Navigating the stormy seas of online threats

“14% of the students in a 2021 survey sample admitted to cyberbullying others… Adolescent girls are more likely to have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetimes (50.9% vs. 37.8%)”

Cyberbullying Research Center

1. Cyberbullying

36% of students reported being cyberbullied in 2020.

Parents: Monitor social media and monitor changes in behavior (obsessed with phone, or ignoring phone).

2. Phishing, Smishing, and Quishing

Phishing is often where most of the threats start – an unsolicited ask to buy or call, usually urgent, playing on emotions. 36% of attacks happen this way.

• Smishing: via phone text
• Quishing: via QR codes

3. Games and Malware

Students tend to visit sites that can make them easy targets – Roblox or Fortnite fan sites, web “unblockers” etc.

Like the Trojan horse of old, anything “free” may be carrying disease or attackers. 27% of attacks happen this way.

4. Inappropriate Web Content

42% of students reported being exposed to inappropriate content online in 2020.

Parents: Consider using DNS 1.1.1.3 at home

5. Stranger Danger (Online Grooming)

Students can be fooled into thinking they’re romantically communicating with other students when it’s really a malicious adult who blackmails for $$.

14% of high school students reported having sent a sexually explicit image of themselves in 2020.

6. Staying Hidden (Identity Theft)

If bad actors get enough personal information, they can open accounts in a student’s name. Students should avoid sharing:

• SSN
• Driver’s License
• Home address
• Cell phone number
• Contacts

7. Catching Tricksters and Misinformation

The Cyber world can be deceptive…

• AI hallucinations
• Logical fallacies
• Bot amplification
• Engagement algorithms
• Fake videos and content

Telling the Difference

Pop Quiz Time: Test your knowledge with the Break the Fake Quiz.

Sources Matter – More Reliable Sources:

Learn more about the misinformation susceptibility study

Sources Matter – Less Reliable Sources:

Learn more about the misinformation susceptibility study

8. Stolen and Easily Guessed Passwords

Students (just like 65% of adults) reuse passwords. Passwords get stolen from websites and sold, resulting in privacy abuse and theft.

Default passwords can allow others to spy on you! Even cameras in your home.

Parents: Use a password manager, even if it’s just on your phone, and teach your students to do the same.

9. App Privacy

Free apps are almost never really free.

• Ask what the business model is?
• Are they selling eyeballs (advertising)?
• Are they selling browsing data?
• Are they selling location data?
• Check privacy settings for all apps!

10. Copyright and Fair Use

Be careful what you copy: Give credit where credit is due!

• Fair use is 15 seconds and ONLY if it isn’t commercial
• AI use is complicated, attribute as appropriate
• Creative Commons might be an option

Key Takeaways

Getting help:

• Stop Bullying Gov website
• Common Sense Media website
• An Easy Guide for Setting Up Cloudflare for Families Internet Filtering
• Internet safety resources for students

Final Thoughts

• Your Digital Safety Matters: Prioritizing your online safety protects not only your information but also your emotional and financial well-being.
• Teamwork: Work together with friends, family, and community to stay informed and support each other in cybersecurity matters.
• Stay Proactive: Always be on the lookout and proactive in securing your digital space against potential threats.