What Is Digital Safety?

By Marwa Saydee, Annual Content Creation Intern | Digital4Good

Digital Safety is an on-going issue and complex topic we have in today's society; From students in school, to the older generation in workplaces; Digital Safety is something that we do not promote enough: in school, workplaces, and in public spaces. This blog here will reveal solutions to staying safe, digitally, and virtually! 

What is Digital Safety? 

In simple words, Digital Safety is knowing how to stay safe in the virtual world. How we can keep our information secure through cybersecurity, how we can store our data in cyber encryption, Digital Safety is a very much needed thing in order to stay safe. 

Being Cautious

Digital safety might not always be on our minds, especially when we're engaged in activities like playing video games, shopping online, or reading news articles. However, it's essential to be cautious. Avoiding suspicious links, surveys, and unverified websites is crucial for your online safety.

Creating unique passwords for all your accounts is a vital safety measure. Imagine if a hacker managed to get one of your passwords. If you use the same password everywhere, the hacker could access all your accounts. By using different passwords, you minimize the risk and protect your digital presence more effectively.

Securing Your Personal Information

These might seem like basic steps but being careful about sharing these pieces of information are the most crucial! 

They include :

• Full Name (government name)
• Home, School, and Work Address
• SSN (social security number)
• Account passwords and names

Protection Against Viruses

Malware is software designed to infiltrate and damage electronic devices like computers, networks, and smartphones. Its main goal? To steal your personal data.

So, what exactly is malware? It's any program created to disrupt or harm electronic systems, affecting everything from PCs to gaming consoles.

For those using Apple products like MacBooks, there's some good news. These devices come with built-in malware protection. But it's still important to stay vigilant. Malware can find you in many ways, particularly through phishing attacks. These attacks often come in the form of deceptive emails, tricking you into compromising your security by clicking on harmful links. Remember, always be wary of opening links from unknown sources.

There are several types of malware to watch out for:

1. Viruses: These programs can replicate and spread by attaching themselves to other programs and files.
2. Worms: Worms are capable of copying themselves and spreading independently, without any help from the user.
3. Spyware: This type of malware secretly gathers information from your device without your knowledge.

Avoid Content That Puts Your Safety At Risk

The internet is vast, much like a huge web. It's filled with various sites, some of which may have harmful or illegal content. This is particularly important to remember for the younger generation.

Understanding what is safe and what isn't online is crucial. For young children, it's essential to use "safety filters." These filters help block access to harmful or illegal content.

Parents and guardians should talk openly with their children about digital safety. It's important for children to feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns.

Stranger - Danger!

Communicating with strangers Via online is something to always have a little more caution about; never share personal information regarding you and your life. 

Remember:

• Strangers may lie to get information out of you and use it to blackmail you
• Never meeting with a stranger (unless you have certain information and a trusted adult with you)
• If you’re a minor, telling a trusted person that you’re in communication with a stranger!

Online Arguments

We all have different viewpoints and sides we support regarding certain topics. It's crucial to know that many times, people will often bait you into getting into heated arguments, this is often on social media, and it often leads to online violence! Taking a step back and cooling down is encouraged, or completely shutting down the argument is even better! Remember, you’re being the bigger person and as well as securing your online security!

I hope that in today’s blog, every reader found at least one bit of advice that may resonate with you. Digital Safety is something that we strongly encourage in the classroom. For more information about our programs, please visit: www.icanhelp.net

FAQs

What are the basic steps to enhance digital safety?

Use strong, unique passwords, avoid suspicious links, and regularly update your software.

How can parents ensure their children's digital safety?

Employ safety filters, monitor online activities, and foster open discussions about internet use.

What should you do if you suspect a malware attack?

Disconnect from the internet, run a security scan, and change your passwords.

Why is it important to have unique passwords for different accounts?

It prevents a single breach from compromising multiple accounts.

How can one identify a phishing email?

Look for suspicious sender addresses, urgent or alarming language, and unexpected requests for personal information.