Online Safety & Security

A strong password should:

• ABe 'password123'
• BMix upper/lower case, numbers and symbols, and be long✓
• CBe your name
• DBe the same on every site

Answer: Strong passwords are long and mix character types, and are different for each account.

You get an email saying 'Your account is locked — click here to verify your password.' This is most likely:

• AA genuine, safe email
• BA phishing scam✓
• CA software update
• DA backup reminder

Answer: Unexpected urgent emails asking you to click a link and enter your password are usually phishing.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) improves security by:

• ARequiring a second step (e.g. a code) as well as your password✓
• BRemoving your password
• CSharing your password
• DMaking login faster only

Answer: 2FA adds a second check (such as a phone code), so a stolen password alone isn't enough.

What is malware?

• AHelpful software
• BHarmful software designed to damage or steal✓
• CA type of spreadsheet
• DA backup tool

Answer: Malware (viruses, spyware, ransomware) is malicious software that can harm a device or data.

Why should you keep software and your operating system up to date?

• ATo use more storage
• BUpdates often fix security weaknesses✓
• CTo slow the computer down
• DThere is no reason

Answer: Updates patch security vulnerabilities, helping protect against attacks.

What does the padlock symbol and 'https' in a web address indicate?

• AThe connection to the site is encrypted/secure✓
• BThe site is free
• CThe site is fast
• DThe site is government-run

Answer: 'https' and the padlock show the connection is encrypted, protecting data you send.

You should NOT share which of these online?

• AYour favourite colour
• BYour bank details with strangers✓
• CA public news article
• DThe weather

Answer: Never share sensitive personal/financial details (bank details, PINs, passwords) with strangers.

Personal data about customers must be handled in line with:

• ANo rules at all
• BData protection law (e.g. UK GDPR)✓
• COnly the company logo
• DThe weather forecast

Answer: Personal data must be kept securely and used lawfully under data protection law (UK GDPR).

Connecting to free public Wi-Fi to do online banking is risky because:

• AIt is too fast
• BOthers may be able to intercept your data✓
• CIt uses too much battery
• DIt is illegal

Answer: Public Wi-Fi can be insecure; sensitive tasks like banking are safer on a trusted network or mobile data.