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Home » Week 3: Safe Browsing & Online Privacy

Week 3: Safe Browsing & Online Privacy

1. Recognizing Unsafe Websites & Phishing Traps

Not all websites are created equal. Before clicking a link or entering personal information, check for the following signs of legitimacy:

  • Look for HTTPS in the URL and a padlockđź”’icon in the address bar.
  • Be cautious of typosquatting. Attackers can use URLs that mimic trusted sites with subtle misspellings (e.g., “y0rku.ca” instead of “yorku.ca”).
  • Avoid clicking on pop-ups or urgent messages claiming your account is compromised or offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
  • If you receive a suspicious link via email or social media, hover over it to preview the destination. When in doubt, don’t click.

At York, phishing attempts are actively monitored, but vigilance starts with you. If you spot a suspicious message, you can report it by forwarding the message to phishing@yorku.ca.

2. Using Secure Browsers & Privacy Settings

Your browser is your gateway to the internet, make sure it’s fortified with the following considerations:

  • Use privacy-conscious browsers like Firefox or Brave, or configure your Chrome browser with enhanced privacy settings.
  • Enable tracking protection and block third-party cookies to limit how advertisers follow you across the web.
  • Regularly clear your browsing history and cache to remove stored data that could be exploited.
  • Consider using private/incognito mode when accessing your accounts from shared devices.

3. Protecting Your Personal Data Online

Every click, search, and share leaves a digital footprint on the web. Here’s how you can minimize your exposure:

  • Avoid oversharing on social media. Sensitive details like your location, birthday, or vacation plans can be used for social engineering attacks
  • Review app and website permissions regularly and revoke access to services you no longer use.
  • Use VPNs when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your traffic and shield your data from prying eyes.
  • Be mindful of the browser extensions you use as they can collect data or introduce vulnerabilities. Only install from trusted sources and disable those you don’t need.