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Cyber Awareness

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  • Technology & You
    • Avoiding Loss and Theft
    • Cyber Awareness
    • Cyber Awareness Month October 2022
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Internet Filtering
    • Internet Filtering Frequently Asked Questions
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2022 K-12 Cyber Awarness Month 2022​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar

The K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar has been developed to help educate students, teachers, families and communities about the risks of using technology and the internet by promoting best practices in cyber safety, cyber security, and online privacy in K-12.  Learn something new every month! Follow along with our monthly themes or download the calendar and go at your own pace. 

K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar 2022-2023​

  ​Let’s encourage everyone to be a Cyber-hero!​​​​

March 2023 - Backup Your Data

Decluttering and Backing Up Your Data

​Download the March Info Sheet (PDF)​

​Our digital life is consumed with so many activities – like browsing, chatting online and posting photos and videos. With various accounts, apps and devices within reach, our actions leave a digital footprint that makes it easier to be tracked by cyber criminals – putting our personal data at risk.

Apart from having numerous accounts and apps, we also produce a lot of data on our devices. This can cause our devices to slow down and increase our risk of losing important files along the way. To ensure our data and devices are safe, it’s important to maintain a clean digital lifestyle. This can be done by decluttering our digital space and backing up our data.

Cleanup to-do list​

Here are some tips to keep your digital lifestyle clean:
  • Remove applications that are not in use often
  • Delete your phone and browser history
  • Review your photos and videos, erase blurry, unnecessary and duplicates ones
  • Archive old emails
  • Unsubscribe from newsletter emails you don’t read

Backup data list

Prevent unnecessary data loss by doing the following:
  1. Review and sort your important files such as photos, videos, documents and emails routinely
  2. Save and backup your files regularly
  3. Consider backing up your data to an alternate location like an external hard drive or cloud storage

The importance of cleaning and backing up your data​

  • Peace of mind: You don’t have to worry about your electronic devices failing if your files are saved in backup storage
  • Sufficient space: Removing unnecessary files and apps from your devices will give you more space
  • Secured data: Less apps and accounts means less opportunity to access your data without authorization
  • High performance devices: Cleaning up data on your device will improve its performance and increase the battery life
  • Less digital pollution: Unnecessary files and data are digital trash. Digital trash creates digital pollution that continues to consume energy. Removing digital trash helps decrease electricity use.

Resources​

  • Does your data have a backup plan?
  • World Backup Day – Protect your data
  • How to back up your device: An introduction


February 2023 - Online Grooming and Luring

Human Trafficking Awareness Day Feb 22, 2023

​Download the February Info Sheet (PDF)​

Online luring or grooming is when a person uses technology such as social media, gaming sites and/or chat rooms to convince children and youth to participate in sexual actions they do not want to do.

What does luring and grooming look like?

  • Predators may present themselves to you as a friend from school, a friend of a friend or someone you met through extracurricular activities.
  • They may use flattery and compliments to get you to warm up to them. Alternately, they may use intimidation, harassment and threats to control your interaction with them.
  • They may promise gifts like a new phone, tablet, money, drugs or alcohol.
  • They may empathize with a vulnerability you shared online, like a struggle you’re having at home, to build trust and comfort
  • They may exchange inappropriate pictures with you as a way to convince you to send inappropriate pictures or videos in return. This may lead to blackmail like threatening to send inappropriate pictures to family and friends if you don’t do what they say.

What to do if you think you’re being lured

  • Reach out to a trusted adult
  • If you need help right away, call 9-1-1
  • To report sex trafficking and get help, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010 or visit www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca

Online Safety Tips​

  1. Check friend requests and group invites before accepting them. Check if you have friends in common and don’t feel pressured to accept them.
  2. Do not share any personal information with anyone you have only interacted with online.
  3. Avoid posting information that may suggest problems or issues at home or school as the predator may use it to take advantage of your feelings and the situation.
  4. If someone online is offering you something too good to be true – like money or a new phone – it probably is. Reach out to a trusted adult.
  5. Never share your location or meet up with anyone you met online without first discussing it with a trusted adult.

Resources​

  • Signs that someone is being sex trafficked or sexually exploited
  • Online Luring – why teens are vulnerable and how to talk to youth about it
  • Online gr​​ooming: what it is and how to protect yourself
​

January 2023 - Keep Your Information Private!

 Data Privacy Week Jan 23 to 27, 2023​

Download the January Infosheet (PDF)​

Manage your privacy and security settings on mobile devices!

Here are some tips:​

  • Limit personal information stored on devices.
  • Use strong passwords and automatic lock features to prevent unauthorized access to mobile devices.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots for transactions that involve personal or financial information. Use a VPN or cellular data instead.
  • Only download apps from authorized sites.
  • Check permissions during the installation of an app. Understand what information the app can access on your device.
  • Frequently check your “locations” settings to understand which apps are tracking you.

