Pilot Event of MILE Project

Internet Privacy and Security

Location : Hutatma Rajguru Mahavidyalaya, Pune
Date : 9th Dec, 2014
No. of attendees : 100+

In today's' tech savvy world where people are connected to internet using smartphones or laptops, it's necessary that they are aware about their privacy and security on web.

Being a mozillian we understand that protecting Internet and people on web is our primary aim. So we thought of spreading knowledge about internet privacy and security among the needy audience.

With the help of Prathamesh Chavan and Prof P.P. Chavan, a session was arranged at Hutatma Rajguru Mahavidyalaya on 9th Dec,2014.

After riding on bike for over 50kms we reached college at 1500hrs. After reaching there we were told that students of 12th grade from computer science background are seated in a classroom for our session.

The session started with our felicitation by the students and with a basic introduction about what we are going to present in next one hour.

We had divided our session in two parts :

•  Internet and its application.
• What is internet?
• Applications
• Uploading and downloading data
• Firefox Browser
• Internet Privacy and Security.
• What is privacy and security?
• Creating strong passwords
• Private browsing
• about:permissions
• about:config
• Cookies 
• Lightbeam addon
• http vs https

Prathamesh started off with part 1, explaining what is internet and its application. Later he continued with how uploading and downloading of data takes place over internet. When he started discussing about Firefox browser, it was very surprising to know that many students were already using it and they preferred it over other browsers.

I took the next session on Internet Privacy and Security. It started with few students describing about how they became victim of internet fraud. The students were very keen on knowing how they can protect themselves on web.

                                                                                                                                                       My initial discussion focused on :

• How to create safe and secure passwords for online account,
• Why is it necessary to secure PCs and laptops with strong passwords and
• How to secure smartphones with different security features.

 Useful links: https://amaneight.makes.org/thimble/MTU3MjY2NzY0OA==/how-to-create-a-strong-password 

Many students came up with doubts related to unwanted pop up windows and advertisements. So then we discussed about the concept of private browsing and how to use it. Then I explained them how using about:permissions and about:config  they can set various attributes of their favorite firefox browser.

Lightbeam add-on was like a show stopper. Everyone was surprised to see how they were being watched on web. Students were eager to use lightbeam and so we did hands-on session with few students.

Lightbeam download: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/lightbeam

The session ended with doubts and queries of internet world to which Suchita Agarwal replied with precise explanation. It was a great experience to interact with such a young and enthusiastic audience.
 

Mozillians at the event :

• Aman Sehgal
• Prathamesh Chavan
• Suchita Agarwal 

 

(L-R : Suchita Agarwal, Aman Sehgal, Prathamesh Chavan)

About MILE :

The MILE project is a pilot project plotted by Prathamesh, Aman and Vineel. The project is supported by Mozilla Reps Ankit, Sayak and Priyanka. The project aims in educating rural areas and works on the principles set by Mozilla of doing good. The project has not been allotted any budget and contributions in it are voluntary.

Useful Slides : 

http://www.slideshare.net/ankitgadgil/privacy-and-security-mozilla-firefox-30239914

http://www.slideshare.net/yomanpatil/privacy-security-using-firefox