Online Safety Resources

Scammers pretend to be a bank, a mobile money service, a school, or even a friend to steal money or passwords. They use email, SMS, WhatsApp, and social media.

• Be suspicious of messages that create urgency, such as “your account will be closed today”.
• Never share a verification code (OTP) or PIN with anyone, even someone who says they work for your bank or mobile operator.
• Check the sender and the link before clicking. When in doubt, open the official app or website yourself.
• Watch for spelling mistakes, strange links, and offers that are too good to be true: prizes, jobs, or scholarships.
• If a friend asks for money by message, call them to confirm it is really them.
• Never install apps or “updates” sent through a link in a message.

A strong password is the first lock on your digital life. Two-step verification adds a second lock.

• Use long passphrases of at least 12 characters, such as three or four unrelated words.
• Use a different password for each important account: email, banking, and social media.
• Turn on two-step verification (2FA) for email, social media, and money apps.
• Use a password manager instead of reusing the same password.
• Change your password immediately if you think someone else knows it.

Personal information can be used to steal your identity or to trick your family and friends.

• Don’t post your phone number, home address, school, or ID documents publicly.
• Check your privacy settings so only people you know can see your posts.
• Think before sharing photos that show where children live or study.
• Lock your phone with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.
• On public Wi-Fi or shared computers, avoid entering passwords and always log out.

Social media connects us, but it can also expose young people to harassment and manipulation.

• Accept friend requests only from people you know in real life.
• Never meet someone you only know online without telling a trusted adult.
• If you are bullied online: don’t reply, save screenshots, block, and report the account.
• Talk to a parent, teacher, or trusted adult. You are not alone.
• Before posting, ask yourself: would I be comfortable if my family or a future employer saw this?

Mobile money and online payments are convenient, and they are also a favorite target of fraudsters.

• Never share your mobile money PIN. Agents and operators will never ask for it.
• Confirm the recipient’s name before you send money.
• Be careful with “wrong transfer” messages asking you to send money back. Check your balance in the official app first.
• Only pay on websites that start with https:// and that you trust.
• Check your transactions regularly and report anything unusual to your operator or bank immediately.

Updates fix security holes that criminals use to break into phones and computers.

• Install system and app updates as soon as they are available.
• Download apps only from official stores such as Google Play and the App Store.
• Keep antivirus or built-in protection turned on.
• Back up important files and photos regularly.
• On shared computers in schools or cyber cafés, never save passwords and always log out.

Children learn online safety best through open conversation and good daily habits.

• Talk regularly with children about what they do online, without judgment.
• Agree on simple family or classroom rules: screen time, which apps, and who to talk to.
• Use parental controls and age-appropriate settings on devices and apps.
• Teach children to tell an adult when something online makes them uncomfortable.
• In school computer labs, use tools such as Awaken to manage access and protect equipment.

Acting quickly limits the damage.

• Change the passwords of affected accounts immediately, starting with your email.
• Contact your bank or mobile money operator right away if money was sent or stolen.
• Warn your contacts if your account was hacked, so they don’t fall for scams in your name.
• Report the account or message on the platform, and to local authorities where possible.
• Need advice? Write to us at contact@globalcybersafe.org.