Beginner · Digital Safety & Privacy
Staying Safe Online
Set up the few habits that stop most everyday attacks: stolen passwords, scam messages and out-of-date devices. One short lesson at a time.
Course complete. You have finished every lesson.
What you’ll learn
- Why accounts get hacked, and the three doors most attacks use
- Make passwords you can remember, and let a password manager keep the rest
- Turn on two-step verification and passkeys, starting with your email
- Spot scam texts, emails and calls, and know what never to share
- Keep devices updated and backed up, and know the first steps if something goes wrong
This course is for anyone who wants to feel safer online, without learning anything technical. Each lesson takes about two and a half minutes and covers one habit, with simple pictures and plain words. Any technical word comes with a plain explanation.
Lessons
Chapter 1: Passwords that work
How attacks get in, passwords you can remember and a password manager.
- Lesson 1 How Accounts Get Hacked, and the Three Doors Attacks Use See the three everyday ways accounts get broken into, why email comes first, and the few simple habits that close each door. 3 min Completed.
- Lesson 2 Passwords You Can Remember: Three Random Words Make a long password that is easy to remember and hard to guess, from three random words, and learn when you really need to change it. 2 min Completed.
- Lesson 3 What Is a Password Manager? One Password for Every Account Learn what a password manager does, why it should create your passwords, which few you still memorize, and whether you already have one. 2 min Completed.
Chapter 2: Add a second lock
Two-step verification and passkeys, starting with your email.
- Lesson 4 Two-Step Verification: Add a Second Lock to Your Accounts Turn on two-step verification, starting with your email, pick the strongest kind on offer, and know what to do with a prompt you did not start. 3 min Completed.
- Lesson 5 What Is a Passkey? Sign In With No Password to Steal Understand how a passkey signs you in with your face, fingerprint or PIN, why a fake site gets nothing, and which accounts to switch first. 2 min Completed.
Chapter 3: Spot the scams
Scam texts, emails and calls, even fake voices.
- Lesson 6 How to Spot Scam Texts and Emails: Three Quick Checks Spot scam texts and emails with three checks: who sent it, what it rushes you to do and where its link goes. Then report it and delete it. 2 min Completed.
- Lesson 7 Scam Calls and Fake Voices: How to Check Who Is Calling Learn why a familiar name, number or voice on a call proves nothing, and what to do when a caller asks for money, a PIN or a password. 2 min Completed.
Chapter 4: Protect and recover
Updates, Wi-Fi, backups and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Lesson 8 Keep Your Devices Up to Date and Spot Fake Virus Warnings Turn on automatic updates, check the virus protection you already have, close fake virus warnings and set up phone finding before you need it. 3 min Completed.
- Lesson 9 Safer Wi-Fi: Secure Your Router and Know What a VPN Does Change your router's two passwords, pick the right Wi-Fi security, keep the router updated, and learn what a VPN can and can't do away from home. 3 min Completed.
- Lesson 10 Back Up Your Phone and Computer With the 3-2-1 Rule Learn why sync is not a backup, keep three copies of what you can't replace with the 3-2-1 rule, and test that your backup really works. 2 min Completed.
- Lesson 11 Hacked Account or Stolen Money? What to Do, in Order Take back a hacked account starting with your email, know who to call first if money or your identity is stolen, and tick off the course checklist. 2 min Completed.
Videos coming soonAbout this course
Each lesson is a written page with pictures, a “Try it” step and the full script. A short video of each lesson is coming soon. Follow the lessons in order, or jump to the lesson you need.
What you need: your phone or computer, and the email account you use most. Many lessons end with one small step you can do on it straight away.
For more detail on any topic, start with our Digital safety for beginners guide. The lessons explain general safety habits, not advice for your particular situation; if money or your identity has been stolen, contact your bank and the official agencies in your country.
Good questions
Answers, plainly
How long does the course take?
11 lessons, about 27 minutes in all. Most lessons take about 2 minutes, so one fits into a short break. Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
Do I need to sign up or pay?
No. Every lesson is free and open, with no account and no email address. Your progress ticks are saved in your own browser only.
Can I watch it instead of reading?
Not yet. Every lesson is a written page with pictures and the full script. Short videos of each lesson are coming.
Who is it for?
Complete beginners, anywhere in the world. Plain words, round example numbers and no background needed.