Lesson 4: Device Security and Safe Internet Practices

📚 Introduction

Even if you use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, your security is still weak if your devices are not properly protected. A compromised laptop, smartphone, or tablet can give hackers full access to your company’s sensitive information.

This lesson will teach you how to:

• Keep your devices secure
• Use the internet safely
• Avoid dangerous downloads and unsafe websites
• Apply best practices for daily work

Device Security Best Practices

1. Always Keep Your Device Updated

• Regularly install system updates, software updates, and security patches.
• Outdated software is one of the biggest security weaknesses.
• Set your devices to auto-update when possible.

2. Use Reliable Antivirus Software

• Always have active, updated antivirus protection.
• Use company-approved security software.
• Never turn off antivirus protection to speed up your device.
• Antivirus must be set to real-time protection and automatic scanning.

3. Lock Your Screen When You Leave Your Desk

• When leaving your desk, even for a short break, lock your screen immediately.
• This prevents unauthorized people from accessing your device.
• Many security incidents happen because employees leave their devices unlocked.

4. Never Install Unauthorized Software

• Only install software that is approved by your company’s IT department.
• Unauthorized software can contain hidden malware or backdoors.
• Always ask IT before installing new tools, even free ones.

🌐 Safe Internet Practices

1. Avoid Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

• Public Wi-Fi in cafés, airports, and hotels is often unsecured.
• Hackers can easily intercept your data on public networks.
• If you must use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN.

2. Be Careful with Downloads

• Only download files from trusted, verified websites.
• Avoid downloading free software, cracked files, or unofficial versions.
• Even opening simple-looking PDFs or Excel files from unknown sources can be dangerous.

3. Do Not Click on Unknown Links

• Unsafe websites can infect your device without your knowledge.
• If you receive a suspicious link by email or chat, never click it.
• If unsure, verify the link with your IT department first.

4. Use VPN When Working Remotely

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your internet connection.
• It encrypts your traffic, especially when working from home or traveling.
• Always connect to your company’s VPN when working outside the office.

🚩 What You Must Never Do

• Never turn off your antivirus protection.
• Never install software without permission.
• Never leave your device unlocked.
• Never ignore system update notifications.
• Never use public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

📄 Summary: Daily Security Checklist

✔️ Keep your devices and software updated.
✔️ Always use antivirus with real-time protection.
✔️ Lock your screen when leaving your desk.
✔️ Avoid public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.
✔️ Never install unapproved software.
✔️ Download files only from trusted sources.
✔️ Never click on suspicious links.

📝 Time to Test Your Knowledge!

Let’s check what you’ve learned about device security and safe internet habits.

✔️ You will receive instant feedback for each answer.
✔️ You can retake the quiz to improve your score.

👉 Good luck! Let’s begin.

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Results

#1. Why is it important to install software updates quickly?

To get new design features

To improve system performance only

To fix security vulnerabilities and protect your device

To keep your screen resolution high

#2. What is the main purpose of antivirus software?

To delete old files

To speed up your device

To protect against malware and detect threats

To block social media websites

#3. What should you always do when leaving your desk?

Minimize all windows

Close your browser

Lock your screen

Disconnect from Wi-Fi

#4. What is the risk of installing unauthorized software?

It can use too much memory.

It can contain hidden malware or backdoors

It can delete your antivirus

It can slow down your Wi-Fi connection.

#5. What is the biggest danger of using public Wi-Fi without protection?

You can lose internet connection.

Hackers can intercept your data and steal company information

The Wi-Fi might be too slow

Your battery will drain faster.

#6. What should you always do when working remotely?

Connect to your company’s VPN.

Use the fastest available public Wi-Fi.

Turn off antivirus to improve speed.

Download free apps to help connection.

#7. Why is it dangerous to download files from unknown websites?

The files may be incomplete.

The files may contain malware or hidden threats

The files may open slowly.

The files may not print correctly

#8. What is the role of a VPN?

To increase your internet speed.

To change your screen resolution.

To encrypt your internet traffic and protect your connection

To block your antivirus scans.

#9. What should you do if you receive a suspicious link by email?

Click the link quickly to see where it goes

Forward it to your colleagues.

Report it to IT and never click it

Save the link for later.

#10. Which of the following is NOT a good daily security habit?

Keeping your device updated

Locking your screen when away

Using VPN when working remotely

Ignoring system updates

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