Welcome! Thank you for all of your work in support of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. We want to make sure that you have all of the knowledge to stay safe online and minimize risk of exposure.
Start with this anonymous quiz, and then make your way to the various sections of the website.
When it comes to passwords, is it better to have...
In order to stay safe, you should use a different password on every account that you access. Use a different password on every account on every system you access. If you want to keep track of all of your passwords, get a free password manager! You’ve got plenty of options (1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane).
Two-factor authentication (2FA, also known as two-step verification) is a great way to make sure your accounts don’t get hacked into. Select which account you should have 2FA enabled for:
2FA prevents anyone from accessing online services (your email account, your social media account, etc… ) unless you’ve provided more proof than just your password. Typically 2FA sends a unique code to your mobile number (using SMS messaging) or a link to another online service (such as your email). Check out the section of the website called Two-Factor Authentication if you want to get started.
What are Signal and Telegram?
WhatsApp is a great solution for communication, but still collects information about you. We suggest you switch and use Signal or Telegram: they are free and open source apps that encrypt all of your messages, don’t charge any expensive international SMS fees, and support voice and video calls. Signal and Telegram have other handy security features such as the option for a message to be automatically deleted from both receiver and sender after it is viewed.
Are your personal social media accounts and/or the social media accounts of your organization private? Select all that apply.
Please select 3 correct answers
When using a dating app (Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff, Tinder, or Hornet), make sure to add your face as a profile picture to make sure your account is not being scammed. If you are meeting someone in person, try to do it after dark in a private location to stay safe/anonymous.
As much as we want you to find “the one” we want you to be aware that dating apps could be very risky when it comes to your safety as well. Here are some best practices when using dating apps like Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff, Tinder, and Hornet: (1) Do not give personal information to strangers; (2) Consider creating an email address that you only use for meeting partners; (3) When meeting someone from online from an app, choose a public place and let others know where you are going. Check out the section on the website called Using Dating Apps Safely for more).
What are the two safest browsers for you to use?
Please select 2 correct answers
Some browsers are more secure than others, and specialists recommend Mozilla Firefox as the most trusted option. If you’d like another alternative, check out Tor. URLs that begin with https instead of http, enable encrypted connection making it difficult for others to eavesdrop on your communications with that website. Before submitting sensitive information, make sure you’re on a https website.
How important is having an anti-virus on your computer?
Viruses are gross. And dangerous. That’s why you need a digital vaccination with tools to protect you against malicious software, which is often referred to as “malware.” Download Microsoft Security Essentials. And if you want an alternative, check out Malwarebytes (links for: Windows, Mac, Android).
What is full-disk encryption (FDE)?
The idea is that you’d encrypt all of the files and programs on your computer. That way, if it gets stolen (crossing our fingers that never happens!), your information is kept private. Go ahead and download Veracrypt.