Staying safe online · KS3 Computing

Protecting yourself

Keep personal information private: your full name, address, school, phone number and passwords.
Use strong passwords: long, with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and a different one for each account. Two-factor authentication adds a second check, such as a code sent to your phone.
Think before you post: your digital footprint (the trail of information you leave online) can last for ever. Check your privacy settings and turn off location sharing.
Most social media apps have a minimum age of 13.

Phishing is a fake message that tries to trick you into giving personal details. Warning signs: urgent requests, links to log in, odd sender addresses, spelling mistakes and greetings like "Dear customer".
Malware is software designed to cause harm: viruses, spyware, and ransomware (which locks your files and demands payment). Don't open unexpected attachments, and keep software updated.
People online may not be who they say they are. Never agree to meet someone you only know online, and tell a trusted adult if anyone makes you uncomfortable.

If you are cyberbullied: don't reply, save the evidence, block and report the person, and tell a trusted adult.
Check news with other reliable sources before sharing it; photos and videos can be faked.
Take breaks from screens.

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 makes it illegal to access a computer without permission (hacking), or to change data or spread malware.
Data protection laws control how organisations store and use personal data. Guernsey has its own law: the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 2017.
Copyright protects people's work: don't copy it without permission.

Personal information: Details that identify you, such as your address or phone number.
Digital footprint: The trail of information you leave online.
Phishing: Fake messages that try to trick you into giving personal details.
Malware: Software designed to damage a computer or steal data.
Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands payment.
Two-factor authentication: A second check, as well as a password, to prove who you are.
Cyberbullying: Bullying that happens online.
Privacy settings: Controls over who can see your information and posts.
Computer Misuse Act: A law that makes hacking and spreading malware illegal.
Data protection: Laws that control how personal data is stored and used.