Cybersecurity – FPB

Cyber security is defined to cover physical protection (both hardware and software) of personal information and technology resources from unauthorized access gained via technological means. In contrast, most of the issues covered in cyber safety are steps that one can take to avoid revealing information by social means. Cyber security topics may include the following:

• Identity theft – it is possible for bad people to steal the information that you use to identify yourself online – in effect the person can then become you and masquarade as you online.
• Phising – beware that you do not share any personal information or banking details online. Certain e-mails and websites lure you into supplying personal information, which is known as phising attempts.
• Be very careful of anybody promising you money – if you did not enter the national lottery, how can you have won any money from them?
• Do not send along chain letters – they clog the e-mail system.

You should protect your computer and employ good computer “hygiene”. Much like you are taught to wash your hands to avoid disease computer if you do not follow a handful of computer basics.

Identitytheft

Identity theft is a specific type of fraud, which involves stealing money or gaining other benefits by pretending to be someone else.

Identity theft is when your personal information is used without your knowledge or permission. This can take a variety of forms and, in the worst case; it can involve criminalizing your information to steal money from you or to open bank accounts or credit cards in your name. While this may not seem a problem if you don’t yet have a credit card, it might damage your chances of getting one when you’re older.

Personal information can be accessed from your computer or at a public computer terminal. With sufficient information, criminals can make credit card purchases, apply for loans or transfer money directly from your bank, while pretending to be you.

Criminals use many methods to gather personal information, including sending viruses and spam, and setting up fake websites. You can also have your identity “stolen” if someone uses your personal information to impersonate you online. They might pretend to be you, make a fake profile of you or hack into your actual profile!

Identity theft can be devastating, both financially and emotionally.

How can I protect my identity?

• Ask your parents to help you to install antivirus software– the correct version for your internet browser– and remember to activate your computer’s firewall.
• Tell a trusted adult before posting any personal information online and be very careful when entering a competition.

Why is it dangerous to post personal information on the web?

This sort of information can be used to identify or locate where you live or go to school.

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