Cheat sheet

Sample steps only. Use the browser print dialog to save a PDF.

Lesson 1. Meet your devices — take-home words

A digital device stores and shares information
Desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone are everyday examples
The screen shows what is happening
Settings is where you change volume, brightness, or Wi-Fi
Apps or programs are tools you open to do a job
You can practise on a library or council computer — you do not need to buy a device first

Press power, then wait for the sign-in or lock screen
Android (many phones): Settings > Security > Screen lock — steps can vary by maker
None and Swipe give no protection (Google)
iPhone: Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode; Auto-Lock is under Display & Brightness
Windows: lock with Windows key + L, or Start > power > Lock
Turn on auto-lock; never write a password on a note beside the device
Do not type real PINs or passwords into this course

Android: Settings > Network & internet > Internet (some steps Android 12+)
Or swipe down and tap Internet
A lock icon means a password is required — not that the network is private
Windows 11: taskbar Network/Sound/Battery > Manage Wi-Fi connections > Connect > password > Next
Ask staff for the real network name; watch for look-alike hotspots
No banking or purchases on public Wi-Fi; turn Wi-Fi off when you do not need it
Never type a Wi-Fi key into this course

Do not type real account passwords into this course
Get apps from Google Play or the App Store only
Play Store: search, then Install or the price; review permissions
App Store: Get or the price; confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Account
Play app updates: profile icon > Manage apps & device
Android system: Settings > System > Software updates (Wi-Fi, 75% charge)
iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
Windows: Settings > Windows Update > Check for Windows updates

Open the browser already on the device; search with clear words plus a place name if you need a local result
Read the site name before you tap a result
Look at the address bar after the page opens
Get Cyber Safe: many browsers hide HTTP/HTTPS/www — look for a padlock
Chrome: check the security status (Default (Secure), Not secure, or Dangerous)
Do not type passwords on a Not secure or unexpected page
Log in from an organisation’s real home page, not from a surprise link

Text, chat, and email are different channels; email has a subject you can search later
Gmail on a computer: Compose, To, subject, message, Send
Practise with a tutor or practice address only
Do not send sensitive information by SMS (Get Cyber Safe)
Do not open attachments from unknown sources
Do not tap links or call numbers in suspicious messages
Sign out of mail on a shared computer if staff ask you to

Prefer a passphrase: four or more random words, at least 15 characters
Or a password of at least 12 characters with upper and lower case, a number, and a symbol
Use a unique secret for every account
Never share a password; do not store it beside the device
Legitimate sites will not ask you to log in by email or text
Open the real home page yourself if you need to check an account
More scam examples live in Email & Online Safety — this lesson does not copy that course

Check power and the charger first
Wake or lock the screen the way you already do (Windows key + L locks a PC)
Check volume, then Wi-Fi and Settings
Ask a tutor or staff before you hold unfamiliar buttons
Lost phone: contact your provider and police; do not recover stolen property yourself
Do not call phone numbers that appear in surprise pop-ups
This course is not a repair service