The Importance of Online Safety for Seniors

In today's digital age, the internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. We use it to stay connected with loved ones, shop, bank, and access information. However, as we spend more time online, we also become more vulnerable to cyber threats.

Don't forget to scroll down and complete this module's quiz when you're ready!

It can feel overwhelming but we're here to help. Image Credit: SDC

As seniors, we may be especially targeted by cybercriminals who believe we are less tech-savvy and more trusting. Studies show that seniors lose billions of dollars each year to online scams and fraud.

The top types of fraud in 2022 (Ages 60 and over). Image Credit: SDC

But don't let this discourage you from using the internet! By learning about common cyber threats and how to protect yourself, you can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while staying safe and secure. That's exactly what this course is designed to help you do.

Understanding Common Cyber Threats

Before we dive into specific strategies for staying safe online, let's take a closer look at some of the most common cyber threats you should be aware of:

The three most common cyber threats. Image Credit: SDC

1. Malware: Short for "malicious software," malware refers to any program designed to harm your computer or steal your personal information. This can include viruses, spyware, and ransomware.

2. Phishing: Phishing is when a scammer tries to trick you into giving away sensitive information, like your passwords or credit card numbers, by posing as a trustworthy entity. They may send you an email that looks like it's from your bank or a well-known company, asking you to click on a link and enter your information.

3. Identity Theft: This is when a criminal gains access to your personal information, such as your passport or bank account details, and uses it to make purchases, open new accounts, or commit other types of fraud in your name.

Throughout this course, we'll learn more about each of these threats and, more importantly, how to protect yourself against them.

Course Structure and Learning Objectives

This course is divided into eight modules, each focusing on a different aspect of cybersecurity and scam prevention. Here's a brief overview of what you'll learn:

The modules included in our Cybersecurity course. Image Credit: SDC

• Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity (you are here!)​
• Module 2: Creating strong passwords and using password management tools​
• Module 3: Identifying and avoiding email scams​
• Module 4: Safe online shopping and banking practices​
• Module 5: Social media safety and privacy settings​
• Module 6: Protecting your devices from malware and securing your home network​
• Module 7: Common scams targeting seniors and how to avoid them​
• Module 8: What to do if you've been scammed and how to report it​

By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of online security best practices and feel empowered to protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber threats.

Each module includes a mix of videos, text, and images to help you understand the concepts and apply them in your daily life. We'll also provide practical examples, case studies, and tips you can easily implement. At the end of each module, there will be a short multiple-choice test to reinforce your learning and ensure you're mastering the material.

Get ready to feel scam-savvy! Image Credit: SDC

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. But by staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams and fraud. So, let's get started on this journey towards a safer online experience!

Question 1 of 5

What is the primary goal of this cybersecurity course?

To teach seniors how to use the internet

To help seniors protect themselves from cyber threats and scams

To encourage seniors to avoid using the internet altogether

To promote specific antivirus software products

Which of the following is an example of malware?

A program that helps you create strong passwords

An email from your bank asking you to update your account information

A virus that corrupts your computer files

A website that offers free downloads of popular software

What is phishing?

A type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom

A scam that tries to trick you into giving away sensitive information

A legitimate email from a well-known company asking you to click on a link

A technique used by cybercriminals to steal your physical mail

Which of the following is an example of identity theft?

A scammer using your credit card number to make unauthorised purchases

Receiving a phishing email that appears to be from your bank

Accidentally downloading malware from an unsafe website

Forgetting to log out of your social media account on a public computer

How many modules are included in this cybersecurity course?

4

6

8

10

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Continue to Module 2

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[Zemo]

Talk about Discrimination! Why should only some of your readers be able to read this article in full?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since I have not paid you anything, this is hardly designe "for me"

I'll go along with that.

 

[Macarj]

I have used computers for 40 years I don't think I need a course

 

[addingko]

I believe that tbe Department of Education should deliver a compulsory couse that every student should be educated with before leaving school. That course being HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CYBERCRIMINALS.
Yes you can find endless information on the internet about ways to protect yourself from cybercriminals, but how many young people go on these web sights.
Making it a compulsory study at school, will prepare and provide as much protection as possible for the student, once they leave school. Without this education, about how to protect yourself from cybercrime, successful students leaving school, will get a well paid job, place their money in the bank, only to find that their hard earned cash has been wiped clean by cybercriminals. Learning about cybercrime will soon become just as important as learning all other subjects or electives at school. This education about cybercrime, is knowledge that will be used constantly throughout life.

Add it up as one of the elective subject, cybersecurity.

 

[7777]

Add it up as one of the elective subject, cybersecurity.

Good morning dear member Addingko, thankyou for your post. Yes, l absolutely agree with you. It would be an elective subject that would benefit the student throughout their entire life. Wishing you a beautiful and enjoyable day.

 

[7777]

Notice anything wrong in illustration 4?
Bloody proofreaders!
It's attributed to the SDC, too ...

Dear member Zemo, thankyou for your post. It took me some time to see what you were pointing out, and then there it was, the ' h 'has gone for a stroll. You are very observant, that is very good. I think you are the only member who spotted the error. Wishing you an enjoyable and pleasant day.

 

[Zemo]

Dear member Zemo, thankyou for your post. It took me some time to see what you were pointing out, and then there it was, the ' h 'has gone for a stroll. You are very observant, that is very good. I think you are the only member who spotted the error. Wishing you an enjoyable and pleasant day.

