On February 6, 2024, we will celebrate Safer Internet Day with learning events dedicated to inspiring change and highlighting the importance of online safety. This year, we can expect activities from organizational and industry supporters, schools and government agencies, community groups, and business leaders.
With cyber security risks rising, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of safe internet use. It’s a crucial event for anyone who uses the internet for personal and professional purposes. As the event draws near, now’s the perfect time to discuss how to spot internet threats and protect your data online.
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is an annual event that provides young people, parents, carers, teachers, educators, employees, and policymakers an opportunity to raise awareness around cyber security challenges, from protecting your digital identity to avoiding cyber bullying on social media.
The event provides an ideal opportunity for organizations, employees, parents, and children to brush up on the latest security threats and learn new ways to protect their data from cyber criminals and fraudsters.
This year, Safer Internet Day will take place on the 6th of February. On the day of the event, organizations will come together to spread educational resources on safe internet use.
If you want to follow Safer Internet Day 2024, click on the events Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok profiles and watch for the #SaferInternetDay and #SID2024 hashtags.
Using Security Awareness Training this Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day enables individuals and organizations to better understand the latest cyber threats, information security best practices, and what actions they can take to protect themselves.
Some of the top threats you need to be aware of in 2024 include:
Social engineering
Social engineering is where an attacker tries to manipulate you into giving up your personal data via email, phone, or an SMS message so they can use it to commit further crimes.
Phishing
Phishing is a scam where a bad actor uses a convincing email to lure you into clicking on a URL to a fake website or downloading a malware attachment.
Malware
Malware is a harmful program or file uploaded by an attacker to a computer, network, or server. The presence of malware causes disruptions in a computer network, leaks private information, or gives an attacker unauthorized access to information systems.
Related reading: New Attack Allows Hackers Access to Google Accounts Without Passwords
Smishing
Smishing is when an attacker sends text messages to a victim, pretending to be a representative of a reputable company to trick individuals into revealing their personal information.
Vishing
Vishing, or voice phishing, happens when an attacker makes phone calls or leaves voice messages to the victim. They present themselves as a company representative to get individuals to reveal their personal information. It’s similar to smishing but uses a different channel of communication.
Related reading: The IRS Won’t Call You: Understanding and Avoiding Tax Scams
7 Security Awareness Tips That Can Help You Protect Your Data in 2024
Navigating the online world filled with sophisticated threats doesn’t have to be daunting. Let’s dive into some easy yet effective ways to keep your data safe from cybercriminals in 2024 without getting too technical.
1. Don’t respond to unsolicited requests from unknown senders
Never respond to emails or SMS messages with unsolicited requests to update your password, confirm your credit card details, visit a website, or download an attachment, particularly if they’re from an unknown sender, as it’s likely a scam.
2. Carefully review all emails for red flags
Whenever you receive an email, carefully review the sender’s email address, link URLs, and grammar to see if anything unusual could indicate the message was from a scammer.
3. If in doubt, double-check
If you receive an email or SMS message from a trusted brand or service provider that urges you to take urgent action to update your account information or make a payment, it could signify a phishing attempt. If this happens, double-check the company’s email address on its official website to ensure it’s legitimate. If you are still in doubt, contact them directly to confirm if the communication was honest or not.
4. Don’t connect unfamiliar USB devices to your computer
If you spot a USB device in a public library, school, or office, don’t ever connect it to your device, as this can infect it with malware. Many attackers will often leave compromised devices to spread malware and ransomware threats.
5. Trusted providers won’t ask for private information
Remember that trusted entities like the government, police, tax, or health officials will never leave a voicemail asking you to call back and share personal information. Anyone who does is a scammer.
6. Watch out for unusual chat messages
Keep an eye out for unusual messages in messenger applications or social media accounts. If you see a suspicious message with a link from someone you know, try to find another way to tell them that a hacker might have compromised their account.
7. Verify website security before giving out information
While browsing online, always check for the HTTPS symbol in the website’s address, a sign of a secure connection. Be wary if the padlock icon is missing or your browser flags the site as “not secure.” These alerts can help you differentiate a safe, legitimate website from a deceptive one designed to steal your credentials.
7 Questions That Can Help Keep You Safe from Online Hackers
Anyone who browses online should be aware of the principles of internet safety. Here are seven questions to help you identify threats and protect yourself online.
1. Why did I receive this email?
Read your emails carefully, and pay attention to who the email came from, what the email asks you to do, and why. If the sender asks you to click a link, watch a video, or share your private Instagram account, ignore them.
Hackers often try to catch people off guard with scams during busy periods like the holidays because they know you might not read the email or text message carefully. Slow down, read every message carefully, and ignore any communication that requests your personal information.
2. What is this direct message asking me to do?
Be cautious when you receive an unexpected direct message claiming you’ve won a prize, especially if it prompts you to download an attachment. Take a moment to assess the request critically: are they asking for personal details or urging you to click on a suspicious link or attachment?
Cyber criminals often pose as government officials or organizations, such as health departments, to trick you into divulging sensitive information like your address, phone number, health insurance, or credit card details. Keep in mind—legitimate institutions will not ask for private information via email, text, or phone.
Also, be wary of urgent pleas for help from supposed friends, family, or charities. Treat any sudden requests for money with skepticism and cut off communication with anyone who asks for financial aid under such pretenses.
3. When should I share my personal information?
Never share your personal information online, and ensure your privacy settings are enabled, and your location is hidden. The more information you provide, the easier it is for a hacker to learn about you and use that information to impersonate you online.
4. How should I respond to meet-up and friend requests?
Never meet up with anyone who contacts you online. Many criminals will pretend to be someone they’re not to trick you into meeting up with them. You can avoid this by refusing to accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
5. Who gets to see my photos and videos?
Don’t send videos or photos to people you don’t know. Always be cautious when sending photos or videos of yourself to people you know, as some people aren’t above using your photos or videos to bully, embarrass, and shame you. Prioritize your privacy and safety in all online interactions.
6. Is my password strong enough?
While it’s tempting to use the same written password for all your online accounts, if a criminal learns your password, they can access all of your accounts. Create strong passwords for your email, smartphone, tablet, and online accounts with a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to protect your data.
7. Are my devices updated?
Always install software and application updates on your devices so there are no vulnerabilities for an attacker to exploit. Turn on automatic updates so you can automatically install updates when they’re released, and ensure you’re using the latest software, operating system, and application versions.
Safer Internet Day 2024: Free Cyber Security Kit
Safer Internet Day 2024 is the perfect occasion for you and your family to boost your online security awareness. Staying informed about the latest cyber threats and adopting expert security advice can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to online scams, ensuring a smooth and secure year ahead.
Enhance your digital defense by exploring our Cyber Security Hub for free. You’ll find:
- Clear explanations and real-world examples of significant cyber threats.
- Data protection strategies endorsed by expert Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).
- Engaging educational materials to keep you informed and proactive about your online safety.
Elevate your internet experience to a safer level. Visit our Cyber Security Hub now for all the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the digital world confidently.