Digital Safety & Online Security

Duration: 5 Hours
Format: Asynchronous Presentation Based
Pedagogical Model: Case Method + Discussion Driven + Behavioral Science + Applied Security Design

Core Thesis

Digital safety is not technical literacy. It is the disciplined practice of risk awareness, boundary design, and informed decision-making in networked environments shaped by asymmetrical power and invisible surveillance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze digital threats through behavioral psychology and technical risk models.
2. Evaluate credibility signals within digital communications using structured verification frameworks.
3. Construct a layered digital identity protection system (password architecture + 2FA).
4. Diagnose social engineering attempts using cognitive bias identification.
5. Design and defend a personal Digital Safety Protocol under attack conditions.

Topics Covered

MODULE 1: Digital Identity & Risk Architecture (60 minutes)

• Digital Identity as layered presence (academic, social, financial, biometric)
• Attack Surface Mapping: Where are you exposed?
• Risk Equation: Risk = Vulnerability × Threat × Exposure
• Password Architecture Design
• Checkpoint: Scenario-based risk prioritization

MODULE 2: Authentication, Authority & Access Control (60 minutes)

• Knowledge-based vs possession-based authentication
• Multi-factor authentication logic
• Zero-trust security principles
• Authentication fatigue risks
• 2FA Implementation
• Checkpoint: OTP breach response protocol

MODULE 3: Social Engineering, Phishing & Manipulation (120 minutes)

• Social engineering lifecycle
• Cognitive biases exploited in scams
• Types: Email phishing, Instagram brand collab scams, Scholarship scams, Impersonation, Sextortion, Deepfake threats
• Scam Dissection Exercise
• Case Study: “The Dream Opportunity”
• Advanced Threats: AI-generated phishing
• Checkpoint: Analytical justification of threat effectiveness

MODULE 4: Privacy, Surveillance & Digital Footprint (60 minutes)

• Digital permanence and algorithmic amplification
• Data brokers and reputation economy
• Digital Exposure Audit
• Privacy settings optimization
• Checkpoint: Reputational risk reflection

MODULE 5: Building a Personal Security Framework (60 minutes)

• Designing a Digital Safety Protocol
• Password architecture plan
• Authentication coverage map
• Scam verification checklist
• Social boundary rules
• Emergency escalation plan
• Capstone: Red Team / Blue Team Exercise

Final Outcome

Participants leave with:

1. Structured password architecture
2. 2FA implemented
3. Privacy optimized
4. Scam verification protocol
5. Digital Safety Charter
6. Defensive decision-making skills

Psychological Safety Layer

Trauma-informed elements:

• Non-blaming language
• Confidential discussion policy
• Blackmail response protocol
• Reporting pathways
• Emotional resilience framing
• Support network mapping exercise