What Is Safer Internet Day & The Best VPNs To Increase Your Online Security (2024)

Technology

Are you aware of Safer Internet Day? We delve into what and when it is...

Written byBea Howison

Published on

Read time5 min read

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is a worldwide annual event, dedicated to educating people, particularly among the younger demographic, about online security.

It targets several online concerns, including cyberbullying, consent, ownership, online privacy, digital literacy, social networks, as well as general internet safety and aims to spread awareness of these issues.

There is an aim to encourage children and young people to make safe choices whilst using the internet, encouraging them to shape their online world to be a happy, positive and healthy place.

When is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 6th February 2024.

What Is Safer Internet Day & The Best VPNs To Increase Your Online Security (6)

What is the focus of Safer Internet Day 2024?

Each year, Safer Internet Day has a different theme, with the aim to draw focus to particular topics surrounding the project. This year’s theme is ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’.

The goal is to explore:

  • Young people’s perspectives on new and emerging technology

  • Harnessing the power of the internet to bring about positive change

  • The changes young people want to see online

  • Factors that have the potential to impact and alter the thoughts, emotions and behaviours of young individuals in both online and offline environments

Ways to boost your cyber security

1. Get a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool designed to establish a secure and private connection when accessing the internet.

They ensure this by encrypting internet traffic so it's harder for hackers or your internet service provider to monitor what you're doing online.

Using a VPN also provides enhanced security when joining public WiFi networks, as well as remotely accessing private networks for the likes of work or university.

A VPN can also be used to bypass geographical restrictions and mask your true location, allowing you to access content authorised in only certain regions.

It can also add an extra layer of security for those sharing sensitive files.

What Is Safer Internet Day & The Best VPNs To Increase Your Online Security (7)

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2. Install antivirus software

Another good way to increase your online security is to download some trusted antivirus software onto your device.

Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent and remove malware (malicious software) from your device which are a threat to your internet safety. For example, it can help protect you against viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, as well as other risks.

Most good antivirus software installations also provide real-time threat detection, meaning your device is constantly supervised in case of an attack.

In the case of an attack, threats are immediately identified and prevented.

Other benefits include online protection for secure web browsing, blocking malicious websites, preventing identity theft and securing online transactions.

Sound good?

McAfee is one of the leading cybersecurity companies in the industry, trusted by many to equip them with invaluable protection.

It is praised for both its efficient and high level security alongside it's familiarity and user friendly program.

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3. Create strong passwords

A crucial way to boost your internet safety is to create strong passwords. If you use the same, weak password for all your logins, you risk the threat of hacking and potential security breach.

In order to safeguard your personal information, it is essential to create safe passwords and this is how.

  • Choose a long password (12+ characters)

  • Include a variety of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and special characters

  • Avoid guessable and personal information like your birthday or your pet's name

  • Avoid common passwords or number sequences such as 'password1234'

  • Create different passwords for each account and login

  • Use phrases or sentences rather than sole words

  • Be as random as possible

  • Update your passwords regularly

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A brilliant way to create and remember strong passwords is by using a password manager. This means you can have multiple complex passwords all kept safely in one place in order to avoid you choosing simple passwords out of fear of forgetting them.

A great password manager is Keeper. Keeper creates strong passwords and securely stores them for you. The benefits include unlimited password storage, unlimited devices and sync, unlimited secure password sharing and unlimited secure cloud backups.

Get 50% student discount at Keeper with TOTUM and never forget a password again!

Happy Safer Internet Day!

NOTE: This article contains affiliate links, which will earn the site a commission if the product is purchased.

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What Is Safer Internet Day & The Best VPNs To Increase Your Online Security (2024)

FAQs

What does Safer Internet Day do? ›

Raising awareness of emerging online issues

From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.

What is the Safer Internet Day initiative? ›

That's why the global initiative of Safer Internet Day on 6 February holds such significance. It's a reminder of our collective responsibility to make the online world a secure and enriching space for everyone, especially children.

How can I improve my online safety? ›

Cybersecurity 101: 7 Basic Internet Safety Tips
  1. Protect Your Personal Information With Strong Passwords. ...
  2. Keep Personal Information Private. ...
  3. Make Sure Your Devices Are Secure. ...
  4. Pay Attention to Software Updates. ...
  5. Be Careful About Wifi. ...
  6. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication. ...
  7. Back Up Your Personal Data.

What is the reflection of Safer Internet Day 2024? ›

In conclusion, Safer Internet Day 2024 is not only a reflection of the Philippines' dedication to safeguarding its children but also a rallying point for an integrated and evolving response to the challenges posed by the digital age.

Who runs Safer Internet Day? ›

The eSafety Commissioner leads the initiative in Australia. They educate people about online safety risks, like online abuse, how to be safe online and where to go for help. Visit eSafety.gov.au to find out how to stay safe online and report online abuse.

What is the message for Safer Internet Day? ›

By celebrating the positive power of the internet, the Safer Internet Day slogan of “Together for a better internet” encourages everyone to join the movement, to participate, and to make the most of the internet's potential to bring people together.

How to increase your online security? ›

Top tips for staying secure online
  1. Top tips for staying secure online.
  2. Use a strong and separate password for your email.
  3. Install the latest software and app updates.
  4. Turn on 2-step verification (2SV)
  5. Password managers: using browsers and apps to safely store your passwords.
  6. Backing up your data.
  7. Three random words.

How can I get online security? ›

Use strong passwords – We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to use complex passwords. Use a system to create strong and memorable passwords and change them regularly. Enable multi-factor authentication – Two-factor or multi-factor authentication adds another level to your personal security online.

How old is Safer Internet Day? ›

Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.

Why is internet safety important? ›

But if you use the internet without safety awareness, you could be at risk of illegal activity or abuse - be it bullying, fraud or something more serious.

Where did Safer Internet Day start? ›

The first Safer Internet Day (SID) took place on 6 February 2004, and was the brainchild of the SafeBorders project. It was celebrated in 14 countries (13 EU countries and Australia). Since then, the popularity of SID has continued to grow year after year.

What is the goal of celebrating Internet Day? ›

History of National Internet Day

National Internet Day celebrates the origin of the very first internet transmission ever sent, and from it the utterly world-changing series of events that followed.

What are the topics for Safer Internet Day? ›

Beyond technical measures, Safer Internet Day emphasizes the importance of cultivating a culture of respect and empathy online. Encouraging respectful communication, discouraging cyberbullying, and fostering inclusive digital spaces are essential aspects of creating a positive online environment.

What is the story of Safer Internet Day 2024? ›

At the heart of the 2024 Safer Internet Day lies the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+), a roadmap for child safety online adopted in May 2022. This strategy is more than a set of rules; it's a workplan explaining how to digitally protect, respect, and empower children.

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