6.1.8 Practice Safe Online Shopping and Banking

Only use secure websites with URLs beginning with "https://" and a padlock symbol when making purchases or sending money online. Take care not to divulge unneeded personal details.

• Use secure websites (https:// and padlock symbol).
• Avoid sharing unneeded personal details.
• Safe online shopping and banking practices.

Summary of Safe and Responsible Use

Intermediate Level

• Updating your OS, software, and antivirus regularly to patch security flaws.
• Using strong, unique passwords with a mix of characters and enabling two-factor authentication.
• Being cautious of phishing emails and messages that ask for personal information.
• Backing up data to external drives or cloud storage.
• Using secure Wi-Fi and avoiding public networks for sensitive tasks.
• Downloading only from reliable sources to avoid malware.
• Adjusting privacy settings and limiting personal information shared online.
• Using VPNs on public Wi-Fi and checking for HTTPS when shopping or banking.

Important Points

• - Keep system updated (OS, software, antivirus).
• - Use strong, unique passwords; enable 2FA.
• - Beware of phishing attacks.
• - Backup data regularly.
• - Use secure Wi-Fi; avoid public Wi-Fi for private tasks.
• - Download only from reliable websites.
• - Adjust privacy settings; limit personal info.
• - Use VPN on public Wi-Fi.
• - Shop safely online (HTTPS, padlock).

Remember

• - Updates: Keep system patched.
• - Passwords: Strong, unique, 2FA.
• - Phishing: Don't click suspicious links.
• - Backup: External drive, cloud.
• - Wi-Fi: Secure; avoid public for private tasks.
• - Downloads: Reliable sources only.
• - Privacy: Adjust settings; limit info.
• - Shopping: HTTPS, padlock.

Common Mistakes

• - Using the same password everywhere: If one account is hacked, all are vulnerable.
• - Ignoring software updates: Leaves system open to known vulnerabilities.
• - Clicking suspicious links: Can lead to phishing or malware.
• - Not backing up data: Data loss can be permanent.
• - Using public Wi-Fi for banking: Data can be intercepted.
• - Downloading from untrusted sites: Can install malware.
• - Overlooking privacy settings: Personal information can be exposed.

Quick Revision

Safe and responsible computer use involves keeping your system updated, using strong passwords with 2FA, being cautious of phishing, backing up data, using secure Wi-Fi, downloading only from reliable sources, adjusting privacy settings, using VPNs on public Wi-Fi, and shopping only on secure websites (HTTPS, padlock). These practices protect your system, data, and privacy from threats.

60-Second Revision

• Updates: Keep system patched.
• Passwords: Strong, unique, 2FA.
• Phishing: Don't click suspicious links.
• Backup: External drive, cloud.
• Wi-Fi: Secure; avoid public for private tasks.
• Downloads: Reliable sources only.
• Privacy: Adjust settings.
• Shopping: HTTPS, padlock.