Module 7

IKWEZI E-LEARNING

Basic Computer Literacy Course

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MODULE 7 OF 7

Digital Safety

Learn how to protect your accounts, devices and personal information while using computers and the internet.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Create strong passwords and passphrases.
• Understand two-factor authentication.
• Identify phishing messages and online scams.
• Recognise common forms of malware.
• Protect personal and private information.
• Use public Wi-Fi more safely.
• Recognise suspicious websites and messages.
• Know what to do if an account may have been compromised.

Lesson 1: Why Digital Safety Matters

Digital safety means taking steps to protect your computer, phone, online accounts and personal information.

Your online information may include your name, photographs, documents, passwords, banking information and private messages.

Criminals may try to steal this information or use it without your permission.

Remember: Good digital safety habits can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of online crime.

Lesson 2: Strong Passwords and Passphrases

A password protects your online account from unauthorised access.

A strong password should be difficult for other people to guess.

Good password practices include:

• Use a long password or passphrase.
• Use a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols where appropriate.
• Avoid using your name or birthday.
• Do not use the same password for every account.
• Never share your password with other people.

Never use simple passwords such as: 123456, password, your name or your date of birth.

Lesson 3: Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection to an online account.

Instead of using only a password, you may also need another form of verification.

Examples include:

• A verification code sent to your phone.
• An authentication app.
• A security key.
• Biometric verification such as a fingerprint.

Tip: Turn on two-factor authentication whenever it is available for important accounts.

Lesson 4: Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing is an attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

Social engineering involves manipulating people into taking an action that benefits the attacker.

Be careful with messages that:

• Create a sense of urgency.
• Ask for passwords or PINs.
• Ask you to click an unexpected link.
• Ask you to transfer money.
• Claim that your account will be closed immediately.
• Offer prizes that you did not enter to win.

Important: Banks and legitimate organisations should not ask you to reveal your password, PIN or one-time security code through a suspicious message.

Lesson 5: Malware and Harmful Software

Malware means malicious software designed to damage devices, steal information or interfere with normal computer operations.

Examples include:

• Viruses
• Spyware
• Ransomware
• Trojans

You can reduce the risk of malware by keeping your operating system and applications updated and avoiding suspicious downloads and attachments.

Good practice: Only download software from trusted sources.

Lesson 6: Protecting Personal Information

Personal information should be handled carefully online.

Avoid publicly sharing information such as passwords, PINs, identity numbers, banking information and private documents.

Think carefully before posting photographs or personal information on social media.

Think before you post: Once information is shared online, it may be difficult to completely remove it.

Lesson 7: Public Wi-Fi and Safe Browsing

Public Wi-Fi may be available at places such as shopping centres, restaurants, airports and libraries.

Be careful when using public networks, especially when accessing sensitive accounts.

Good practices include:

• Use secure websites.
• Avoid entering sensitive information on unknown networks.
• Do not automatically trust every Wi-Fi network name.
• Turn off Wi-Fi when you are finished using it.
• Keep your device and software updated.

Lesson 8: What to Do if Your Account Is Compromised

An account may be compromised if someone else gains unauthorised access to it.

If you believe your account has been compromised:

1. Change your password immediately.
2. Use a strong, unique password.
3. Enable two-factor authentication.
4. Sign out of unfamiliar devices or sessions.
5. Check your account for unusual activity.
6. Contact the service provider if necessary.

Important: If money or banking information may have been affected, contact your bank or financial institution immediately using an official contact method.

Practical Activity

Activity: Improve Your Digital Safety

Complete the following tasks:

1. Check whether your main email account has a strong password.
2. Make sure you are not using the same password for multiple important accounts.
3. Check whether two-factor authentication is available on your email account.
4. Identify one example of a suspicious message or phishing attempt.
5. Check that your computer or phone is receiving software updates.
6. Review the personal information you share publicly online.
7. Identify three things you will do differently to improve your digital safety.

Challenge: Explain to another person how to recognise a phishing message.

Module 7 Quiz

Answer all 8 questions. You need at least 6 out of 8 (75%) to pass this module quiz.

1. What is the purpose of a strong password?

A. To make an account easier to share B. To help protect an account from unauthorised access C. To increase internet speed D. To improve screen brightness

2. What does 2FA provide?

A. An additional layer of account security B. Faster internet C. More computer storage D. A larger monitor

3. What is phishing?

A. A way to clean a computer B. A type of computer keyboard C. An attempt to trick someone into giving away information D. A type of internet connection

4. Which of the following is an example of malware?

A. Microsoft Word B. A computer mouse C. A printer D. Ransomware

5. Which information should you keep private?

A. Your favourite colour B. Your password and PIN C. A public weather forecast D. A general computer tip

6. What should you do before clicking a suspicious link?

A. Verify where the link came from B. Enter your password immediately C. Forward the link to everyone D. Download every attachment

7. What should you do if you believe your account has been hacked?

A. Ignore it B. Share your password with friends C. Change your password and secure the account D. Post your password online

8. Which is a good digital safety habit?

A. Using the same password everywhere B. Opening every email attachment C. Sharing your PIN with other people D. Keeping software updated and being careful with links

Complete Module 7

Once you have completed the lessons, practical activity and quiz, click the button below to mark this module as complete.

🎓 Congratulations!

You have now reached the end of the Basic Computer Literacy learning modules.

After completing all seven modules, your next step is the Final Comprehensive Assessment.

The final assessment covers everything you have learned in Modules 1–7.

You will need to achieve at least 70% to pass the final assessment.

After successfully passing the final assessment, you will proceed to the certificate stage.

← Previous Module Final Assessment →

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