Take control of your online safety — gain the practical skills to protect your personal data, recognise online threats, and navigate the digital world with confidence and security.
Digital Safety and Security Awareness is the fourth and final course in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection, developed in collaboration with OpenEDG. Building on the foundational knowledge from the Digital Awareness course, this beginner-friendly course equips learners with practical skills to navigate online confidently and securely — much like defensive driving teaches you to anticipate and protect against hazards on the road. You will learn essential security measures to protect your devices and data, including running full computer scans, changing PIN codes in Windows, and updating router firmware. The course then progresses to understanding the dark web, safe online practices, privacy settings, and verifying information. Final modules explore the impact of technology on health and well-being, including deep fakes, fake news, and misinformation. Content is delivered through engaging videos, problem-solving tips, and interactive “Try Me, Show Me” exercises where learners first attempt tasks independently before receiving guided demonstrations. Completing all four courses in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection prepares learners for the OpenEDG Digital Literacy Certification.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. There Are Bad Actors – Keep An Eye Out!
- Risk Assessment
- Safeguarding Today & Tomorrow
- Fakes & Filters: Looking for Reality
- Problem-Solving Tips
- 2. Protect What Is Important To You
- A Comprehensive Guide to Guarding Your Digital Life
- Privacy and Security Essentials Behind the Screen
- Gateway to a Safe Network: Key Strategies for Maintaining Security and Efficiency
- Problem-Solving Tips
- 3. Always Verify Before You Share
- Steady as You Go
- The Devil is in the Details
- The Ripple Effect of Data Traffic Jams
- Problem-Solving Tips
- 4. It Can Impact Your Mental and Physical Health As Well
- Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Planet
- Facts, Fakes, Truths & Lies
- Balancing Influence and Control
- Problem-Solving Tips
Skills You Will Learn
Assess online risks and identify common bad actors and cyber threats. Apply essential security measures to protect devices and data, including running full computer scans, changing PIN codes in Windows, and updating router firmware. Understand the dark web and its risks. Apply safe online practices including verifying information and managing privacy settings. Identify and evaluate network security strategies to maintain efficiency and security. Verify information before sharing and understand the consequences of data traffic and misinformation. Recognise deep fakes, fake news, and misinformation and apply critical thinking to online content. Understand the impact of technology on mental and physical health and the environment. Balance digital influence and personal control in an increasingly connected world.
Technologies Used
Any internet-connected device
Windows security tools (computer scans, PIN management)
Router firmware management
Interactive “Try Me, Show Me” exercises, videos & problem-solving tips
Course Details
Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 6 Hours
Modules: 4
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites
None formally required. Recommended to complete Digital Awareness first, as this course builds on its foundational concepts.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course is the fourth and final course in the Digital Literacy Learning Collection, developed in collaboration with OpenEDG. Completing all four courses prepares learners for the OpenEDG Digital Literacy Certification, validating skills and readiness to thrive in the digital economy.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Share your verified achievement on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the Digital Safety and Security Awareness course. The holder of this credential has practical skills in identifying and responding to online threats, protecting personal data and devices, applying privacy and network security measures, verifying information before sharing, and understanding the impact of deep fakes, misinformation, and technology on mental and physical health.
Ready to Start This Course?
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