Lesson: Mastering Internet Self-Safety

### ASET Full Lesson: Internet Self-Safety

📘 **Lesson: Mastering Internet Self-Safety**
📍 Duration: Self-Paced (Approximately 2–3 Hours)

Format: Online (Interactive Reading, Examples, and Quiz)

Welcome to ASET Bangladesh’s comprehensive lesson on Internet Self-Safety! In today’s digital world, where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, understanding how to protect yourself online is essential. This lesson covers key threats, best practices, and tools to safeguard your personal information, devices, and privacy. By the end, you’ll be equipped to navigate the internet confidently and securely. Let’s empower your digital life—Empowering Skills, Enabling Futures! 🚀

#### Module 1: Understanding Online Threats
The internet offers endless opportunities, but it also harbors risks like hacking, phishing, malware, and identity theft. According to recent reports, from 2019 to 2023, there were 3.79 million cyberattack complaints in the US alone, resulting in $37.4 billion in losses. Common threats include:
– **Phishing**: Deceptive emails or messages tricking you into revealing sensitive information.
– **Malware**: Harmful software that can steal data or damage devices.
– **Social Engineering**: Manipulating people into divulging confidential info.
– **Data Breaches**: Unauthorized access to personal data, often sold on the dark web.
– **Identity Theft**: Using stolen info for fraud, with younger people four times more likely to lose money to online scams than those over 60.

Real-world example: A fake email pretending to be from your bank asks for login details—always verify directly with the source.

#### Module 2: Password and Authentication Best Practices
Strong passwords and multi-layer security are your first line of defense.
– Create unique passwords using a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., three random words like “BlueHorseBattery”). Avoid reusing passwords across accounts.
– Use a password manager like Keeper, Dashlane, or LastPass to generate and store complex passwords securely.
– Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible—it adds a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone.
– Change passwords regularly and never share them. Store them in encrypted files or managers, not plain text.

Practical Tip: For smartphones, use at least a six-digit passcode, enable auto-lock after 30 seconds, and activate “Erase Data” after failed attempts.

#### Module 3: Safe Browsing and Phishing Avoidance
Browse wisely to avoid traps.
– Always check for “HTTPS://” and a padlock icon in the URL for encrypted connections.
– Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails, texts, or pop-ups—hover to preview URLs and verify legitimacy.
– Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals, poor spelling, or urgent requests—these are red flags for scams.
– Use tools like Google Transparency Report or Norton Safe Web to check website safety before visiting.
– Download apps/software only from official stores or developers’ sites to prevent malware.

Example: If an email claims “Your account is suspended—click here,” contact the company directly instead.

#### Module 4: Privacy and Social Media Safety
Protect your personal data from oversharing.
– Adjust privacy settings on social media to limit who sees your posts and info—avoid public sharing of sensitive details like addresses or phone numbers.
– Be mindful of online strangers: Never share personal info, meet in person, or send money to unverified contacts.
– For families: Use parental controls, monitor kids’ online activity, and educate them on stranger danger and safe apps/games.
– Seniors: Watch for family emergency scams where fraudsters pose as loved ones needing urgent funds.
– Regularly review and shred documents with personal info; monitor credit reports for suspicious activity.

Tip: Use identity monitoring services like LifeLock or Aura for dark web scans and theft reimbursement up to $1 million.

#### Module 5: Device and Network Security
Secure your hardware and connections.
– Keep software, apps, and devices updated automatically to patch vulnerabilities.
– Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks; use a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to encrypt traffic and hide your IP.
– Disable Bluetooth when not in use and set to “Not Discoverable” to prevent unauthorized pairing, especially in public.
– Back up data regularly to external drives or cloud storage to recover from breaches or ransomware.
– Install reputable antivirus software and avoid free VPNs that might sell your data.

Example: In crowded areas, hackers can exploit Bluetooth—always unpair after use.

#### Module 6: Tools and Resources
Enhance your safety with these:
– **VPNs**: ExpressVPN, NordVPN for secure browsing.
– **Password Managers**: Keeper, 1Password.
– **Identity Protection**: Aura, Identity Guard.
– **Website Checkers**: URLVoid, Norton Safe Web.
– Free Resources: Check out guides from CISA for basics or Cyber Fraud Hub for password importance.

#### Interactive Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Answer these 10 questions (self-assess with explanations):

1. What should you look for in a secure website URL?
a) HTTP
b) HTTPS and padlock
c) Pop-ups
d) Free offers
*(Correct: b) Always ensure encryption to protect data.*

2. Why enable 2FA?
a) Slows login
b) Adds extra security layer
c) Shares location
d) Auto-logs out
*(Correct: b) It requires secondary verification.*

3. Best way to create a strong password?
a) Birthdate
b) Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
c) Reuse across accounts
d) Share with friends
*(Correct: b) Use unique, complex combos.*

4. What is phishing?
a) Fake emails tricking for info
b) Speeding internet
c) Photo sharing
d) Software updates
*(Correct: a) Verify senders always.*

5. How to protect privacy on social media?
a) Post publicly
b) Adjust settings, limit sharing
c) Accept all requests
d) Use full name/address
*(Correct: b) Control visibility.*

6. When should you update software?
a) Never
b) Automatically/regularly
c) Only if broken
d) Once a year
*(Correct: b) Patches fix vulnerabilities.*

7. Risk of public Wi-Fi?
a) Free access
b) Data interception
c) Faster speeds
d) More friends
*(Correct: b) Use VPNs for protection.*

8. What to do with suspicious links?
a) Click immediately
b) Ignore or verify source
c) Forward to friends
d) Download attachments
*(Correct: b) Avoid clicking to prevent malware.*

9. Benefit of password managers?
a) Weak passwords
b) Secure storage/generation
c) Sharing easily
d) Forgetting them
*(Correct: b) They handle complexity.*

10. How to handle online strangers?
a) Meet in person
b) Share personal info
c) Be wary, don’t meet/share
d) Send money
*(Correct: c) Prioritize safety.*

Score yourself: 8–10 = Expert; 5–7 = Good, review modules; Below 5 = Retake after studying.

#### Conclusion
You’ve completed the lesson! Remember, internet self-safety is ongoing—stay vigilant, update habits, and educate others. For more ASET courses, explore our PGD programs. If you suspect a breach, report to authorities like your local cyber police. Stay safe online! 🚀