Digital Security Basics

Key Terms, In Human Language

Phishing: Emails or messages that pretend to be legitimate to trick you into clicking links, sharing details, or sending money.

Spoofing: When someone makes an email address, name, or domain look like it belongs to a trusted person or company.

Social engineering: Manipulation that targets your trust, urgency, or fear rather than your tech.

Simple Ways To Protect Yourself

• Pause before clicking links in unexpected emails, especially if they mention money, urgency, or account problems.
• Check the actual email address, not just the display name.
• Be wary of anyone asking you to move conversations off a trusted platform into email or messaging.
• Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two‑factor authentication where you can.