An introduction to cyber security for kids
Computer Science · Key Stage 2 · The School
Someone pretending to be someone else
A PHISHING message pretends to be from someone you trust: a bank, a game, a school. It tries to trick you into clicking a link. Or it tries to get you to give away information. It is a trick told through a message. It is not a technical attack on the computer itself. Anyone can be sent one, however careful they usually are online. Recognising the trick matters more than any piece of software ever could.
Signs of a phishing message
Watch for three signs. It rushes you: "act now or lose your account". Its link does not quite match the real website. It asks for your password. A real company you already use rarely asks you to confirm a password by clicking a link.
Why updates matter
A software UPDATE often fixes a weak spot. Criminals could otherwise use that weak spot to get in. Waiting to update leaves it open for longer. An update is not just new features. It is very often a lock being fixed. Putting off an update for weeks can leave that lock open for weeks too.
Spotting a fake message
A message claims to be from a well-known game. It says your account will be deleted in one hour. It says you must confirm your password by clicking a link. That is three warning signs in one short message: rushing you, a threat, and a password request. A real company would never ask this way. Telling a trusted adult about a message like this is always the right next step.