Ed.–Safer Internet Day US (Feb. 11) is coordinated by ConnectSafely.org at the appointment of the European Commission and its Brussels-based Insafe Network, in partnership with fellow youth-serving nonprofit organizations in the US. With the support of corporations in the media and technology industries, SID US aims to celebrate positive practices in digital media and technology and grow public awareness that a safer, better Internet depends on all of us.
It's no secret that the Internet has become a dangerous place. The privacy of our personal information is threatened by criminals seeking financial gain. Far from victimless, these crimes affect us all. Hackers stole 70 million credit card numbers from a major retailer in a recent data breach. Two million users of popular social networks had their passwords stolen by online criminals in 2013. Security experts have estimated that up to one out of every three of us has been the victim of some sort of privacy breach.
Security on the Internet may seem bewildering and complex. Here are four simple rules that can help you stay safer when you're online.
- Think before you click
If you didn't ask for it, don't install it. If you don't know who sent it, don't open it. "Phishing" attacks often start with an innocent-looking email that claims to be from your bank or college, but in fact are sent by impostors trying to make you reveal private data. - Trust but verify
On the Internet, things often are not what they seem. In the airport or coffee shop, don't connect to the "Free Wifi" access point without asking if it is the official Internet service. Hackers can create "rogue access points" that look legitimate, but again are attempts to steal your information. - Protect your passwords
Remember that your social networking passwords provide access to more than just your Twitter feed or Facebook wall. Choose long passphrases instead of short passwords, and change them often; and consider using a password manager tool to simplify keeping track of your passwords. - Lock your virtual doors
Prevent physical access to your information. Even the best online behavior is useless if a thief can't access your computer. Never leave your laptop or phone unattended. Always set a password lock on your mobile device and subscribe to a device location and wiping service through Android Device Manager or Apple iCloud. In the unfortunate event of your device being stolen, these measures will help prevent the thief from gaining access to the private information stored on the device.
By following these four rules you can make your online experience safer and reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a privacy breach.
