As part of our initiative to empower our students with tools to facilitate their studies, we provide each university-bound student with a laptop. And in commemoration of the International Day of the African Child, we undertook a digital safety training program for our recent form four graduates about to embark on their university journey. During the digital safety training, students were taken through the following:
Email account security
The training emphasized the criticality of maintaining email account security. Students were educated on the risks associated with suspicious emails containing malware capable of corrupting their laptops and compromising important information. They were advised never to open emails that raise suspicion and to be cautious of unexpected attachments or urgent requests for personal data.
Verifying email sender domains
To enhance email security, students were encouraged to check the email sender’s domain before opening any messages. By scrutinizing the authenticity of the sender’s domain, students can mitigate the risks associated with phishing attempts or fraudulent emails. This practice helps safeguard their laptops and personal information from potential threats.
Implementing multiple authentication methods
Recognizing the importance of multi-layered security, the training emphasized the need for students to set up multiple authentication methods for their email accounts. By enabling features such as two-factor authentication, they can ensure that any device attempting to access their email requires additional verification. This measure reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances overall account security.
Laptop password protection
Students were instructed to set up strong passwords to safeguard their laptops from unauthorized access. They were advised against using easily guessable passwords, such as dates of birth or identification numbers. Emphasize the significance of unique and complex passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Password managers were also introduced as a helpful tool to maintain strong and varied passwords across different platforms.
Social media safety
The training shed light on the importance of social media safety. Students were educated about the risks of opening links from unknown sources, which may lead to malicious websites or phishing attempts. Additionally, they were advised against sharing personal information, especially their National ID, with everyone, as this information can be exploited for criminal activities or fraud.
Equipped with the knowledge gained from the digital safety training, our form four graduates are well-prepared to navigate the digital landscape as they enter university. As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, let us promote digital safety and empower the next generation to make informed choices in the digital realm. By fostering a culture of digital resilience and responsibility, we can also create a safer online environment for children and young adults.