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SafeNet

A complete internet safety course designed for everyday people in Africa. Learn at your own pace. Stay safe online.

8 Lessons
24 Quizzes
30 Mastery
Certificate
0 / 8 lessons
1What Is the Internet?
The internet is a global network that connects computers, phones, and devices around the world. Think of it like a road system. Information travels along these roads to reach you.
InternetA system that connects millions of devices worldwide, allowing people to share information, communicate, and access services.
Mobile DataInternet you get through your phone provider. You pay for a certain amount each month.
Wi-FiWireless internet from a router in a home, school, or coffee shop. No cables needed.
BrowserA program that lets you visit websites. Examples: Chrome, Safari, Firefox.
LinkText or image you click that takes you to another page. Often blue and underlined.
WebsiteA collection of pages on the internet. Examples: Google, Facebook, your bank.
AccountA profile you create to use a service. You need a username and password.
PasswordA secret word or phrase that proves who you are. Keeps others out of your account.
1You open an app and see a button that says "Click here to claim free internet." What should you check first?
2What does it mean when a website shows a padlock icon next to the address?
3A friend sends you a link to a "free Wi-Fi password generator." What's the risk?
2Creating Strong Passwords
A password is like a key to your house. If someone gets it, they can enter your account and steal information.
Weak PasswordEasy to guess. Examples: 123456, password, your name, birthday. Hackers can guess these in seconds.
Strong PasswordHard to guess. Use at least 8 characters. Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Example: Blue&42!Mountain
How to RememberThink of a sentence: "My first car was a Toyota 2005" becomes: MfcwaT2005! Or use a passphrase: correct-horse-battery-staple
Never Reuse PasswordsIf one account gets hacked, hackers try that same password on your other accounts. Use different passwords for email, bank, social media.
1You have many accounts. What's the best way to manage passwords?
2Which is the strongest password?
3A website asks security questions like "Your mother's maiden name." What should you do?
3Spotting Scams
A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them money or personal information.
Common Scams• Lottery scam: "You won a prize! Send money to collect it." (Real prizes don't ask for money)
• Emergency scam: "Your family member is in trouble. Send money now." (Always call your family member first)
• "Too good to be true": If something sounds amazing, it's probably fake.
Signs of a Scam• Urgent message: "Act now or you'll lose everything!"
• Asks for money or personal information
• Bad grammar and spelling
• Comes from someone you don't know
• Promises something for nothing
What to Do• Never send money to strangers
• Never share passwords or bank details
• If unsure, ask someone you trust
• Report suspicious messages
1You receive an SMS: "Your bank account is frozen. Verify now: http://fakebank.com" What do you do?
2A caller says they're from "Microsoft" and your computer has a virus. They want remote access. What do you do?
3You see an ad: "Make R10,000 per week from home! Send R500 for training materials." What is the risk?
4Fake Websites and Phishing
A fake website looks like a real one but is designed to steal your information. This is called phishing.
PhishingWhen scammers create fake emails or websites that look like real companies to trick you into giving passwords or card details.
How to Spot a Fake Website• Check the web address: www.bank-secure.net vs www.realbank.com. The fake uses extra words.
• Look for spelling errors.
• Real banks never ask for passwords by email.
• Look for the padlock icon next to the address.
Safe Practice• Always type website addresses yourself. Don't click links in emails.
• If an email says your account has a problem, go to the website directly.
• When in doubt, call the company using a number you know is real.
1You get an email: "Your Netflix subscription expired. Update payment here: netf1ix.com" What do you check?
2A friend shares a link to a site that looks exactly like your bank. What should you do?
3You get a WhatsApp message: "Your ID has been used for fraud. Click here to verify." What's the danger?
5Staying Safe on Facebook and WhatsApp
Most scams happen on Facebook and WhatsApp. Criminals know these are where you talk to family and friends.
Facebook Scams You Will See• "Free Data" Scam: "Click here for 10GB free data!" No one gives away free data. This steals your info.
• Fake Giveaways: "Share this post and win R10,000!" Then they ask you to pay a fee.
• Account Hacked Message: A friend's account sends: "Send me your login code." Never share the code.
WhatsApp Scams You Will See• "I'm in trouble. Send money." Always call them on their real number to check.