“To share or not to share – that is the question”

Planning and being on vacation doing lots of fun activities can be exciting. However, wait until you return home to post any photos or videos. Announcing your trip on social media before leaving or while on vacation signals to thieves that you will not be home.

“TMI – Too much information”

It’s important to understand what type of information can be shared online. it’s okay to share your name, location and age with close friends. However, never post your address, full date of birth or geolocation publicly.

Protecting your reputation​

Anything you post online or in a text message becomes part of your online identity. Here are some tips to help protect your reputation online:
  • The internet never forgets. Nothing is temporary. It’s important to remember this when chatting and posting online.
  • Check your privacy settings often and ensure your profile is set to Private. This will ensure no one outside your profile can see your posts.
  • Never post inappropriate or private pictures.
  • Never respond to inappropriate requests.
  • If something is bothering you, go offline, think about how you want to approach the situation and talk to a trusted adult.

Resources​

  • Tips for protecting your personal information when downloading and using mobile apps
  • NeedHelpNow.ca – Helping teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and providing support
  • Share with Care – Protecting yourself and your online reputation​​​

December 2022 - Don’t be a victim of cyber scams and phishing!

​A cyber scam is a criminal online activity designed to scam people out of money or personal information.​
​ ​Download the December Infosheet (PDF)​
Most Common Types of Online Scams​​

  • Phishing and Smishing is a technique to “fish” for usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information, from a “sea” of users – through emails or text messages.
    • Phishing emails and smishing text messages may look like they’re from someone or a company you know or trust.
    • These messages urge you to click a link, open an attachment, call a number or contact an email address.
    • The victim is then tricked into providing their personal information and credentials to other websites or services.
  • Fake apps are apps created by cybercriminals to cause harm to users and their devices. They are designed to resemble legitimate apps but instead monitor your activity, install malware, or steal your personal information.
  • Websites that sell fake products. These sites offer low priced high-demand products that never arrive.
  • Formjacking is another scamming technique when a legitimate retail website is hacked, and shopper​
How to avoid scams:
  • Do not open attachments, do not click links and do not respond to suspicious messages – ask questions, consult people you trust, or contact the sender using an alternative communication method
  • Avoid suspicious apps and deny permissions for something the app shouldn’t be doing
  • Always use secure sites (look for the S in https://) when shopping or logging into your accounts online
  • Buy products from known marketers only
  • Do not post personal information on social media

If you think you may be a victim of a scam:
  • Stop all communication with the scammer
  • Seek help from an adult you trust
  • Report the scam to your local police

Resources
  • Report a scam or fraud
  • Phishing: Don’t get reeled in
  • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501)
November 2022 - Be Kind Online

Bullying Prevention Week Nov 20th-26th

​Download the November Infosheet (PDF)​

Cyber Safety Top Three Tips:​

  • Treat others online as you would want to be treated
  • Stop and think before you post or send a message
  • Be fast to report

Cyberbullying​

Cyberbullying is online bullying to intimidate, hurt or humiliate someone. It can be very harmful because there is no
safe zone. It can reach you anytime and anywhere, and can quickly be seen by a lot of people.

Cyberbullying examples:
  • Sending mean or threatening emails or text/instant messages
  • Sharing an embarrassing or sexual image of someone
  • Pretending to be someone by using their name
  • Spreading hurtful gossip, secrets, rumours or lies
  • Ganging up on someone in a video game
It can make you:
  • Feel alone, sad, scared, frustrated or angry
  • Feel badly about yourself, your friendships, and your life
  • Want to avoid school, activities or anywhere else people may know you

What can you do about it?

Be kind online:
  • Don’t send or post anything that might hurt someone else
  • Treat everyone you meet online with respect
Be safe online:
  • Protect your privacy: use privacy settings on social media and don’t share your personal information or passwords with anyone
  • Know who your friends are: be careful who you accept and restrict access for friends of friends and the public
  • Ask for help: if you made a mistake or are worried, feel threatened, or are being cyberbullied, talk to your parents or an adult you can trust
If you are being cyberbullied:
  • Don’t reply with nasty messages
  • Block or break off contact with the person
  • Talk to your parents or a safe adult, your school, the site or app, or the police to get help

If you see someone else being cyberbullied:
  • Do not like or share messages — it can make things worse
  • If you know the bully and feel that it is safe to do so, tell them that cyberbullying is not okay
  • Talk to an adult you can trust so they can help you deal with it​

Resources​

  • Bullying – we can all help stop it
  • What is cyberbullying?
  • From bystanders to upstanders
October 2022 - Cyber Awareness Month
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2022 K-12 Cyber Awarness Month 2022​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

October was Cyber Awareness Month (CAM) to Promote the Importance of Cyber Security

