1. Lesson 2- Protecting Yourself Online

2. Objectives Determine the strength of passwords
Protect against identity theft
Determine how to remain safe on public networks
Evaluate online threats
Protect against malware/hacking

3. Passwords Good password practices:
The whole purpose of a password is to keep important, private information safe.
Good password practices:
Strong passwords use upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. (8 or more characters)
Don’t share your passwords with anyone
Change your password frequently or use a different password for every site you visit
Don’t use information that is personal or easy to guess
Discussion tips:
Have students share their definition of digital footprint before revealing.
Discuss how important it is to be careful what we add to our digital footprints.
Have students discuss what types of entities consider information found in the digital footprint. (i.e., jobs, college admissions, etc…)
Have students think of/share examples where they or someone they knew has something embarrassing or regretful in their digital footprint.
Weak passwords:
Bickerton01
Fluffy1992
Strong passwords:
(Fluffy is # 1 cat!)
(I hate passwords)

4. I1uvS0ccer#1976 Bigbro01 Dimlyf3!7 Wallace_f12
Rate the following password examples as strong or weak:
I1uvS0ccer#1976
Bigbro01
Dimlyf3!7
Wallace_f12
Answers:
Strong
Weak

5. Hacking/Malware
Hacking is the act of cracking into a computer to steal information.
Malware is software that has malicious intent.
Two types of malware:
Discussion tips:
Ask students about their experiences with hacking/malwareHacking is the act of cracking into a computer to steal information.
A computer virus attaches itself to a file or program, enabling it to spread from one computer to another.
Worms spread from one machine to another, rapidly, without human action.

6. Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a computer program that detects, prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs, such as worms and viruses.
Malware can be shared by:
• attachments
• Fictitious websites
• Pop-up ads
• Spam

7. Hacking/Malware Defenses
Avoid attacks by:
Do not open s or attachments from unfamiliar addresses
Question suspicious attachments from people you do know
Right-click the pop-up taskbar or use the task manager to close pop-up ads
Discussion tips:
Students may have some knowledge on the subject here. Have them share how they avoid attacks. Avoid attacks by:
Use tools to prevent viewing potentially dangerous sites.

8. Internet Scams
The primary goal of an internet scam is to trick someone into giving money or sharing information.
Some of the most common Internet scams include:
• Lottery wins
• Contest wins
• IRS audit
• Dating schemes
• Jury duty
• Bank or credit card company
Discussion tips:
Discuss details of some of the internet scams you have encountered.
Allow students to discuss internet scams they have encountered.

9. Avoiding Internet Scams
Ways to Avoid Internet Scams:
Never provide your social security number.
Your other personal information should also be kept personal.
Know who you are dealing with.
If you are receiving some type of deal or offer, get the facts before making any commitments.

10. Identity Theft
Identity theft is when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data, typically for economic gain.
There are four major types of identity theft:
Financial – thief spends another person’s money or opens a line of credit in their name.
Criminal – thief uses someone else’s identity to commit a crime.
Governmental – thief uses SSN to file taxes or reap other governmental benefits.
Medical – thief uses identity to gain medical treatment or commit insurance fraud.

11. Public Networks
Free Wi-Fi is typically offered on public networks, which are generally unencrypted.
If the network is unencrypted, that means the data sent back and forth between your device and wireless router can be viewed by others.
Discussion tips:
Ask students how safe they believe public networks to be.
Special encryption called HTTPS can protect your web browsing information.

12. Public Networks
Here are some tasks you should avoid while on a public network:
Handling financial transactions
Logging into social media accounts
Sending
Logging on to false Wi-Fi networks

13. Summary Determine the strength of passwords
Protect against identity theft
Determine how to remain safe on public networks
Evaluate online threats
Protect against malware/hacking