ARTICLE CONTENTSOn this page 8 sections
Online Safety Rules
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- differentiate between secure and unsecure sites;
- discuss safety rules in browsing the internet;
- generate an online safety pledge.
Meaning of Secure and Unsecure Websites
A secure website is an internet site that uses encryption to protect the data transmitted between the user’s web browser and the website’s server.
When a website is secure, any information entered into it, such as passwords, personal details, or payment information, is scrambled into a secret code. This prevents unauthorized individuals or hackers from reading or stealing the information during transmission.
An unsecure website is an internet site that does not encrypt data, leaving the information transmitted between the user and the server vulnerable to interception or theft by unauthorized parties.
On an unsecure website, data is sent in plain text. If a user types a password or personal details into an unsecure site, anyone monitoring the network connection can easily read that information.
Identification of Secure Websites
Identifying whether a website is secure is a critical step before entering any personal information or downloading files. Secure websites can be identified through specific visual and technical indicators in the web browser.
The primary indicators of a secure website include:
- The HTTPS Prefix: Secure websites use the “https://” protocol at the beginning of their web address, where the “S” stands for “Secure”. Unsecure websites use “http://” without the “S”.
- The Padlock Icon: A closed padlock symbol appears in the address bar of the web browser, usually to the left of the website address. Clicking this padlock displays information about the website’s security certificate.
- Security Certificates: Secure websites possess a valid SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate. This certificate is issued by a trusted authority and verifies that the website actually belongs to the organization it claims to represent.
Observe the diagram below to see how these security indicators appear in a standard web browser address bar.
Differences Between Secure and Unsecure Websites
Understanding the differences between secure and unsecure websites helps internet users make safe choices while browsing. The table below highlights the key distinctions between the two types of websites.
| Feature | Secure Website | Unsecure Website |
|---|---|---|
| Web Protocol | Uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) | Uses HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) |
| Padlock Icon | A closed padlock icon is visible in the address bar | No padlock icon, or a warning icon (like an exclamation mark) is shown |
| Data Encryption | Encrypts all data sent between the browser and the server | Transmits data in plain text without encryption |
| Risk of Data Theft | Very low; data is protected from hackers | High; data can be intercepted and read by third parties |
| Security Certificate | Possesses a valid SSL/TLS certificate | Lacks a valid security certificate |
Dos and Don’ts of Staying Safe on the Internet
The internet is a vast resource for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, users must follow specific safety rules to protect themselves from online threats such as malware, identity theft, and cyberbullying.
The recommended actions for maintaining online safety include:
- Visit Only Secured Sites: Always check the address bar for “https://” and the padlock icon before interacting with a website, especially when logging in or entering information.
- Be Mindful of Privacy Policies: Read or review the privacy policy of websites and applications to understand how they collect, store, and use personal data.
- Pay Attention to Social Media Safety Rules: Set social media accounts to private, accept friend requests only from people known in real life, and think carefully before posting pictures or status updates.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords containing a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and change them regularly.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Inform a trusted adult, teacher, or parent immediately if any online content, message, or interaction feels uncomfortable, strange, or threatening.
The actions to avoid while using the internet include:
- Avoid Indiscriminate Downloads: Do not download games, music, videos, or software from untrusted or unknown websites, as these files may contain viruses or malware that can damage computer systems.
- Avoid Responding to Unsolicited Pop-up Messages: Do not click on unexpected pop-up windows, advertisements, or messages claiming that a prize has been won or that the computer has a virus. These are often traps designed to steal information or install harmful software.
- Do Not Share Passwords: Keep passwords secret and never share them with friends, classmates, or strangers online.
- Do Not Meet Online Strangers: Never agree to meet in person with anyone met online without the knowledge and presence of a parent or guardian.
- Avoid Posting Sensitive Information: Do not post pictures of school uniforms, home addresses, or daily routines that could allow strangers to track physical locations.
Securing Personal Information
Personal information refers to any data that can be used to identify, contact, or locate a specific individual. Examples include a person’s full name, home address, school name, phone number, email address, photographs, and parents’ bank details.
Securing personal information is essential to prevent identity theft, where criminals use stolen details to commit fraud or impersonate others online.
Methods for securing personal information online include:
- Limiting Information Shared: Avoid filling out unnecessary forms or profiles on websites that ask for detailed personal history.
- Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication where available, which requires a second form of verification (such as a code sent to a phone) in addition to a password.
- Logging Out of Public Devices: Always log out of personal accounts when using computers in school laboratories, cybercafés, or other public spaces.
- Keeping Software Updated: Regularly update web browsers, operating systems, and antivirus software to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Online Safety Pledge
An online safety pledge is a formal commitment made by an internet user to practice safe, responsible, and respectful behavior while using digital technologies.
The following pledge can be adopted and recited by students to reinforce safe browsing habits:
The JSS 1 Online Safety Pledge
I promise to use the internet safely, responsibly, and wisely.
I will only visit secure websites that display the padlock icon and HTTPS prefix.
I will protect my personal information and keep my passwords secret.
I will not download files from unknown sources or click on suspicious pop-up messages.
I will treat others with respect online and report any uncomfortable or suspicious activity to a trusted adult.
By keeping this pledge, I will make the digital world a safer place for myself and others.
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