Path 6 · Security
Digital Safety and Privacy
Understand common threats and scams, protect your accounts with strong passwords and multifactor authentication, and protect your privacy.
By the end you will be able to
- Recognise phishing, malware and common scams.
- Create and manage strong, unique passwords.
- Set up multifactor authentication and recovery options.
- Control the personal information you share.
Before you start
- Recommended first: Internet and Communication
Module 22: Cybersecurity fundamentals
How attackers and accidents harm computers, what malware is, and the everyday habits and calm response steps that keep your devices and data safe.
- Threats, vulnerabilities, risks and malware
Learn the three words security people use (threat, vulnerability, risk), the main kinds of malware, how infections really happen and why tricking people works better than breaking machines.
30 min · elementary
- Everyday defences: updates, antivirus, firewalls and least privilege
Build a layered set of habits that stops most attacks: keep software updated, understand what antivirus and a firewall really do, use a normal account for daily work, download from safe places and keep backups.
30 min · elementary · Ubuntu/Linux · Windows
- What to do when something goes wrong
Recognise the signs that a device or account may be compromised, then follow a calm order of steps: stop, disconnect, use a clean device to change passwords, restore from backup and report.
25 min · elementary
Module 23: Passwords and account security
How to build strong, unique passwords and passphrases, store them in a password manager, and protect accounts with a second factor, recovery codes and good habits on shared computers.
- Passphrases, unique passwords and password managers
Understand what makes a password hard to guess, why a unique password for every account matters more than complexity, and how a password manager lets you do this without memorising dozens of secrets.
30 min · elementary
- Multifactor authentication, recovery codes and sessions
Add a second lock to your important accounts, choose the best kind of second factor, keep recovery codes safe, understand sessions and sign-outs, and use public computers without leaving anything behind.
30 min · elementary
Module 24: Privacy and digital identity
What counts as personal information, the trail you leave online, and how to control it through social media settings, app permissions, safer use of public Wi-Fi and care on shared devices.
- Personal information and your digital footprint
Learn what counts as personal data, how the trail you leave online builds up, how to tighten social media privacy, how your data is shared and how identity theft happens and is prevented.
30 min · elementary
- App permissions, public Wi-Fi and shared devices
Control what apps and websites can see and use (camera, microphone, location), understand the real risks of public Wi-Fi and what a VPN does and does not do, and keep your information safe on shared devices.
30 min · elementary · Ubuntu/Linux · Windows
Module 25: Fraud and online scams
The common scam stories, the red flags they share, and what to do about payment fraud, fake QR codes and online shopping traps, including how to report a scam and recover.
- Common scams: jobs, investments, impersonation and romance
Learn the handful of stories scammers keep retelling (fake jobs, fake investments, impersonation, romance and fake support calls) and the shared red flags that let you spot a new one.
25 min · elementary
- Payment fraud, QR codes, online shopping and reporting scams
Learn how fraudulent payment requests, fake QR codes and fake shops work, how to pay more safely, and exactly what to do, in what order, if you have been scammed.
25 min · elementary