Understands the risks of being online and takes measures to stay safe
On this page you'll find links to resources to help you understand the risks of being online and take measures to stay safe.
Select your current capability level to jump to aligned resources:
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Not at Level 1
Understands the risks of being online and takes measures to stay safe
Not at Level 1 - I am not sure about the potential dangers of being online. I need to learn more about these and find out about simple things I can do to stay safe.
Use this guide to learn about some of the most common digital security threats and how you can protect yourself when online: Digital Unite - A Guide to Internet Safety
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a UK government organisation responsible for providing advice, guidance and support to protect the UK’s critical systems from cyber threats. Have a look at their list of six top tips for staying safe online: NCSC - Top Tips for Staying Secure Online
For further resources, visit the Identity, Safety and Wellbeing page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Level 1
Understands the risks of being online and takes measures to stay safe
Level 1 - I know that the digital world can present risks and potential dangers. I do simple things to keep myself safe online (e.g. using strong passwords, looking out for suspicious emails, being cautious when sharing personal information) and protect my wellbeing (e.g. being aware of how much time I spend online).
This guide will give you some hints and tips on simple things you can do to keep yourself safe online. Pay particular attention to the Other Good Things To Do section towards the end: Digital Unite - How to Stay Safe Online
Work through these five example videos to learn about some common online threats and what you can do to protect yourself and your organisation: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - Staying Secure Online Video Scenarios
When looking for simple things that you can do to keep yourself safe online avoiding spam and phishing is a good place to start. This guidance will explain what these are and help you learn how to avoid potentially harmful content on the internet: Neighbour Help - Tips to avoid fraud, phishing and spam
It’s crucial that we know how to spot phishing attempts, but this can be tricky to do when professional cyber criminals mimic content from trusted companies or use AI to make attacks more sophisticated and personalised. Work through this short quiz where you’ll be asked to determine whether email messages are genuine or attempts at phishing: Google - Phishing Quiz
Use this web page to find out what QR codes are, how they work, and how to avoid malicious QR codes and protect yourself online. Please note, this page includes adverts from the Kaspersky company who sell anti virus software: Kaspersky - QR Code Security: What are QR codes and are they safe to use?
For further resources, visit the Identity, Safety and Wellbeing page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Level 2
Understands the risks of being online and takes measures to stay safe
Level 2 - I have a good understanding of the potential dangers of being online (e.g. phishing emails, device hacking, unsafe online interactions). I am vigilant when using digital tools and always alert to suspicious activity, taking necessary steps to protect myself (e.g. managing cookie preferences, backing up data, keeping devices and apps updated, turning on two-factor authentication).
Build your understanding of the practical steps you can take to protect yourself online. Work through this collection of guides covering common security risks and actions you can take to stay secure when using digital tools: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - 6 Things for Staying Secure Online
Develop your awareness of online risks further by working through the week four content of this course. Learn how to recognise potential dangers, protect your personal information and understand other considerations such as terms and conditions and copyright: Open University - Staying Safe and Legal
Learn how cookies are used when you browse online and how they can affect your privacy. Consider the choices you make when accepting cookies and learn how to manage, block or delete them through your browser settings: Information Commissioner's Office - Cookies
Strengthen your ability to protect important information by learning why regular backups are important, the different ways data can be backed up and how backups can help you recover information if it is lost, damaged or compromised: National Cyber Security Centre - Backing up your data
For further resources, visit the Identity, Safety and Wellbeing page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.
Level 3
Understands the risks of being online and takes measures to stay safe
Level 3 - I have advanced knowledge of online dangers and understand how innovations like artificial intelligence could present additional risks. I have an in-depth understanding of measures that can be taken to ensure online safety (e.g. using security software, identifying and managing account recovery options), and use these to proactively keep myself and others safe online.
Develop your awareness of how artificial intelligence can create new online risks. Test your ability to recognise AI-generated deepfakes and learn about some of the signs that can help you identify manipulated or fraudulent content: Which? - Could you spot a deepfake?
Strengthen your understanding of how to protect the devices you use. Learn about measures including security updates, device access controls and built-in protections that can reduce the risk of your devices and information being compromised: National Cyber Security Centre - Protecting your devices
Build your ability to respond if an online account is compromised. Learn how to recognise suspicious activity, recover access, secure your account and take steps to reduce the risk of further harm to yourself and others: National Cyber Security Centre - Hacked accounts
This library of guides covers a range of different online safety topics in detail. Use these to increase your knowledge and follow the links included for further information: Digital Unite - Online Safety and Privacy Basics
For further resources, visit the Identity, Safety and Wellbeing page of the Digital and Data Resource Hub.