Online Security is the ability to identify online threats and to understand how to protect yourself from them. This includes protecting your personal information while avoiding malware, as well as recognizing illicit or harmful content.
Cyber security is crucial for students who spend more and explanation more time online. They must be aware that there are real threats to their security and privacy including cyberbullying, as well as identity theft. Also, they should be aware that careless or reckless Internet behavior can have serious consequences. For instance, a New Hampshire politician, for example, lost his job because he posted inappropriate photos and comments on social media regarding his opponents.
There are a myriad of things that could go wrong regardless of whether they’re shopping playing games or chatting to their friends. For instance it’s easy to click on a malicious link in an email text message or online advertisement that can create a malware infection on a device. Once an embarrassing or offensive comment, picture or video is published, it’s nearly impossible to erase it.
To help kids understand the importance of cyber safety, teachers can include a variety of fun activities into their lessons. Students can create an animated digital cartoon about the dangers of bullying, or meet a person they met online in person to stimulate discussions in the classroom and build critical thinking and media literacy. Students can also learn about cyber safety by creating an online mock article.