Remote learning platforms and digital communication technologies promise many educational opportunities. They allow students to spend more time online and increase their vulnerability to cyber-threats.- Internet Safety Tips
COVID-19 has led to more than 1 Billion students being forced from the classrooms worldwide. This pandemic has increased both the benefits and the risks associated with remote learning. Students need to be taught about internet safety.
Internet Security: What is it important?
Cyber attacks are a growing problem in schools. In 2019, cybersecurity incidents in US public school systems nearly tripled year-over-year, according to the K-12 Cybersecurity Resource Center. Ransomware attacks and data breaches of student and teacher records were the most frequent issues.
The Impact Of COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, students may be exposed to greater internet risk when they enroll in online classes. There is also encrease serching among student about cheap assignment writing service uk. Education Week conducted an analysis of US public K-12 schools to find that more than three quarters had either moved to online classes (no in-person instruction) or hybrid instruction (limited in-person reopening).
Remote management and collaboration tools have become increasingly popular. These technologies allow for essential services but create new vulnerabilities that bad actors can exploit.
Resources
The following resources focus on cybersecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- COVID-19 Security Resource Library. The National Cyber Security Alliance created recommendations to help you avoid online scams and cyberthreats.
- Preparing and responding to COVID-19. This US Department of Education resource discusses cybersafety for students during a COVID-19 epidemic.
Understanding the Threat
Many students spend their time on the internet, including chatting with their friends via mobile devices, playing online games, and doing their homework. Teachers and parents need to be aware of how internet scammers use the internet.
Vivian Maria Vasquez of the American University School of Education states that children who analyze media to understand how images and texts convey specific messages are more likely than others to make informed choices about what to believe or not.
Terms to Know- Internet Safety Tips
It is possible to teach your children the fundamental concepts of internet security threats.
- Adware refers to software that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer’s screen (typically popups) and redirects it to sites with advertisements.
- Hacking refers to when an individual gains unauthorized access or data. Hackers steal account numbers or social security numbers by taking advantage of weaknesses in computer networks.
- Identity theft happens when someone gains access and then uses that information to commit fraud. To steal personal information, trojans and other malware are used frequently.
- Malware or malicious software is any code that can interfere with the normal functioning of a computer or help hackers commit cybercrime. Trojans, trojans, and viruses are common types of malware.
- Phishing is a method cyber criminals use to get confidential information through emails or texts, usually for the purpose of committing identity theft. Phishers target personal information such as account passwords and social media numbers.
- Ransomware usually infiltrates through email. This lures the user to click an attachment or go to a website that infects their computer. Malicious code locks away valuable digital files. The attackers demand a ransom in exchange for access to the data.
- Social engineering refers to the psychological manipulation of people in order to make them do something or give out confidential information. Cybercriminals are known to use manipulative messaging, malware, and fake websites to commit online theft.
- Spyware collects personal data, such as browsing histories, for third-party use.
- Infecting unwelcome programs on computers or networks can cause viruses and worms to spread and replicate. To spread or replicate viruses, they require a host computer file or program. Worms have the ability to replicate themselves.
Threats Targeting Young People- Internet Safety Tips
Students face the same online security threats adults do, but they are more at risk because of their age and inexperience.
Cyberbullying is a form of hate speech. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (“NCES”), bullying students online is a growing problem. NCES 2019 data showed that 20 percent of high school and middle school students were bullied during the 2016-17 academic year. However, only 15% of these students were bullied online or through texts. Three times as many students who were bullied online or via text (21%) than those who were bullied by male classmates (7%) Cyberbullying can also be called hate speech. It refers to attacks on people based on their race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.
Exposure to inappropriate content. You can expose children to an array of inappropriate online content.
Online predation. Online predators use the Internet to perpetrate child sexual abuse. They can communicate with them through messaging apps, video and social game networks, and other forums.
Sexting. Sexting happens when a person sends or receives sexually explicit messages and images using mobile devices. These communications can occur between students or be initiated by adult predators. Blackmailing attempts can result in students engaging in sexting being made to gain money, sexual content, or physical contact.
Tips to teach students about Internet Safety
Adults can teach students about internet safety at any stage of their education. So, start with media texts your child is already interested in exploring and discussing.
The following tips will cover three major internet safety issues, including privacy and online threats. This is to illustrate how parents, teachers, and students can teach internet security for all ages.
Elementary School
The elementary school level students can learn internet safety concepts, which will serve as a foundation to future instruction.
- Recognizing danger. Internet safety could be the basis of lessons designed to teach students to critically consider possible threats. A lesson might, for example, highlight the dangers that online activity can pose and remind students to notify trusted adults.
- Privacy. Teachers can discuss the importance of privacy. A lesson could include a description of personal information, such as name, address, phone numbers, and location, and stress the importance to keep it secret from family members.
- Personal interactions. Teachers can use internet safety as a tool to teach children how they should interact with strangers. You might use the internet to teach children about how to interact with strangers and what constitutes a “stranger” online.
Middle School
Beginning with basic safety concepts, teachers can introduce middle schoolers and high school students to specific internet safety concerns.
Identifying and avoiding threats. Teachers can teach topics like identifying threats, verifying identities online, network security, identifying dangerous links, and recognizing online scams.
Online privacy practices teachers can help students navigate online services in a safe manner by exploring topics like password protection and privacy settings via social media.
Management of online interactions. Instructors can help students manage online interactions. This includes examining issues such as how to best share information online and what students actually know about others.
High School
Teachers and parents can help high school students learn about advanced online safety concerns that they will need as adults.
It is important to evaluate the potential dangers associated with the use of new technologies. Students can evaluate the dangers of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and help to think critically about their role in life.
Understanding the role and importance of big data. Students can find out how corporations and governments collect, use and protect data.
Healthy online relationships. Teaching and parents can help young adults learn what it means to have a healthy romantic relationship or friendship.