Students, families and staff are encouraged to view the below resources to learn best practices for cyber safety, cyber security and online privacy to ensure safer and more secure practices for school communities when using digital technologies and the internet. This information is provided by the Educational Computing Network of Ontario (ECNO) as part of the K-12 Cyber Awareness Month campaign.​

​Staff, educators, school leaders and students of all ages can become cyberheroes by: 

  • Using the internet and digital technology for good, spreading positivity and respect 
  • Watching out for and reporting questionable activities such as phishing and scams – letting others know so they don’t fall prey to the same phishing attempts and scams 
  • Standing up for themselves and others when hurtful or inappropriate online behaviour is noticed 
  • Keeping personal or sensitive information to themselves and continuously being thoughtful about which information to share online and with whom 
  • Acting as a school and board cyber ally – i.e., helping the board’s IT and security team(s) by being the first line of defense in thwarting cyberattacks, being vigilant and doing their part in keeping board systems and information safe and secure 
  • Sharing and promoting what they learn about safe and secure practices with friends and loved ones 

Each week in October promoted a specific topic

  • Week 1 focused on social media, gaming, metaverse risks and best practices. 
  • Week 2 focused on cyber scams and phishing risks, and what you can do to avoid being a victim. 
  • Week 3 was about good cyber hygiene for everyone to adopt and practice. 
  • Week 4 focused on the importance of digital wellness, as we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we may be spending too much time online. 

Below are details for each of the weeks​

Week 1: Social Media, Gaming and the Metaverse
​Social media and online games are great ways to stay connected, interact and have fun with family and friends. It’s essential to know how to do so safely – protecting your identity and personal information.

With the increase in popularity of the Metaverse (virtual and augmented reality), interactions with others are occurring in virtual 3D worlds via avatars and technologies such as virtual reality (VR) headsets and augmented reality apps. Some of these interactions can occur in unmoderated worlds increasing the risk of youth and children being exposed to inappropriate content and interactions.

Week 1 - Social Media, Gaming and the Metaverse​

​Learn to be a cyberhero by:​​
  • ​knowing how to use social media safely
  • learning to spot a cyber threat on social media
  • staying cyber secure while playing video games
  • recognizing the risks of the metaverse and how to reduce them​
Learn More About Social Media, Gaming & the Metaverse Cyber Security​​
Week 2: Cyber Scams and Phishing
Cyber criminals are always coming up with new ways to scam internet users of all ages. Their favorite techniques include phishing emails, phishing SMS or text messages (also known as “smishing”) and spoofing websites and phone numbers to try and trick us into divulging sensitive information such as our identity, personal information and account details and passwords.​

Week 2 - ​Cyber Scams and Phishing

​

Learn more with these resources:​

  • ​​​Understanding what is phishing and recognizing the red flags to smash out scams before they strike
  • Understanding cyber villain’s deceiving tactics and learning to spot when you are being phished (Quiz)
  • Recognizing fake emails
  • Knowing what to do with suspicious-looking messages
  • Teaching kids about phishing and how to avoid online scams
Week 3: Cyber Hygiene
Fortunately for everyone, we can all train ourselves to think proactively about cyber security, online safety, and privacy by establishing solid cyber hygiene practices that are as routine as brushing your teeth. Adopting thorough and accurate cyber hygiene habits can stop cyber villains in their tracks.​

Week 3 - ​Cyber Hygiene

​
​

Learn more with these resources:​

  • Protecting your accounts with multi-factor authentication and strong passwords or passphrases, and using a password manager to keep track of it all
  • Protecting your devices with antimalware and keeping software up to date
  • ​ Adjusting privacy settings on devices and apps
  • Using secure WiFi and VPN; and
  • Teaching kids about good cyber hygiene

Week 4: Digital Wellness
Even with cyber powers, cyberheroes also need to take care of their personal wellbeing by knowing to rest, pause and when to limit the use of digital technology and the internet. Knowing how to moderate our own use of digital technology is something we should all learn to do.

Week 4 - ​Digital Wellness

​
​

Cyber awareness does not have to end in October thanks to ECNO’s K-12 Cyber Awareness Calendar! It helps educate students, teachers, families, and communities about the risks of using technology and the internet by promoting best practices in cyber safety, cyber security, and online privacy.

The Government of Canada’s Cyber Security Centre is also celebrating Cyber Month with a campaign of its own, “Fight Phishing: Ruin a Cyber Criminal’s Day!” Phishing is a cyber criminal’s attempt to get sensitive information by pretending to be a legitimate sender like a bank or a government organization. Visit the Get Cyber Safe campaign webpage to learn about the different aspects of phishing, including tips on how to protect yourself.

For additional learning, head over to the main Get Cyber Safe website for resources that help inform Canadians about cyber security and the steps they can take to protect themselves online. The page features useful information to help:
  • Secure Your Accounts – Keep your information from being compromised.
  • Secure Your Devices – Get tips to help you protect the devices you use every day.
  • Secure Your Connections – Protect your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other connections.
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