Security Risks on Apps and Websites

Help learners recognize and avoid different pitfalls and risks on apps and websites

About This Module

This curriculum module is based on takeaways from series three and series four of NYC Digital Safety training videos. You may use this module by:

  • Including it in your pre-existing public workshops
  • Combining it with other NYC Digital Safety modules to make a longer data-privacy focused workshop
  • Sharing the handout with library users at various service points

Downloadable presentation slides, a facilitation guide, and a handout can be found below. The handout from this module has been translated into Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Russian, and Spanish.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Describe different pitfalls and risks on apps and websites
  • Name strategies for avoiding security risks on apps and websites
  • Identify methods for browsing the web safely

Lesson Plan

This lesson plan is also included in the downloadable facilitation guide below. You are welcome to use any and all of this, or adapt it as you see fit.

This module will take approximately 35 to 40 minutes to complete.

Introduction and welcome

Greet learners and review the plan for this module

Defining security risks on sites and apps

Share the handout with learners at any point during this lesson. Provide a brief overview of the types of pitfalls that can exist on websites and apps. Pause to see if anyone has anything else to add

Security risks on sites and apps

Review some of the different pitfalls that exist on apps and websites, including malware, cookies, and trackers.
Next, share some signs of a risky website or app. Pause to see if anyone has a question or anything else to add

Ways to avoid risky sites and apps

Review different strategies for avoiding risky apps and for avoiding risky websites, including using tools like secure browsers and developing a greater awareness of red flags and warning signs. See if anyone has other tips to add or share

Wrap up, final tips, and final questions

Review the closing thoughts and share the suggested resources. See if anyone has any final questions

Next Steps

Download the materials below for use in your workshop or at service points throughout your library.

If you plan to create a longer privacy-focused workshop using these materials, here is a link to Google slides. Feel free to make a copy if you’d like to add these slides to any other deck.

And please let us know how it went! Use this form to share your feedback on this module. We’d love to hear from you.