My Skill Lab
CybersecurityBeginner

Staying Safe Online: Personal Cyber Hygiene

Protect your accounts, devices and privacy every day.

Taught by Prabin Shrestha · Security Engineer

What you'll learn

  • Generate, store and audit strong unique passwords using a password manager and passphrases
  • Turn on phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication and choose the right second factor for each account
  • Spot phishing emails, smishing texts and social-engineering pretexts before you click or reply
  • Browse, download and connect to networks safely using HTTPS, DNS and update hygiene
  • Keep devices and apps patched and maintain a tested 3-2-1 backup so ransomware and loss cannot wipe you out
  • Tighten privacy settings, reduce your data footprint and respond calmly when an account is breached

About this course

Most people get hacked through everyday habits, not movie-style exploits: a reused password, a convincing fake email, an out-of-date phone. This hands-on, beginner-friendly course turns the proven essentials of personal cyber hygiene into daily habits you can actually keep. You will leave with stronger passwords, real multi-factor authentication, a sharper eye for phishing, and a privacy setup that protects you and the people around you.

Course content

9 lessons
  1. 1How People Actually Get HackedThe real-world threat model behind everyday account takeovers and why hygiene beats hacking skill.Preview
  2. 2Strong Passwords and Password ManagersWhy length beats complexity, how to use a password manager, and how to build memorable master passphrases.Preview
  3. 3Multi-Factor Authentication Done RightThe factor types, why SMS is the weakest, and how to set up app and hardware-key MFA that resists phishing.
  4. 4Recognising Phishing and Social EngineeringHow attackers manipulate people, the red flags across email, SMS and calls, and a verify-before-you-act habit.
  5. 5Safe Browsing, Downloads and NetworksHTTPS and the padlock myth, safe downloads, Wi-Fi risks, DNS and browser hardening.
  6. 6Updates, Patching and Malware DefenceWhy updates fix security holes, how to automate them, and layered defences against malware and ransomware.
  7. 7Backups That Survive DisasterThe 3-2-1 rule, ransomware-proof offline copies, encryption, and why an untested backup is no backup.
  8. 8Protecting Your Privacy and Your Data FootprintShrinking the data you expose, locking down social settings, app permissions, and reducing tracking.
  9. 9Your Personal Security Routine and Incident ResponseTurn the course into a recurring checklist, recognise compromise, and respond calmly to a breach.