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fit4internet in Austria – Raising Digital Competences
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Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources

Competence Area 4 relates to recognising, assessing and defending against risks and threats in digital environments as well as effectively protecting digital content, devices and infrastructures. It encompasses the protection of personal and confidential data as well as privacy. Competence Area 4 further includes the protection of health and well-being in digital environments as well as promoting self-regulation in the use of digital technologies. It also encompasses awareness of the environmental impact of digital technologies and infrastructures as well as their resource-efficient and sustainable use. Finally, Competence Area 4 includes recognising and avoiding digital fraud as well as deceptive and abusive business practices in online environments.

Here, you will find a clear and exemplary description of the partial competences, included in the competence area “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria:

Protecting digital content, devices and infrastructures

This is the partial competence 4.1 in the competence area 4 “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria DigComp 3.0 AT.

Description

Recognising and assessing risks and threats in digital environments and effectively protecting digital content, devices and infrastructures. Applying appropriate security and safeguarding measures in a situation- appropriate manner to ensure the availability, reliability and integrity of digital systems and to responsibly consider privacy.

Protecting personal or confidential data and privacy

This is the partial competence 4.2 in the competence area 4 “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria DigComp 3.0 AT.

Description

Protecting personal or confidential data of a private or professional nature and privacy in digital environments, and understanding how to use and share personally identifiable information while protecting oneself and others from harm. Understanding that digital services use a “privacy policy” to inform about the use of personal data.

Protecting health and well-being in digital environments and promoting self-regulation

This is the partial competence 4.3 in the competence area 4 “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria DigComp 3.0 AT.

Description

Recognising and avoiding health risks and burdens to physical, mental and social well-being when using digital technologies, and protecting oneself and others from potential hazards in digital environments, such as cyberbullying or digital overload. Consciously using digital technologies in ways that promote social well-being, participation and inclusion.

Protecting the environment and using digital technologies and infrastructure sustainably

This is the partial competence 4.4 in the competence area 4 “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria DigComp 3.0 AT.

Description

Being aware of the environmental impact of digital technologies, digital services and their use, and considering the origin, finiteness and resource consumption of the materials and energy required for digital infrastructures. Shaping digital technologies and infrastructures in a resource-efficient, environmentally compatible and sustainable manner through conscious decisions regarding procurement, use, operation and reuse.

Protecting oneself from digital fraud, deception and consumer protection violations

This is the partial competence 4.5 in the competence area 4 “Safety, Self-Protection and Sustainable Use of Resources” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria DigComp 3.0 AT.

Description

Recognising and avoiding digital fraud, deception and abusive business practices in online environments, in particular dubious online shops, misleading offers and manipulative design patterns.