Privacy & Protection Online

Learn how to stay safe, protect your information, and browse with confidence.

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    About the program

    This workshop is all about helping you feel safe, confident, and in control when you go online. The internet can be a wonderful tool — it lets us stay in touch with family and friends, explore hobbies, shop from home, and find information instantly. But it can also feel overwhelming, with things like pop-ups, strange emails, and worries about privacy.

    In this four-hour workshop, we will work through simple, practical steps you can take to protect yourself online. Together, we will learn how to:

    • Manage your privacy settings so you control what is shared
    • Create and use strong passwords or safer alternatives like passkeys
    • Spot scams, phishing emails, and unsafe websites before they trick you
    • Shop safely online without worry
    • Understand and use antivirus tools to keep your computer healthy

    This session will be hands-on. You will have the chance to check your own settings, practice spotting scams, and try out safe browsing techniques. And do not worry — there are no silly questions here. Everyone is learning together, step by step.

    By the end of the workshop, you will have not only new knowledge but also a simple checklist you can keep by your computer to remind you of safe online habits.

    Workshop Price: $100
    Special Offer: CARP members receive a 10% discount.

    4 Hour Workshop Outline

    Topic Content Activities
    Welcome & Introduction – Overview of what participants will learn: privacy basics, passwords, scams, antivirus, safe browsing
    – Address common concerns (cookies, pop-ups, “too many passwords”)     		Quick Poll: “What worries you most online?” (raise hands or sticky notes)
    Intro to Managing Your Privacy – How ads track you online
    – Cookies and consent pop-ups explained simply
    – Adjusting browser privacy settings (Chrome/Edge/Safari)
    – Browser extensions that help (ad blockers, privacy tools)     		Hands-on: Check browser settings together; clear cookies/history; install a sample ad blocker or privacy extension
    Passwords, Passkeys, and More – Strong password basics (length vs. complexity)
    – Alternatives: single sign-on (Google/Apple login), passkeys, 2FA
    – Why password managers are safer than sticky notes     		Hands-on: Compare weak vs. strong passwords; create a memorable strong password; demo: setting up 2FA on a sample account
    Protecting Your Personal Information Online – Safe browsing habits
    – Recognizing scams & phishing attempts
    – What info is OK to share vs. what to keep private     		Group Practice: Review 3 sample emails/websites, spot scams, highlight red flags on screen
    Break Light refreshments, informal Q&A —
    Staying Safe Online – Shopping safely (secure sites, payment methods)
    – Recognizing secure websites (HTTPS, padlock)
    – Avoiding unsafe downloads     		Hands-on: Visit sample shopping sites, check return policies & payment methods; practice hovering over links
    Antivirus & Malware Basics – What are viruses, malware, ransomware
    – Free vs. paid antivirus options
    – Importance of updates & patches
    – Demo: running a scan on Windows Defender     		Activity: Build a group “Top 5 Safety Habits” checklist
    Break Stretch break, answer individual questions —
    Social Media & App Privacy – Privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
    – Location tracking & app permissions
    – How to limit what others can see about you     		Hands-on: Adjust privacy settings on a sample social account; turn off location sharing
    Backup & Recovery Basics – Why backups matter (ransomware, lost devices)
    – Cloud vs. external drive backup options
    – Recovery steps if hacked (password resets, reporting scams)     		Small Group Discussion: “What would you do if your account was hacked?” + instructor tips
    Cybersecurity Myths & Q&A – Debunk common myths (“Macs don’t get viruses,” “Incognito is completely private”)
    – Rapid-fire participant questions     		Interactive Quiz: True/False cybersecurity myths game
    Wrap-Up & Resources – Review 5 key takeaways: Passwords, Privacy, Scams, Shopping, Antivirus
    – Share printed resource sheet with free tools & privacy checklist     		Open Q&A: Encourage participants to share what they will implement this week