20 minutes
Cybersecurity Threats: Discussion about various types of cyber threats, including:
Malware: Viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware.
Phishing: Deceptive emails and websites designed to steal personal information.
Social Engineering: Manipulation tactics used to trick people into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.
Cyberbullying: Online harassment, intimidation, and threats.
Identity Theft: The unauthorized use of personal information to commit fraud or other crimes.
Vulnerabilities: An exploration of common vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals, such as weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured networks.
20 minutes
Strong Passwords and Authentication: Emphasizes the importance of strong, unique passwords and discuss password management best practices (e.g., password managers, two-factor authentication).
Software and Device Security: An explanation of the importance of keeping software and operating systems up to date, installing security software (antivirus, firewalls), and using secure Wi-Fi networks.
Data Protection and Privacy: Open dialogue about strategies for protecting personal information online, including being mindful of what information is shared, adjusting privacy settings on social media, and using secure online services.
Recognizing and Avoiding Scams: Demonstration of techniques to recognize and avoid common online scams, such as phishing emails, fake websites, and lottery scams.
15 minutes
Identifying Cyberbullying: Open discussion about different forms of cyberbullying and online harassment, including hate speech, online stalking, and the spread of rumors or embarrassing information.
Responding to Cyberbullying: Guidance on how to respond to cyberbullying, including documenting incidents, reporting to authorities or online platforms, and seeking support from trusted adults or organizations.
Promoting Positive Online Interactions: An emphasis placed on the importance of empathy, respect, and responsible online behavior to prevent cyberbullying and create a positive online environment.
10 minutes
Staying Informed: Encourages participants to stay informed about new and emerging online threats and security best practices.
Critical Thinking: Open discussion to underline the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when interacting with online information and requests.
Digital Responsibility: Promote responsible online behavior, including respecting others' privacy, avoiding the spread of misinformation, and contributing to a safe and positive online environment.
Interactive Scenarios: Real-world scenarios to engage participants in identifying potential threats and applying security measures.
Password Strength Checker: Utilize online tools to assess the strength of passwords and demonstrate the importance of password complexity.
Social Media Privacy Audit: Participants guided through a privacy audit of their social media accounts to identify and adjust privacy settings.
Cyberbullying Role-Playing: Role-playing activities to practice recognizing and responding to cyberbullying situations.
Online Safety and Security equips citizens with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and protect themselves from online threats. By understanding common cybersecurity risks and applying effective security practices, citizens can confidently engage in online activities and contribute to a more secure digital environment.