Can I prevent my data from being included in a breach?

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when private information is accessed without permission. It's like a stranger going through your personal things. This can happen to computer systems, websites, or other places where information is stored.

Sometimes, data breaches happen because of hacking, where someone breaks into a computer system. Other times, it might happen by mistake, like sending an email to the wrong person.

To keep your information safe, you can use strong passwords and change them often. Be careful about what personal information you share online.

How can I keep my data safe?

You can keep your data safe by using strong passwords and not sharing them with others.

Make sure you update your computer and apps to take advantage of built-in security features.

Think about using extra safety tools like two-factor authentication, which adds an extra step when logging in.

How can we stop bad people from getting into our stuff?

Why is it important to have a strong password?

Do password keepers help keep your passwords safe?

Yes, using a password keeper is a good idea. It helps you keep all your passwords safe in one place. You do not have to remember every password.

Here are some tools that can help:

• Picture Books: Think of a password keeper like a special book that remembers passwords for you.
• Apps: You can use apps on your phone or computer to store passwords.
• Voice Help: Some apps have voice options to read things out loud.

Ask an adult if you need help setting one up.

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is a way to keep your online accounts safe.

It uses two steps to make sure it's really you trying to log in.

First, you enter your password like usual.

Next, you get a code on your phone or email.

You have to type in this code to log in.

This makes it harder for someone else to get into your account.

Tools like password managers can help you keep track of your passwords.

There are apps that can help with 2FA, like Authy or Google Authenticator.

How often should I change my passwords?

Changing your passwords is important. It helps keep your information safe. Try to change your passwords every few months. You can set reminders to help you remember. Use a notebook or a password manager to keep track of your passwords safely.

How do software updates help keep us safe?

Software updates are important for keeping computers and phones safe. When we get an update, it fixes problems and makes things better.

Here’s why updates help:

• Fixes Problems: Updates repair things that are broken and help protect against bad software called viruses.
• New Features: Updates can add new tools or make the software easier to use.
• Better Security: Updates make it harder for hackers to get in and steal information.

It is important to update software regularly to stay safe online. Use these tips to help:

• Enable automatic updates so you don’t forget.
• Check your settings to make sure updates are turned on.
• Ask for help if you don’t know how to update.

Does antivirus software stop data leaks?

Do VPNs help keep my data safe online?

A VPN is a tool that helps keep your information safe when you use the internet.

Here is how a VPN can help you:

• It hides your real location.
• It keeps your online actions private.
• It makes it harder for others to see what you do online.

If you want to use a VPN, you can try these simple steps:

• Ask someone you trust to help you set it up.
• Use a service that is easy to understand.
• Look for VPN apps on your computer or phone that are made for beginners.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi is the internet you use in places like cafes, malls, or libraries.

Be careful with public Wi-Fi. It might not be safe, and someone could try to see what you do online.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Use a VPN app. It keeps your information private.
• Don't enter personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers.
• Turn off automatic connections to Wi-Fi networks.
• Look for secure websites. They start with “https://”.

Remember to ask an adult or a friend if you need help.

How do I know if my data is safe?

Here are some tips:

• Check your email for any strange messages.
• Look for alerts from websites you use about data breaches.
• Use tools like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email or passwords have been leaked.
• Change your passwords regularly to keep your accounts safe.

What to Do if Your Data is Leaked

Here are simple steps if your data was in a leak:

• Stay Calm: It’s important to stay calm and think clearly.
• Change Passwords: Make new passwords for accounts that were leaked.
• Watch Your Accounts: Look at bank and online accounts for strange actions.
• Use Tools: Consider using tools that keep your information safe, like password managers.

These steps can help keep your data safe.

How are online scams and data breaches connected?

Online scams and data breaches are connected because both involve stealing information.

An online scam is when someone tricks you to get your money or information.

A data breach happens when someone gets into a computer system to steal information.

Scammers can use stolen information from a data breach to trick people. So, if a data breach happens, people might get scammed more easily.

Tools to help:

• Talk to someone you trust if you do not understand.
• Use simple and safe passwords.
• Be careful with emails or messages from people you do not know.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a way people online try to trick you. They might pretend to be someone else or send fake messages to get your personal information, like passwords or bank details.

To stay safe, be careful with emails or messages from people you don’t know. And don’t click on strange links.

You can use a spell-check tool to help check for mistakes in emails. This might help spot fake messages.

Can paying attention to privacy settings help?

Do you know about privacy settings? They are tools on your phone, computer, and apps. They keep your information safe.

When you care about privacy settings, you are taking steps to protect yourself. It is important to pay attention to them. Here is how they can help you:

• Keep your personal information safe from strangers.
• Stop unwanted people from seeing your pictures or posts.
• Protect your passwords and accounts.

Here are some tips to help you with privacy settings:

• Ask an adult if you need help. They can show you how to change the settings.
• Use strong passwords with numbers and symbols.
• Update your settings often to stay safe.

What is encryption and how does it stop people from breaking in?

Encryption is like putting a secret code on something. It keeps your information safe.

When people want to read the secret information, they need a special key to understand it.

This helps to stop people from stealing or breaking into your information.

You can use strong passwords and two-step checks to keep your information even safer.

Is my information safe in cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a way to keep your files on the internet instead of on your computer. But is it safe? Let's find out.

Your files can be safe if you:

• Choose a good password. A strong password uses letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Turn on two-factor authentication. This means you get a code on your phone to check it is really you.
• Use a trusted storage service. Pick a company that many people trust.

Ask an adult if you need help setting these up. They can explain things and make sure your files stay safe.

What is social engineering and how is it linked to data leaks?

Social engineering is when someone tricks you to get your secret information. They might pretend to be someone you trust.

A data leak is when private information is stolen or shared by accident.

Social engineers can cause data leaks by getting passwords or secret answers from people.

To stay safe, always check who you are talking to. Use passwords that are hard to guess. Tools like password managers can help you keep track of them.

What is a data breach notification?

A data breach notification is a way to tell people if their personal information has been stolen or lost. This might be things like your name, address, or credit card number.

If a company finds out that someone's information is not safe, they must let people know right away. This helps you watch out for problems like stealing or cheating.

Here are some ways to help understand more:

• Use pictures or videos to explain what a data breach is.
• Use simple words and short sentences.
• Ask someone you trust to help you read and understand this.