Risks on the internet

What you should know: 

Risks on the internet

  • You should know the most important risks on the internet and how to protect themselves from them.  
  • You should be able to help participants develop an awareness of the individual risks and be able to take appropriate measures to protect their own data and privacy. 


Overview of risks on the internet: 

  • "Soft" dangers
    • False information & fake news
    • Chain letters and hoaxes
    • Link and like collectors
    • Hatespeech and incitement
    • Influence through algorithmic systems
  • "Hard" dangers
    • Viruses & Trojans
    • Web-based malware
    • Subscription traps 
    • Phishing
    • Data loss via "hacking
  • Dangers to privacy and private data
    • Use of my data in online services
    • Data transfer to third countries and other companies
    • Data collectors ("click-bait", sweepstakes, etc.)
    • Data theft
  • Special dangers for children and young people
    • Media and gaming addiction
    • Grooming
    • Sexting
    • Cyberbullying


A list of all dangers including possible prevention measures can be found in the CUMILA Wiki under the exercise c3L01b Risks on the net (overview) in the module Technology. 

Topics covered in this module can be found in chapter 2.1 Risks on the Internet.   


Further information on the risks mentioned in other CUMILA modules: 

  • Information on hate speech and algorithmic systems can be found in the module Information Search & Opinion Formation.
  • Information on the specific dangers for children and young people can be found in the module Families and digital media. 


Exercises on the topic in the CUMILA WIKI: 

  • CUMILA Wiki exercise c2L02 - Cookies
  • CUMILA Wiki Exercise c2L03 - Recognising phishing
  • CUMILA Wiki exercise c2L04 - App access rights
  • CUMILA Wiki Exercise c2L05 - Password security
  • CUMILA Wiki exercise c2L06 - Tell-tale receipt
  • CUMILA Wiki exercise c2L07 - Personalised advertising


Read the relevant chapters in the module and, if necessary, work on the exercises mentioned yourself or prepare them for your lessons.