CHAPTER 2 :Online safety, security, and Rules of netiquette

WHAT IS ONLINE SAFETY?


  • Online safety refers to the practice of protecting yourself, your personal information, and your devices while using the internet. It involves being careful about what you share online, avoiding unsafe websites, using strong passwords, and being aware of scams, cyberbullying, and other online threats. The goal of online safety is to ensure that people can use the internet responsibly and securely without putting their privacy, identity, or wellbeing at risk.

CYBER BULLYING


  • Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that happens online or through digital devices like phones, computers, or tablets. It involves using the internet, social media, text messages, or emails to hurt, embarrass, or threaten someone. Examples include spreading rumors, posting mean comments, sharing private photos without permission, or sending harmful messages. Cyberbullying can affect a person’s emotions, confidence, and mental health. That’s why it’s important to use technology responsibly, report harmful behavior, and support those who are being bullied.

INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT


  • Inappropriate content refers to online materials that are not suitable or safe, especially for children or young audiences. This includes violent, sexual, hateful, or illegal content that can harm or influence people negatively. It can appear on websites, social media, videos, or games. To stay safe, it’s important to avoid clicking unknown links, use content filters or parental controls, and report or block anything that seems offensive or unsafe.

ONLINE PREDATORS


  • Online predators are people who use the internet to trick, exploit, or harm others—often by pretending to be someone else. They usually target young or vulnerable individuals through social media, chat rooms, or gaming sites, trying to gain their trust before asking for personal information, photos, or meetings in person. To stay safe, it’s important not to share private details, avoid talking to strangers online, keep accounts private, and report suspicious behavior to a trusted adult or the authorities.

SCAMS AND PHISHING


  • Scams and phishing are online tricks used by criminals to steal your personal information, money, or passwords. Phishing happens when someone sends fake emails, messages, or websites that look real to make you share sensitive details like your bank account or login info. Scams can also include fake online stores, job offers, or prizes meant to fool people. To protect yourself, always check the sender’s address, avoid clicking suspicious links, never share personal information, and use trusted websites only.

STORING


  • Storing means keeping or saving data, files, or information on a device or online storage system for future use. This can include saving photos, documents, or passwords on your computer, phone, or cloud storage. To stay safe when storing information, it’s important to use strong passwords, encrypt sensitive files, back up important data, and avoid saving personal details on public or shared devices. Safe storage helps protect your information from loss, theft, or hacking.

RETRIEVING


  • Retrieving means accessing or getting back data or information that has been stored on a device or online. For example, when you open a saved document, view old messages, or download a file from cloud storage, you are retrieving data. In simple terms, it’s the process of finding and using stored information when needed. To keep it safe, always retrieve files from trusted sources and make sure your device is protected from viruses or hackers.

PROCESSING


  • Processing means the act of using or changing data to produce useful information. In computers, it happens when the system takes input (like typing or clicking), works on it, and gives an output (like displaying results or saving files). For example, when you edit a photo, calculate numbers, or search online, the computer is processing data. It’s an important part of how technology works to make tasks faster, easier, and more accurate.

TRANSMITTING


  • Transmitting means sending or transferring data or information from one place to another using technology. For example, when you send a message, email, or upload a file online, you are transmitting data. This process allows people and devices to communicate and share information quickly over the internet or other networks. To stay safe while transmitting data, it’s important to use secure connections, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, and protect personal information from hackers or unauthorized access.

RECEIVING


  • Receiving means getting or accepting data or information that has been sent from another person, device, or system. For example, when you get a message, email, or file on your phone or computer, you are receiving data. It’s an important part of communication and data exchange online. To stay safe while receiving information, always check the source, avoid downloading files from unknown senders, and use antivirus protection to prevent viruses or scams.

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