 

[Zemo]

Hey, 7777
Thanks for that. It certainly leads to a lot of conclusions ...
A. Very few people saw it, which shows you how standards have declined.
B. Those few who did didn't worry about it, which shows you how standards have declined.
C. If anybody did, they were too lazy to add a few points to the discussion, which shows you how standards have declined.
D. Those who didn't see it just can't see mistakes in print (or worry/care about them), which shows you how standards have declined.
E. Some prople just can't be bothered whether there are mistakes in print or not, which shows you how standards have declined.
F. Teachers don't/can't see or explain the difference between good and bad English, which shows you how standards have declined.
G. If they do see examples of bad English in their students' writing, they don't say too much in case they step on the students' sensibilities, which shows you how standards have declined.
And so forth and so on, and that's why God made proofreaders.
Oh, and just in case you didn't notice, I was a proofreader in my previous life. I worked at it from 1965 until 2002, running my own business part time when working for newspapers and the Queensland Government for about 10 years and then full time for another 10 or so when the government, in its wisdom, decided -- in the course of one of their famous restructure exercises -- that I could have the choice between sweeping the corridors or being retrenched. I gave it up only because my eyes gave out when an operation for macular degeneration failed to take.

 

[7777]

Hey, 7777
Thanks for that. It certainly leads to a lot of conclusions ...
A. Very few peope saw it, which shows you how standards have declined.
B, Those few who did didn't worry about it, which shows you how standards have declined.
C. If anybody did, they were too lazy to add a few points to the discussion, which shows you how standards have declined.
D. Those who didn't see it just can't see mistakes in print (or worry/care about them), which shows you how standards have declined.
E. Some prople just can't be bothered whether there are mistakes in print or not, which shows you how standards have declined.
F. Teachers don't/can't see or explain the difference between good and bad English, whuch shows you how standards have declined.
G. If they do see examples of bad English in their students' writing, they don't say too much in case they step on the students' sensibilities, which shows you how standards have declined.
And so forth and so on, and that's why God made proofreaders.
Oh, and just in case you didn't notice, I was a proofreader in my previous life. I worked at it from 1965 until 2002, giving it up only because my eyes gave out when an operation for macular degeneration failed to take.

Dear member Zemo, thankyou for your post. Oh my goodness, thankyou for taking the time to write so many interesting facts in your post, and I agree with every statement. How interesting that you use to be a proofreader. My favorite subject throughout my academic years was always English. If I wasn't sure about the spelling of a word, l literally had to open the dictionary and search for the right spelling. When I would see misspelt words in documents or letters, the misspelt words would stand out like a sore thumb. I was obsessed with writing everything correctly.
Yes, how strange that the 4th picture, had an error in its word and no one thought much of it except you. Five stars for the best observation skills to you dear member Zemo. Wishing you a beautiful evening. Kindest regards 7777

 

[Zemo]

Dear member Zemo, thankyou for your post. Oh my goodness, thankyou for taking the time to write so many interesting facts in your post, and I agree with every statement. How interesting that you use to be a proofreader. My favorite subject throughout my academic years was always English. If I wasn't sure about the spelling of a word, l literally had to open the dictionary and search for the right spelling. When I would see misspelt words in documents or letters, the misspelt words would stand out like a sore thumb. I was obsessed with writing everything correctly.
Yes, how strange that the 4th picture, had an error in its word and no one thought much of it except you. Five stars for the best observation skills to you dear member Zemo. Wishing you a beautiful evening. Kindest regards 7777

The funniest thing about it was that, in my public service grade (AO3), I had to correct the outpourings of people many levels higher up in the scheme ... and a lot didn't like it one little bit.
I'll give you an example: I corrected anything from kindergarten stuff to major PhD works. In one of the lessons, an illustration was given showing how sailing ships were gradually replaced by steamships. In some cases, the ships had the two methods of propulsion.
One ship, with sails as well as steam, was being blown merrily along by a stiff wind. Its sails were billowing gaily out and a plume of smoke was trailing along behind.
And nobody picked it up ...
It was ready for distribution to the schools, too. Thousands of copies had been printed.

 

[7777]

The funniest thing about it was that, in my public service grade (AO3), I had to correct the outpourings of people many levels higher up in the scheme ... and a lot didn't like it one little bit.
I'll give you an example: I corrected anything from kindergarten stuff to major PhD works. In one of the lessons, an illustration was given showing how sailing ships were gradually replaced by steamships. In some cases, the ships had the two methods of propulsion.
One ship, with sails as well as steam, was being blown merrily along by a stiff wind. Its sails were billowing gaily out and a plume of smoke was trailing along behind.
And nobody picked it up ...
It was ready for distribution to the schools, too. Thousands of copies had been printed.

Dear member Zemo, thankyou for your post. Wow, we should have more people like you in this world. I just can't believe how many individuals just don't bother to perfect there writing or ideas, or as you stated in your post, don't bother to check over the obvious error regarding the sailing ship. I also like the way you totally express your thought in paragraphs. You take your time and deliver very interesting writing for members to read with interest. Thankyou for sharing your post. Have a pleasant evening dear member Zemo,

 

[Zemo]

" ... interesting writing for members to read with interest".
Yair? I wonder.
Without being picky, try to find the literal in your latest post (there's only one).
Thank you for the kind regards.