Introduction 

 

Cyber awareness is about understanding the online world and staying safe while using it. As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, it's important for everyone, especially young scholars, to know how to protect themselves online. 

 

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What is Cyber Awareness? 

 

Cyber awareness involves being knowledgeable about the potential risks and threats on the internet and knowing how to avoid them. This includes understanding privacy, recognizing malicious threats, and knowing how to behave responsibly online. 

 

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Staying Safe Online 

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• Strictly use your catalystschools.org account. 

• Protect passwords—don’t share them with others. 

• Don’t automatically save passwords on school devices. 

• Don’t give out personal information online without your guardian’s permission. 

• Have permission from a guardian before communicating or meeting anyone on the Internet. 

 

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Key Concepts 

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   1. Privacy Protection 

• Personal Information: Keep your personal details like full name, address, phone number, and school name private. Only share these with trusted adults. 

• Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and never share them with anyone except your parents or guardians. 

• Social Media: Be cautious about what you post. Once something is online, it can be hard to remove. 

 

   2. Recognizing Online Threats 

• Phishing Scams: Be wary of emails or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. They might be pretending to be someone you know or trust. 

• Malware: Avoid downloading files or clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources to prevent harmful software from infecting your devices. 

 

   3. Safe Online Behavior 

• Cyberbullying: Treat others with respect online and report any bullying behavior to a trusted adult. 

• Digital Footprint: Remember that your online actions leave a permanent record. Think before you post or share anything online. 

 

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Tips for Cyber Awareness 

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• Be Skeptical 

• Always double-check information before believing it or acting on it. If something seems too good to be true, it very likely is. 

• Communicate 

• Talk to your parents, teachers, or a trusted adult if you encounter anything online that makes you uncomfortable. 

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication 

• Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in. 

• Use Strong Passwords 

• At least 8 characters combining letters, numbers, and symbols. 

 

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Using Online Resources Responsibly 

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• Only download music, photographs, or video if you have permission from your teacher. 

• Follow the owner’s instructions for use. 

• If you don't know whether you can use something you found online, ask the owner for permission. 

• Follow your teacher’s directions for any social media or fundraising online. 

 

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Conclusion 

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Staying safe online is essential for enjoying the benefits of the digital world. By understanding and practicing good cyber awareness habits, you can protect yourself and your information from potential threats. Always remember: Think before you click, and when in doubt, ask for help! 

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