Introduction

In the increasingly digital world, the need for personal cybersecurity is more important than ever. With rising threats such as identity theft, online scams, and data breaches, individuals must learn to protect themselves and their personal information from cyber-attacks. This Cybersecurity Basics for Personal Protection training course is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to safeguard their personal data, online privacy, and digital presence. Whether using social media, online banking, or shopping, this course will help you navigate the digital landscape safely and securely.

Through this 5-day program, participants will learn basic cybersecurity principles, tools, and strategies to protect themselves from common cyber threats, reducing their vulnerability and ensuring their online safety.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the importance of cybersecurity and how it impacts personal safety in the digital world.
• Recognize common cyber threats such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.
• Learn how to secure personal devices (computers, smartphones, tablets) and online accounts (social media, email, banking).
• Develop strategies for creating strong and secure passwords and using two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Gain the skills to recognize scams and suspicious activities and respond appropriately.
• Understand the importance of data privacy and how to maintain it in a connected world.
• Learn basic tools and methods to enhance online security and protect personal information.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Individuals looking to enhance their cybersecurity awareness and protect their personal data.
• Small business owners who need to secure their devices, accounts, and online presence.
• Parents who want to protect their family’s online safety and teach kids about cybersecurity.
• Frequent internet users, such as social media users, online shoppers, and online banking customers, who wish to secure their activities.
• Anyone interested in learning how to protect themselves and their personal information in a digitally connected world.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Session 1: What is Cybersecurity and Why It Matters

• Overview of cybersecurity and its role in protecting personal data and privacy.
• The growing importance of digital security in an interconnected world.
• Common cyber threats: malware, phishing, ransomware, and identity theft.
• Discussion: Real-life examples of cyber-attacks and their consequences.

Session 2: Common Cyber Threats and How to Recognize Them

• Understanding phishing attacks and how to spot fraudulent emails or links.
• Introduction to malware, including viruses, spyware, and adware.
• The dangers of public Wi-Fi and unsecured networks.
• Practical Exercise: Identifying phishing emails and suspicious online behavior.

Day 2: Securing Personal Devices and Accounts

Session 1: Protecting Your Devices (Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets)

• How to use firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-malware tools to secure devices.
• Importance of updating software and using automatic updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Securing Wi-Fi networks: How to set up a secure home network and change default router settings.
• Practical Exercise: Install and configure basic security tools on your devices.

Session 2: Online Account Security

• Creating strong passwords: Importance of length, complexity, and password management.
• The role of two-factor authentication (2FA) in securing online accounts.
• How to recognize fake websites and secure online shopping experiences.
• Practical Exercise: Set up two-factor authentication on your email or social media accounts.

Day 3: Recognizing and Responding to Cyber Threats

Session 1: Identifying Scams and Fraud

• The psychology of social engineering and how attackers manipulate behavior.
• Common online scams, such as lottery scams, fake job offers, and tax fraud.
• Recognizing fraudulent phone calls, emails, and texts (e.g., smishing).
• Practical Exercise: Review real-world scam examples and practice identifying red flags.

Session 2: Responding to Cyber Attacks

• Steps to take if your information is compromised, including reporting incidents.
• How to use identity theft protection services and monitor financial accounts for fraud.
• What to do if your device is infected with malware or ransomware.
• Group Discussion: How to respond to common cyber-attacks and mitigate damage.

Day 4: Data Privacy and Online Protection

Session 1: Maintaining Privacy in the Digital World

• The importance of data privacy and protecting sensitive personal information.
• Understanding privacy settings on social media, email, and other online platforms.
• How to limit data collection by online services and third-party apps.
• Practical Exercise: Review and adjust privacy settings on social media accounts.

Session 2: Safe Browsing and Online Habits

• Using virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure browsing and accessing public Wi-Fi safely.
• The importance of avoiding suspicious websites and downloading apps or files from trusted sources only.
• How to manage cookies and online tracking to reduce personal data exposure.
• Practical Exercise: Set up a VPN on your device and practice secure browsing habits.

Day 5: Creating a Personal Cybersecurity Action Plan

Session 1: Building Your Cybersecurity Routine

• How to create a personal cybersecurity checklist for daily use.
• The role of regular updates, backup strategies, and device maintenance in maintaining security.
• Developing an ongoing cybersecurity education plan to stay updated on evolving threats.
• Practical Exercise: Develop a personalized action plan for maintaining digital security.

Session 2: Final Review and Certificate of Completion

• Review of key learnings and cybersecurity tools covered throughout the course.
• Final Q&A session to clarify any remaining questions or concerns.
• Certificate of Completion Ceremony.