Getting online is like exploring a new part of the land. It offers new ways to connect, learn, and grow. But just like when you head out into the wilderness, you need to know how to stay safe. You wouldn't walk into a storm without a coat, and you shouldn't go online without a few simple rules.
At Alaska Digital Partners, we help our neighbors use technology with confidence. We focus on teaching the responsible side of AI and the internet. This means keeping your family, your elders, and your stories safe from people who shouldn't see them.
Are you ready to protect your home?
Information
Keep your circle small.
The internet is a very big place. When you post a photo or write your name on a website, it is like shouting it in a crowded market. You never know who is listening.
In our communities, we value sharing. But online, some people look for information to cause trouble. This is called "personal information." It includes things like your full name, where you live, your phone number, and your birthday.
What to do:
- Never share photos of your ID, your land papers, or your bills.
- Do not tell strangers your phone number.
- Teach your children that they must ask you before they type any names into a computer.
Protecting your information is the first step in keeping the door closed to strangers. If you want to learn more about how to do this in person, check out our cybersecurity training sessions.
Passwords
Use strong locks.
A password is the key to your digital cabin. If the key is easy to find or the lock is weak, anyone can walk in. Many people use easy passwords like "12345" or their pet's name. These are very easy for "bad actors" (the people who try to break in) to guess.
What to do:
- Make your password long. Use a mix of big letters, small letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #.
- Do not use the same password for everything. If a person gets the key to your mail, you don't want them to have the key to your bank, too.
- Never tell anyone your password. Not even your friends.
If you have a hard time remembering them, write them down in a notebook and keep that notebook hidden in a safe place in your house. Do not keep the paper near the computer.
Links
Stay on the path.
When you are browsing the internet, you will see many things to click on. These are called "links." Some links are good and take you to a video or a news story. Other links are like a hidden trap. They can put a "virus" on your phone or computer. A virus is a bad program that can steal your secrets or break your device.
What to do:
- If you get a message from someone you don't know, do not click the links inside it.
- Even if the message looks like it is from a friend but it seems strange, ask your friend in person or on a phone call if they sent it.
- Do not click on buttons that say "You won a prize!" or "Your computer is broken, click here to fix it." These are almost always tricks.
Stay on the websites you know and trust. If a path looks suspicious, turn back.
Scams
Beware of "Free" gifts.
There is an old saying: "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is." This is very true online. You might see ads or get emails promising free money, expensive phones for almost no cost, or jobs that pay a lot for very little work.
These are called "scams." The goal of a scam is to get you to send money or give away your bank details.
What to do:
- Never send money to someone you have only met online.
- If a stranger asks you for money through a "gift card" or a wire transfer, it is a scam.
- Be very careful with messages that say you are in trouble with the government or the police. Real officials will usually send you a letter or come to see you; they won't ask for money over a text message.
If you are worried about a message, talk to a trusted leader in your community or a family member. Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Updates
Fix the cracks.
Your phone and your computer are like your home. Over time, things can break. In technology, these "breaks" are small holes that let bad people in. To fix these holes, the companies that make your phone send out "updates."
What to do:
- When your phone says "Update available," say yes. It might take a few minutes, but it makes your device much stronger.
- Turn on "Automatic Updates" in your settings. This way, your phone fixes itself while you sleep.
- Updates also make your phone run faster and keep your apps working correctly.
Think of an update as putting a new coat of paint on your house or fixing a leak in the roof. It keeps the inside safe and dry.
Connection
Watch the crowd.
Sometimes we use the internet at a community center, a library, or a cafe. This is called "Public Wi-Fi." Because many people are using the same connection, it is not as safe as the internet in your own home. A clever person on the same network might be able to see what you are doing.
What to do:
- Do not check your bank account or pay bills when you are using public internet.
- If you use a computer that other people use, always "Log Out" when you are done. If you don't log out, the next person who sits down can see your emails or your Facebook.
- Never tell a public computer to "Remember me" or "Save password."
It is better to wait until you are back on your own private connection to do anything important. You can find more tips on our cybersecurity category page.
Family
Lead the way.
The best way to stay safe is to talk to each other. In our communities, the elders have the wisdom, and the young people often have the tech skills. We need to work together.
What to do:
- Talk to your children about what they see online. Ask them who they are talking to.
- If you are an elder and you are unsure about a message, ask a younger person to help you look at it.
- If you are a young person, be patient and teach your parents and grandparents the rules of the trail.
We are all safer when we look out for one another. Safety is a community effort.
Protection
Alaska Digital Partners is here to help you navigate this new world. We offer live virtual training and workshops designed for everyone, from small business owners to families. Our goal is to make sure you have the tools you need to work smarter and stay safe.
Not a member yet? … We invite you to join our next session.
Are you a member? … Keep checking our events page for new ways to learn.
The internet can be a wonderful place for our families to thrive. By following these seven simple steps, you can make sure your digital home is as safe as your real one.
Stay safe out there.
