CYBERSECURITY

A Guide to keep ourselves Safe in the Virtual World

The Internet has become our go-to-buddy in today’s world. With the lockdown prevailing, we have to heavily depend on technology and the internet for many of our needs, including our everyday classes. Just like we have to protect ourselves from incidents and criminals in the actual world, it is very important that we keep ourselves safe in the virtual world as well. We must try and become DIGITAL CITIZENS - a person who has knowledge and skills to effectively communicate through technology.

CYBERCRIME - TERMS

A crime that takes place on the Internet is called CYBERCRIME.

The people who do such crimes are known as CYBERCRIMINALS.

The Internet is not a safe place, because any computer can be a simple target for cybercriminals.

TYPES OF COMMON CYBERCRIMES

Some of the Cybercrimes that we are most prone to are:

Hacking - of email/social media accounts.
Cyberbullying/stalking - receiving threats/mean messages/harassment.
Fraud - to access your bank account for online transactions of money.
Virus - to obtain personal information from your phone/computer/laptop
Identity theft - when someone pretends to be somebody else on the internet.
Phishing - receiving emails with kinks to unsafe websites

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES?

Be attentive while using technology and internet

Keep your accounts protected using strong and unique passwords. (Write the password and keep it safe so that you don’t forget it.)
Do not share your personal and important information with anyone on the internet, especially strangers. (Address, phone numbers, otp received, bank details etc.)
Never share your photographs or videos with strangers on the internet.
Always ask for an adult’s permission before downloading anything. (apps, videos etc.)
Keep your social media accounts private. Avoid adding strangers.

YOUR ROLE AS RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL CITIZENS

You must have the knowledge and skills to make use of the internet and technology effectively and positively.
Create awareness around you to use the internet safely.
Help out struggling parents, friends and siblings while using technology.
If you are not aware, take help from someone who has knowledge and you trust.
If you wish to, shop on secure online websites.
Do not ignore virus warnings or alerts.
Log out from your accounts after using someone else’s device.

TO FURTHER RESEARCH ON THIS TOPIC

A lesson plan for Cyber Security by Teaching Security- CLICK HERE
Cyber Safe Girl 2.0 by Indian Cyber Institute- CLICK HERE
Cyber Safety Manual by Cyber Peace Foundation and CBSE- CLICK HERE