• "Join this group for jobs/money" They steal information or charge fees.
• Verification Code Request. Someone asks for the 6-digit code. Never share it.
How to Protect YourselfFacebook: Settings > Privacy > "Friends only" | Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
WhatsApp: Settings > Account > Two-step verification | Set privacy to "My Contacts"
1A "friend" messages: "I'm in an emergency. Please send R500. I'll pay back." What's safest?
2Someone adds you to a WhatsApp group called "Daily Cash." They ask for your ID to "register." What do you do?
3You get a Facebook message: "I saw you in a video. Click to see." From a friend's account. What do you do?
6Protecting Personal Information
Personal information is anything that can identify you. Keep it private.
What is Personal Information?Full name • Home address • Phone number • ID or passport number • Bank account details • Passwords • Birth date
What to Never Share• Passwords or PINs • Bank or card numbers • Your ID number • Private photos • Your location when alone
Privacy SettingsOn social media like Facebook or WhatsApp, set your account to "private" so only people you know can see your information.
1A "survey" promises a free phone if you enter your ID number and address. What do you do?
2What is the most sensitive piece of personal information?
3A new online friend asks for your phone number to "verify you're real." What should you consider?
7Safe Browsing Habits
Public Wi-Fi RisksPublic Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, or hotels is not secure. Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi.
Log OutIf you use a shared computer (at school, library, internet cafe), always log out of your accounts and close the browser when you finish.
Keep Devices UpdatedWhen your phone or computer asks to update, do it. Updates fix security problems.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)An extra layer of security. After entering your password, you receive a code on your phone to confirm it's you. Turn this on for email, bank, and social media.
1At a coffee shop, you connect to "Free_Coffee_WiFi." What should you do before banking?
2You use a library computer. What must you do when finished?
3Your phone says "System update available." What do you do?
8Keeping Your Family Safe
For Children• Teach children: never talk to strangers online.
• Never share personal information.
• Tell an adult if something makes them uncomfortable.
• Use parental controls on phones and computers.
Parental ControlsMany devices and apps allow you to restrict what children can access. Set up filters to block inappropriate content.
ReportIf someone threatens you, asks for money, or makes you uncomfortable, report them to the platform and tell someone you trust.
1Your child wants to use a new game app that asks for location access. What do you do?
2Your child's friend shares a "filter" that asks for their full name and birth date to work. What do you teach them?
3An adult family member receives a call: "Your grandson is in jail. Send R5000 now." What's the best response?
9Mastery Test and Certificate

Test your knowledge with 30 high-level questions covering advanced security concepts.
Pass with 80% (24/30) to earn your certificate.


10Key Terms Glossary
Phishing

Fake emails, messages, or websites designed to steal your passwords, banking details, or personal information.

Vishing

Phone calls where scammers pretend to be from trusted companies to trick you into giving sensitive information.

Smishing

Fake text messages containing links that lead to malicious websites or request personal information.

SSL/TLS

Technology that encrypts data between your browser and a website. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar.

2FA

An extra security layer. After entering your password, you enter a code sent to your phone to confirm it's really you.

VPN

A service that hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, making your online activity more private.

Botnet

A network of infected devices controlled remotely by hackers, often used to launch attacks.

Zero-Day

A security flaw that hackers exploit before the software company knows about it or releases a fix.

MITM Attack

When an attacker secretly intercepts communication between two parties who believe they are talking directly.

Malware

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to your device.

Social Engineering

Psychological manipulation used to trick people into revealing confidential information.

Brute Force

A trial-and-error method used by hackers to guess passwords by trying every possible combination.

Password Manager

A secure application that generates, stores, and autofills strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

Ransomware

A type of malware that locks your files or device and demands payment to restore access.

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