Online Safety

What makes a strong password?

• AYour date of birth
• BA mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols of at least 8 characters✓
• CYour first name followed by 123
• DA single dictionary word

Answer: A strong password combines upper/lower case, numbers and symbols, is at least 8 characters long, and avoids obvious personal information.

What is 'two-factor authentication' (2FA)?

• AUsing two different passwords for the same account
• BA second verification step (e.g. a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password✓
• CHaving two separate email accounts
• DLogging in from two different devices simultaneously

Answer: 2FA adds an extra security step beyond the password — such as a code sent by text message — making it much harder for attackers to access your account.

What is 'malware'?

• AA type of email service
• BSoftware designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to computer systems✓
• CA social media platform
• DA method of searching the internet

Answer: Malware (malicious software) includes viruses, ransomware, spyware and trojans — programmes designed to harm your device or steal data.

What is a 'phishing' attack?

• AA slow internet connection caused by too many users
• BA deceptive attempt to trick you into revealing personal or financial information✓
• CSoftware that monitors your keyboard input
• DA type of computer virus that copies files

Answer: Phishing uses fake emails, websites or messages pretending to be legitimate organisations to steal passwords, bank details or other sensitive data.

Which of these is the safest way to create and remember multiple strong passwords?

• AUse the same password for all accounts
• BWrite passwords on a sticky note attached to your monitor
• CUse a reputable password manager✓
• DUse your pet's name followed by your year of birth for all accounts

Answer: A password manager stores unique, complex passwords securely, meaning you only need to remember one master password.

What should you do if you think your account has been hacked?

• AWait to see if the problem resolves itself
• BChange your password immediately and enable 2FA if not already active✓
• CDelete the account and create a new one with the same password
• DTell all your contacts by email

Answer: Changing your password immediately limits the attacker's access. Enabling 2FA adds further protection. Report the breach if financial data is involved.

What is a 'firewall' used for?

• ATo cool down an overheating computer
• BTo monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against threats✓
• CTo increase internet speed
• DTo back up files to cloud storage

Answer: A firewall is a security system that monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorised access while allowing legitimate communications.

What is 'antivirus software'?

• ASoftware that speeds up your internet
• BA programme that detects, quarantines and removes malicious software from your device✓
• CA programme for creating secure passwords
• DSoftware that compresses files

Answer: Antivirus software scans your device for known malware signatures and suspicious behaviour, protecting it from viruses and other threats.

What does 'HTTPS' in a web address indicate?

• AThe website is for commercial use only
• BThe connection between your browser and the website is encrypted✓
• CThe website is registered in the UK
• DThe website requires a login

Answer: HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) means the data sent between your browser and the site is encrypted, protecting it from interception.

Why should you avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking?

• APublic Wi-Fi is slower and banking requires fast speeds
• BPublic Wi-Fi networks may not be secure, and others could intercept your financial data✓
• CBanks block access from public networks
• DPublic Wi-Fi uses too much data

Answer: Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to eavesdroppers. Always use a trusted, private connection for financial transactions.

What are 'privacy settings' on social media platforms?

• ASettings that control how fast the platform loads
• BControls that determine who can see your profile, posts and personal information✓
• CSettings that change the colour scheme of the platform
• DControls for blocking advertisements

Answer: Privacy settings let you control who can see your posts and profile — restricting to friends only limits exposure to strangers.

What is a 'virus' in computing terms?

• AA physical defect in a computer chip
• BA self-replicating malicious programme that attaches to files and spreads to other systems✓
• CA hardware fault causing the screen to flicker
• DA type of spam email

Answer: A computer virus is malicious code that copies itself and spreads by attaching to legitimate files, potentially causing damage or data loss.