ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Staying Safe Online Hangman

The 38 key terms

1digital account

A personal record kept on a system, like a school, email, game or social account, that you must log in to reach. Each account holds your own information.

2username and password

A username identifies who you are and can be shared. A password proves it is really you, so keep it secret and never share it. You use both together when logging in.

3personal data

Information that identifies or relates to a specific person, like their name, birthday, address, photos or location. It needs protecting because it is stored in online accounts.

4online account

A profile on a website or app that stores the personal data you give it, like your name and age. The company may share that data, so only give what is needed.

5account takeover

When someone else logs in to your account. They can read your private messages, post pretending to be you, or lock you out by changing your password.

6strong password

A password that is long and hard for others to guess. It avoids names, birthdays and common words like password123, and it mixes letters, numbers and symbols.

7combinations

The number of possible guesses for a secret. Each extra character multiplies them, so longer passwords take much longer to guess, even for fast computers.

8passphrase

A password made of several unrelated words that is long but easy to remember. You can add numbers or symbols to make it stronger.

9random words

To build a passphrase, pick three or four random words that do not belong together and join them. Adding a number or symbol between the words makes it even harder to guess.

10guessable passphrase

A passphrase others can find out or guess, such as your name, birthday, pet, school, a song lyric, a saying or qwerty. Never use one for an account.

11silly picture

Picture your passphrase words together as one funny scene or story. The odd image helps you remember random words, and you can practise it a few times.

12strength checker

A tool or quiz that shows how strong a passphrase is. Only test a made-up example in it, never your real passphrase. Read the result, then make a weak example stronger.

13unique passphrase

A different passphrase for every account, so if one is leaked in a breach, criminals cannot use it to get into your other accounts. Change it straight away after a breach.

14password re-use

Using one password on many accounts. If a data breach leaks it, attackers try it on other sites and can unlock every account that shares it.

15keep it private

Your passphrase is a secret. Do not tell friends, type it where others can watch, or put it in a message. Only share it with a parent or carer you trust.

16change it and tell an adult

If someone else might know your passphrase, change it straight away and tell a trusted adult. If you used it on other accounts, change it there too and check for odd activity.

17log out

Ending your session on an account so the next person using a shared device, like a school or library computer, cannot open or use your account.

18screen lock

A lock that needs a passcode, passphrase or fingerprint to open your device, so other people cannot use it when you walk away from it.

19privacy setting

A switch in an app or account that controls who can see your information, like making it private or friends only.

20App permissions

Settings where each app asks to use your location, camera, microphone or contacts. You can allow or deny each one, or allow only while using the app, and review them any time.

21Ask, Check, Think

Before you act online: Ask a trusted adult, Check that the sender or site is real, and Think about what could happen if you click or share.

22phishing

A fake message that tricks you into giving away login details or personal data. Do not click its links; tell a trusted adult.

23phishing red flags

Warning signs that a message is a scam: an odd sender address, urgent or threatening tone, a generic greeting like 'Dear user', spelling errors, or requests for your details.

24Misleading link

A link whose shown text hides a different real web address. Hover to check the address before you click or log in, watch for look-alike names, or type the address yourself.

25Never send your passphrase

A real company, teacher or friend will never ask for your passphrase in a message. If one does, it is a trick. Do not reply. Tell an adult.

26Too-good-to-be-true offer

A free prize, free gift or scary pop-up is often a trick. Do not click it or give your details. Close it and tell an adult.

27Do not reply, tell an adult

If someone you do not know messages you or asks about you, do not answer. Tell a trusted adult, even for friend requests, questions about where you live, or requests to chat in private.

28public Wi-Fi risk

Data sent over public Wi-Fi can be seen by others, so avoid logging in or paying there. Use mobile data instead for sensitive tasks.

29private information

Details like your full name, address, school, phone number and passphrase. Keep them secret. A nickname or favourite colour is safe to share. A photo can show your school or street.

30safe username

A username that does not show your full name, birthday, school or address. Use a nickname, leave out your birth year, and never use your passphrase as your username.

31Think before you share

Before posting, ask: is it personal, who will see it, and could someone copy or pass it on? If you would not want everyone to see it, do not share it.

32digital footprint

The trail of data you leave online from what you do and post, like posts, comments, searches and photos, including data other people share about you.

33digital permanence

Anything you post online can be copied, saved or shared by others, so it may never fully disappear, even if you delete it. Think before you post.

34Think before you post

Before sharing online, get permission from anyone shown in your photo or video, check who can see it, and use kind, respectful words. Report harmful content.

35trusted adult

A grown-up you can ask when something online feels odd. Tell them straight away, and you will not be in trouble for asking.

36Think, Evaluate, Choose

Three steps for staying safe online: think about what is happening, evaluate the risks, then choose the safest action, such as stopping or asking a trusted adult.

37secure access

Using a unique passphrase for each account, plus safe habits like logging out on shared devices and keeping software updated, to protect all your systems and accounts.

38because

The linking word that gives your reason. Say what to do, then add because, like: I log out on shared devices because someone else could use my account.