A password is like a toothbrush: don’t give it to anyone and change it more often.

With this phrase, a lecture began, which was conducted for the Bayterek School students by Evgeniy Pitolin, a cybersecurity expert. Together with Eurasian Bank, he told high school and middle school students how to protect themselves online and avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters.

To make it interesting for 6-8 grade students, Evgeniy turned the lesson into a real game of “training digital superheroes.”

He said that everyone on the Internet has five superpowers:

1. An invisible password – a reliable shield against hacking. Passwords like 123456 or the cat’s name are like a key under a rug. The real password should be like a story – unique and only yours. For example, come up with three random words, add a number and a symbol. It is simple, fun and safe.

2. Radar for lies – protection against phishing. Scammers often disguise themselves as banks or friends. The main rule: “The bank does not send links, and friends do not ask for SMS codes.”

3. Invisibility mode – the ability not to leave traces. Don’t post an address, a photo of the school, or show that you’re home alone. Real ninjas don’t give away their location.

4. Digital immunity – do not download “hacked” games and programs. One schoolboy downloaded “free Minecraft” and lost money from his parents’ card.

5. Psychological armor – against haters and trolls. The main thing is not to feed the troll, block the abuser and not be afraid to tell adults.

Instead of boring rules, the children received a set of real “digital superpowers” and the main understanding: responsibility is also needed online.

Representatives of the Cybercrime Counter-Acting Department of the Almaty Police Department, explained in detail how intruders manipulate young people, turning them from ordinary schoolchildren into unwitting participants in crimes. Experts showed the real schemes of scammers and urged teenagers to be attentive and critical of any suspicious offers.

The high school students were clearly and vividly told why it is important to observe digital hygiene from school. Irresponsible online behavior can lead to serious consequences, such as issues with employment.

Teenagers are trapped online by hidden threats of cyberbullying and the trap of “easy earnings” from droppery, which often becomes the first step towards crimes.

In conclusion, Natalya Van, Head of the Information Security Compliance Unit at Eurasian Bank, conducted an interactive quiz: the guys determined which “superpower” to apply in different situations. For their activity and correct answers, the students received branded gifts from the Bank.

“Today’s schoolchildren live online, just like in real life. We want them to be able to protect themselves and others – to know that security starts with themselves,” she said.

Instead of boring rules, the children received a set of real “digital superpowers” and the main understanding: responsibility is also needed online.