Adult IQ — Cybersecurity Basics

Protect Your Information • Recognize Threats • Stay Safer Online

Most of us use the internet every day for banking, shopping, work, communication, entertainment and managing our personal lives. With so much of our information online, knowing how to protect yourself has become an important part of everyday life.

The Adult IQ Cybersecurity Basics Handbook was created to help everyday people understand some of the common risks they may come across online and, more importantly, what they can do about them.

You don't need to be a technology expert to improve your online security. In many cases, simple habits—such as using stronger passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication and knowing how to recognize a suspicious message—can make a meaningful difference.

This handbook explains cybersecurity in straightforward language, without expecting you to understand complicated technical terms. It focuses on the things you are most likely to encounter when using your computer, phone, email, social media, online banking and other digital services.

What You'll Learn

Inside, you'll learn practical ways to:

• Create stronger passwords and manage them more securely

• Understand why using different passwords for important accounts matters

• Set up and use multi-factor authentication

• Recognize suspicious emails, texts and messages

• Identify common online scams and social engineering techniques

• Think twice before clicking unfamiliar links or opening attachments

• Protect your computer, smartphone and other connected devices

• Understand the risks of using public Wi-Fi and shared networks

• Protect personal, financial and other sensitive information

• Recognize suspicious websites, downloads and online requests

• Review and improve important privacy and security settings

• Understand some of the warning signs that an account may have been compromised

• Know some of the steps to take if you believe your information or account has been exposed

• Develop safer habits when shopping, banking and communicating online

• Create a practical personal cybersecurity checklist

You Don't Have to Be a Technology Expert

Cybersecurity can sound complicated, but protecting yourself online doesn't have to be.

A lot of online safety comes down to slowing down and thinking before you click, share information, download something or respond to a message.

Scammers and cybercriminals often rely on people being rushed, distracted, curious or worried. Learning to recognize those situations can help you make better decisions before something goes wrong.

Adult IQ Cybersecurity Basics is designed to give you practical knowledge that you can use in your everyday digital life.

The goal isn't to turn you into a cybersecurity professional. It's to help you become a more informed and careful internet user who understands the risks and knows some of the basic steps that can help reduce them.

A few simple habits can go a long way toward protecting your information, your accounts and your money.

Disclaimer: This handbook provides general cybersecurity education and is not a guarantee of protection against cyberattacks, scams or data breaches. For a suspected security incident, follow the guidance of the relevant service provider or qualified cybersecurity professional.