Sources
- emails
- phone calls and text messages
- social media messages
- websites
Understanding Online Security
Key takeaways
- Going online can expose you to risks like scams, viruses and identity theft.
- These risks may harm your devices and steal your personal information or money.
- Keep your family safe by understanding the risks and improving your online security.
We use the internet every day for banking, school, shopping and staying in touch. This means we share and store personal information online.
Some online activities may have risks that can harm you and your family.
Help your family stay safe online by knowing more about:
- types of dangers
- what sources they may come from
- the risks of not avoiding the danger
- how to stay safe.
Scams
Scams are lies that trick you into sending your personal information or money.
-
-
Risks
- money loss
- identity theft
- damage to your device
-
Stay safe
- use strong antivirus software and update it regularly
- don't download files or apps from untrusted sources
Learn more
Malware and viruses
Malware and viruses are hidden programs that can infect and damage your device.
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Sources
- links, attachments and downloads
- websites and apps
- unsafe internet connections
- other infected devices or files
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Risks
- deleted or damaged files
- stolen information
- identity theft
- damage to your device
-
Stay safe
- use strong antivirus software and update it regularly
- don't download files or apps from untrusted sources
Learn more
Identity theft
Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and pretends to be you.
They do this to access your money or create new loans and accounts in your name.
-
Sources
- scams
- malware and viruses
- unsafe internet connections
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Risks
- money loss
- damage to your credit score
- losing access to your accounts
-
Stay safe
- use different, strong passwords for each account
- use security options like multifactor authentication
Learn more
Unsafe connections
Some Wi-Fi internet networks, hotspot and Bluetooth connections let people see your screen and personal information.
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Sources
- public Wi-Fi (from a library, airport, coffee shop and more)
- unsecure WiFi and hotspot (personal or business)
- Bluetooth connection to an infected device
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Risks
- damaged files
- stolen information
- identity theft
- damage to your device
-
Stay safe
- secure your home Wi-Fi with a strong password and encryption
- never use public Wi-Fi for activities like banking or shopping
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