Phishing, information quality and digital confidence
Digital literacy is not only knowing which buttons to press. It is the judgement to pause before risky actions, evaluate information and use technology in ways that work for different people.
Recognise the pressure behind phishing
Phishing messages imitate trusted organisations or people to persuade you to reveal information, open a file, install software or visit a fraudulent website. They may arrive by email, text, social media, messaging applications or phone.
Common pressure tactics include urgency, threats, unexpected rewards, secrecy, authority and requests to bypass normal procedures. Do not use the links or contact details in a suspicious message to verify that same message. Visit the organisation's official website or contact it through a known channel.
Evaluate information instead of merely collecting it
Ask who published a claim, what evidence they provide, when it was published and why it may have been created. Distinguish a primary source from commentary about that source. Check whether the evidence actually supports the conclusion, and look for independent corroboration for surprising or consequential claims.
AI tools can help explain concepts and organise information, but they can also produce inaccurate statements, invented references or outdated details. Treat generated output as a starting point, not proof. Verify important facts against reliable sources and do not paste sensitive information into a service unless you understand its data practices and have permission.
Make technology more accessible and dependable
Accessibility includes readable contrast, keyboard navigation, captions, text alternatives for meaningful images, clear language and layouts that adapt to different screens. These features help people with disabilities and also support users in noisy places, on small screens or with limited connectivity.
Troubleshoot systematically: describe the symptoms, check simple causes such as power, connectivity, storage and updates, then change one thing at a time. Back up important information before risky repair or reset steps. Stop and seek qualified help if a problem involves suspected fraud, possible data loss, electrical damage or unfamiliar security warnings.
Use the pause, verify and evaluate routine
- Choose an unexpected message or online claim you have encountered.
- Identify the requested action, the source and any pressure tactic.
- Verify the information through an independent reliable source.
- Write down what is confirmed and what remains uncertain.
An urgent message asks you to sign in through its link. What is the safest response?
Verify through a separate trusted route. Do not use the link or contact details supplied in the unexpected message.