OLLI Course: Be Safer on the Internet

Course Desc. | Instructor | Course Topics

Course Description

  • upcoming: ?
  • previous: Zoom: Spring 2020; Ashland: Winter 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2015; Medford: Winter 2016
  • Course URL: https://communicrossings.com/olli-course-be-safer-internet
    this site will continue to be available and updated
  • Course Handout: web pages as .pdf (offline copy), with active links; updated occasionally;
  • Zoom: Use, Setup, Safety
  • Be Safer on the Internet (version 2) is a shorter [3-session] remote version of my original [5-6 session] course.
  • Are you glued to your devices more these days, and concerned about the privacy and security of your personal information?
  • Learn preventive strategies, trade-offs and practical steps to reduce your risks (even from the NSA!) for computers, tablets, and smartphones.
  • "Offline" topics: software updates, local & cloud backups, WiFi and router setup.
  • "Online" topics: encryption, browsing, email, messaging/chat, search, malware, ad blocking, VPNs, social media.
  • Specific settings will be demonstrated only for latest macOS and iOS (iPad/iPhone) systems, Safari browser and selected apps.
    However, users of Android, Windows, and other/older devices/apps are welcome to find and then apply analogous changes to their own system and browser settings.
  • This shorter course will not discuss passwords and password managers -- see separate course P@s$w0rdz;
    nor the topics: firewalls, file sharing, mobile/travel, "Internet of Things", and children's safety.
  • Table comparing topics covered in Be Safer on the Internet -- original (version 1) & new (version 2) -- and P@s$w0rdz (Passwords)

Original (version 1) course description

  • Would you like to improve the privacy and security of your personal information -- offline and online?
  • This lecture course covers preventive strategies, discusses trade-offs and prioritizes practical steps to reduce your risks (even from the NSA!) for computers, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Topics include strong passwords, password managers, software updates, local & cloud backups, WiFi and router setup,
    browsing, email, messaging, encryption, malware, ad blocking, 2-factor authentication, VPNs, social media, travel, and the "Internet of Things".
  • Specific settings will be demonstrated only for latest macOS and iOS (iPad/iPhone) systems, Safari browser and selected apps.
  • However, users of Android, Windows, and other/older devices/apps, who are familiar with the location of their system and browser settings, are welcome to attend and use provided references to adjust similar settings.
  • Former students wanting a refresher are welcome, too -- there's too much information in the course to absorb and implement at one time; risks and best practices continue to evolve; these pages are updated periodically -- be sure to check back for advice, esp. about issues highlighted in the news -- In particular, the Course Updates page highlights major issues, e.g., Meltdown/Spectre CPU vulnerabilities, latest software updates, Equifax hack, etc.
  • Optional e-book: Take Control of Your Online Privacy (if it's updated in near future, discounted version may be available).
  • More about the course: Introduction: Approach, Audience, Devices, E-books

steve About the Instructor

Internet Privacy & Security Courses: Topics: Overview & Sessions

  • "Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant." ~Mitchell Kapor
  • The same might be said about this course -- many topics to cover; too little time; it can seem overwhelming.
  • I'll highlight and introduce the most important issues.
  • We may touch on other topics briefly during Q&A, and/or you can study materials and References on your own.
  • You can even take the course again, if there's something you missed or didn't understand, or to hear the latest advice.
  • A 1-page 'cheat sheet' summarizes some of the advice from this course,
    which mirrors / includes much of the content of the ebook: Take Control of Your Online Privacy (TCYOP)
  • See this course's original Topics page for even more "Top 10" check lists & best practices.
Be Safer on the Internet (version 1) ... (version 2) P@s$w0rdz
  • 1. Passkeys; Biometrics
    Weak Passwords
    What Makes a Password Weak?
    The 25 (or 100) Worst Passwords
  • Stronger Passwords
    What Makes a Password Stronger?
    How to Remember Passwords?
    Two Types: Memorable & Random
  • Generating Passwords
    Memorable [Typable] Passwords
    for Device(s) and Password Manager;
    Random [Pastable] Passwords
    for Web sites, Apps: via
    Password Manager or OS
  • Testing Passwords
    Information Entropy; Tester: zxcvbn
  • Storing Passwords Tattoos; Memory;
    Paper; File; Browser; Single Sign On;
    Password Managers: Desirable Features,
    Demos (1Password)
  • 2. Offline: Backups:
    Incremental vs. Complete (Clone);
    Local vs. Remote (Cloud)
  • Offline: Software Updates: Minor & Major System;
    App Stores; Replacing a Device
  • Offline: Encryption: files, whole disk
  • Offline: Erasing Your Device: Secure Erase;
    Cleanup; Recycling
  • 4. Browse: Block Ads: Popups, Tracking; Content Blockers
  • Browse: Protect Passwords: review intro;
    Identity; Strength; Password Managers, e.g., 1Password; Biometrics;
    2-Factor Authentication/2-Step Verification
  • Browse: Search Privately: Search Suggestions,
    Providers, e.g., DuckDuckGo
 Non-expert Online Practices
1. Use Antivirus Software
2. Use Strong Passwords
3. Change Passwords Frequently
4. Only Visit Websites They Know
5. Don't Share Personal Info		 Expert Online Practices
1. Install Software Updates
2. Use Unique Passwords
3. Use 2-Factor Authentication
4. Use Strong Passwords
5. Use a Password Manager
  • 5. Browse: Anonymity: Censorship, Wikileaks; Dark Web;
    NSA, CIA; Tor
  • Browse: Shopping: credit cards; PayPal; Bitcoin
  • Email: Improve Email Privacy: webmail (browser)
    vs. email client (app) encryption; phishing;
    spam; remote content
  • Email: Email: Anonymity: end-to-end encryption
 TCYOP summary