Cybersecurity Tips for Teens to Stay Safe Online

The internet is full of exciting possibilities—from connecting with friends on social media to exploring new games and hobbies. But lurking in the digital world are hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals, ready to steal personal information if they get the chance. That’s why learning cybersecurity is a must for teens today.

At Scott Credit Union, we know that safety online goes beyond just finances. Whether it’s protecting your social accounts or personal data, it’s essential to understand how to stay secure. With a few simple habits, teens can stay safe, avoid scams, and keep their digital lives under control.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Teens

1. Think Before You Click Phishing messages are designed to trick people into giving away personal details. These can show up as emails, text messages, or even DMs from fake accounts pretending to be someone you know. A good rule of thumb: If a message feels off or asks for personal info, don’t click.

Even official-looking emails can be scams. When in doubt, contact the sender directly through verified channels—whether it’s your school, a friend, or Scott Credit Union.

1. Protect Your Social Media Accounts Teens often share a lot of personal information on social media, which can leave them exposed to hacking or identity theft. Secure social accounts by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). To set up 2FA, you’ll need an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, which generates time-sensitive codes to verify your identity.Be cautious about what you share—posts with details like your birth date, hometown, or pet’s name could give hackers clues for guessing passwords or security questions.

1. Avoid Oversharing on Public Platforms Posting too much personal information can make it easier for bad actors to impersonate you online. Cybercriminals sometimes use what’s called “social engineering” to manipulate people into giving out sensitive data.

Lock down privacy settings on your social accounts to control who can see your posts and personal details.

1. Watch Out for Malicious Links and Fake Apps Some scams involve apps or links that install malware—software designed to steal your data or take control of your device. Malicious links often mimic legitimate websites with small misspellings, like “donimos.com” instead of “dominos.com.” To avoid these traps, always double-check URLs before clicking and download apps only from trusted sources, such as official app stores.

Fake banking apps are on the rise, so always double-check before entering your login details. Scott Credit Union’s official mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play for secure downloads.

1. Secure Your Devices and Keep Software Updated Cybersecurity starts with your phone, tablet, or laptop. Make sure to install software updates regularly—these updates often include patches that fix security vulnerabilities.

Lock your devices with passwords, PINs, or biometrics (like a fingerprint) to keep intruders out.

Understanding AI in Cybersecurity: Deepfakes and Cheap Fakes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in the field of cybersecurity. Many companies use AI to identify threats, monitor networks, and protect user data. However, AI fraud continues to increase as cybercriminals leverage AI to create sophisticated phishing attacks and malware that can bypass traditional security measures.

Deepfakes and cheap fakes are also becoming more common with the rise of AI. Deepfakes use advanced AI to create hyper-realistic videos or audio that make it seem like someone said or did something they didn’t. On the other hand, cheap fakes rely on simpler editing methods, such as cropping or filtering a video, to mislead viewers and create false narratives.

Both deepfakes and cheap fakes emphasize the need for critical thinking and media literacy, as they can easily confuse and deceive audiences in today’s digital landscape.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Teens

Teens often believe cyber threats target only adults or big companies, but that’s not true. Hackers see young people as easy targets because they might not be as cautious online. A hacked account or stolen password can cause a lot of trouble—not just with social media but also with school logins, gaming accounts, or even personal files.

Stay Smart and Stay Secure with SCU’s Cybersecurity Resources

Teens today have a lot to keep track of—but cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart habits, you can stay ahead of hackers and scammers, protecting your digital life and your personal information.

Whether you’re securing your social accounts or monitoring your financial transactions, Scott Credit Union offers the tools and resources to keep your digital life safe. Check out our YouTube security playlist for more tips on staying safe online.