The Safer Internet Day is observed on Tuesday in the second week of February every year to promote a safer and more responsible use of online technology around the world. This year, the day will be observed on February 6.
The day was started in 2004 as an initiative of the SafeBorders project, funded by the European Union (EU). In 2005, Insafe took up the responsibility of organising the day around the world. The European network has multiple awareness centres across the globe, which help people in understanding the various important factors of prioritising internet safety. The Safer Internet Day is celebrated in most of the countries across the world.
The Internet poses several threats related to cybercrime, including cyberbullying, identity theft, data theft, cyberattacks, cyber fraud, impersonation, and fraud involving software or hacking. Therefore, Safer Internet Day offers a chance to mobilise participants from various countries to spread awareness and plan actions to strengthen internet security, especially among the young generations.
In today's interconnected world, staying safe online is more crucial than ever. From managing finances to socialising with friends, so much of our daily lives revolve around the internet. However, this digital landscape also exposes us to a wide range of potential threats. Cybercriminals constantly devise new ways to target internet users, making it essential to adhere to online safety measures.
So, whether you are a seasoned internet user or a newbie, here are some tips that can help you in safe browsing:
While using a public Wi-Fi network, always exercise caution. Though it is sometimes unavoidable, remember that public networks lack direct security control. Avoid sensitive transactions like online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. If it is necessary, try to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data in real time.
Passwords are always considered a weak spot in cyber security. So, always make sure to opt for strong passwords that are a mix of upper-case and lower-case letters, symbols, and numbers. Avoid obvious choices like sequential numbers or personal information that someone might guess easily. Also, people should refrain from reusing passwords across multiple sites.
Before clicking on a link, double-check it. Hover over them to see the actual URL. Be cautious with emails, especially those requesting personal information. Often, cybercriminals around the world use phishing emails to trick people into revealing sensitive data. If in doubt, verify the legitimacy of the sender. It’s always advisable to check for websites beginning with ‘https’ for safe browsing.
Always make sure that your devices are regularly updated. These updates often patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Ignoring updates leaves you exposed to potential threats.
Make sure to log out of accounts when using public or shared devices. Leaving accounts open can lead to unauthorised access and compromise your privacy.
While shopping, banking, or sharing personal information, stick to reputed websites only.
Try to add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. This process requires a second verification step in addition to your password like an OTP.
Install a reliable antivirus software to detect and remove malware on your devices. Regular scans help keep your devices clean and protect against malicious software.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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