Teaching Privacy Silver: A Draft Online Privacy and Security Curriculum for Older Adults
(Beta Version)
Lesson I: You’re Leaving Footprints
Principle: Your information footprint is larger than you think.
Highlight: Your information footprint is not just what you intentionally post online. Your information footprint is the data you leave behind as you browse the web or use devices connected to the Internet.
Lesson II: Information Is Valuable
Principle: Any time you use the Internet, you are giving away information that someone can use in their own interest — possibly against you.
Highlight: Every piece of information, public or not, has value to somebody. They will use your information however it benefits them — which may be embarrassing or even dangerous to you.
Lesson III: Identity Isn’t Guaranteed
Principle: You don’t know who you’re really talking to on the Internet — and anyone can pretend to be you.
Highlight: Creating an identity on the Internet is often just a matter of a few clicks. This means that you can never be sure who you are talking to, and that someone could steal your identity and impersonate you!
Lesson IV: Privacy Requires Work
Principle: Only you and your loved ones have an interest in maintaining your privacy.
Highlight: Most Internet technology is not designed to protect the privacy of those who use it. However, with effort and diligence, you can better control your privacy to protect yourself and your loved ones.