Staying Safe Online

Some information to consider…

Security• Your school laptop has antivirus software on it. Shut down your computer

at least once a day to ensure it always updates correctly.

• What kind of anti-virus software do you use at home?

• How do you know the site you’re visiting is secure?

The Perils of ‘Signing Up’Most websites require you to sign up or register an account in order for you to use them. This is not a problem, just remember you can:

• Pick a username that doesn’t identify you directly (eg. Snuffles2424)• Provide a dummy surname, like Smith• Provide a dummy phone number like 0000 000 000

• Don’t ever fill in more information than is ‘mandatory’ (*)• Try to avoid entering your address and phone number if you can help it• Have an email address that you use purely for online sign ups• Uncheck boxes that offer to send you ‘deals’ or ‘newsletters’• If you are too young to be using the site, don’t sign up• Choose a strong password

Creating Strong PasswordsWhat is a strong password?

The three most common passwords? “password” “123456” “qwerty”

Strong password rules:• Use numbers, letters (UPPER and lower case) and symbols ($%#)• Don’t use names or personal information• Don’t use the one password for everything!

Some examples: Awe$ome48 Gro0vy87#

What to do if you get hackedUsually, your friends will know before you do.

CHANGE THE PASSWORD ON YOUR ACCOUNT!

If you’re locked out of your account, contact the site administration.

Tell your friends and contacts – but not through the same medium by which you were hacked!

With emails – when in doubt, throw it out. DELETE DELETE DELETE!!