Online Safety 101
This is the safest thing to do immediately if you see something online that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
What is telling a trusted adult? (Or what is reporting it?)
This unique 9-digit number issued by the U.S. government should be kept completely secret to prevent total identity theft.
What is a Social Security Number?
Instead of using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, security experts consider this classic 4-to-6-digit numeric code or strong pattern to be the safest biometric backup for locking a phone.
What is a PIN? (Or what is a passcode?)
You should never share this secret combination of letters, numbers, or symbols that unlocks your personal accounts.
What is a password?
When staying at a hotel, you should keep your passport, spare credit cards, and cash locked inside this secure, heavy in-room box.
What is a safe?
You should always do this action to a mobile app or account when you are finished using it on a public or shared computer.
What is log out?
To protect your files from being lost forever if your computer breaks, you should regularly make this extra copy of your data.
What is a backup?
To prevent people from reading your private emails over public airport or coffee shop Wi-Fi, you should use this 3-letter private network tool.
What is a VPN
You should always click "Install" when your phone or laptop prompts you to do this action, which fixes newly discovered bugs and security flaws.
What is an update?
This 4-letter word describes a suspicious, unexpected link or email attachment that you should never click on.
What is spam?
Before throwing away junk mail, bank statements, or receipts, you should run them through this machine to destroy the text.
What is a paper shredder?
This privacy-centric browser setting lets you view websites without saving your local browsing history, search history, or tracking cookies after you close the window.
What is Incognito mode? (Or what is Private Browsing?)
It is the safest rule of thumb to follow when a stranger online asks you for your home address or school name.
What is do not share it? (Or what is keep it private?)
This form of identity theft occurs when a criminal rummages through outdoor trash cans to find discarded bills or documents containing personal details.
What is dumpster diving?
This extra security step sends a text code to your phone right after you type your password to prove it's really you logging in.
What is two-factor authentication?