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:
When you open the links included on this page, you may be presented with messages about cookies. To find out more about what cookies are and how you can manage them safely, have a look at this guidance: Digital Unite - What is a Cookie?
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
As part of their 23 Things Digital, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) have developed this guidance with steps to help you improve your digital security. Read the introduction and follow instructions a-e: SSSC - Digital Security.
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, limiting screen time, not sharing too much personal information).
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: GCF Global - Avoiding Spam and Phishing
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.
To look at some of the things you can do to protect yourself online in more detail, work through this collection of guides. Use the links included to find further information on each of the topics: Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) - 6 Things for Staying Secure Online
Work through the week four contents of this longer e-learning course to learn how to recognise potential online dangers and keep yourself safe online. It also covers useful topics that include protecting your personal data, agreeing to terms and conditions, and copyright: Open University - Staying Safe and Legal
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. backing up data, using security software), and use these to proactively keep myself and others safe online.
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.