Safer Internet Day 2024 or Safer Internet Day (SID) is celebrated today like every second Tuesday in February. It is an international event organized by the Insafe/INHOPE networks of internet security centers in Europe and is supported by the European Commission. Its goals are defined in the same motto of this annual event: [Todos] “Together for a better internet”.

There are many threats that stalk the web (and not just malware), so it’s important to raise awareness of the need to turn the internet into a space where we can all use it safely. responsible, respectful, critical and creative. Promoting the safe and positive use of technology is a big goal of the 21st edition of this SID, which we celebrate today. The event is aimed mainly at children and young people, but also at their parents and guardians.

Another important group is teachers, educators and social workers who have to train their students and students in computer skills and help them develop skills that promote critical thinking. Companies can also help improve the internet by creating positive content and promoting safe online services. As for governments and administrations, they need to ensure an adequate environment for everyone, create real child protection strategies and approve educational plans that include cyber security training.

A lot, a lot of work… Hence the importance of these days, which – although repeated every year – are important as a way of raising general awareness. In Spain, official events are being celebrated by the National Cyber ​​Security Institute, with in-person, online activities and interactive workshops planned from today until February 11.

Protect yourself on Safer Internet Day 2024

Each individual user can and should contribute to the overall goal “inspire positive change online” behave with due respect. Another good way to contribute to the improvement of the Internet is to secure devices and networks as much as possible for safe browsing and to fight fraud and disinformation campaigns, which also have an impact on security as an online risk.

The threats are here and getting worse. They require the user to a proactive behavior and a lot of common sensethey understand that virtual life must be protected today as much as physical life and that homework has become dangerously mixed with work. Guaranteeing 100% security and privacy is not possible on the global network, but there are a number of measures we can take to improve it, including strengthening our online accounts, applications, devices where we use them, and necessary precautions. internet and its services. You know them by heart as they’re part of any cyber security guide, but here they are again as our grain of sand to build a better internet together:

Common sense

Prudence is the preferred barrier against malware, so we must be especially careful when downloading and installing applications from unsafe sites; when browsing certain websites; when opening unsolicited emails or attachments; in those originating from social networks or messaging applications, or in the use of out-of-date operating systems and applications that contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit for malware campaigns.

Beware of misinformation

The Internet has favored the arrival of a number of characters from whom we must protect ourselves. Disinformation, half-truths, outright fake news or those with a clear intention to manipulate are our daily bread. They are getting more dangerous and coming in more numbers. Let’s be responsible. Let’s look at a few sources. Let’s not help spread all this garbage that is used to distribute malware and worse.

Protect web browsers

All web browsers contain advanced security features that we need to check and configure for activation because they are the applications we use to access the Internet and its services. In addition to checking end-to-end encryption when synchronizing or sandboxing, we should pay attention to warnings about dangerous pages displayed by browsers. Also check your installed extensions, as some are a frequent source of malware installation, and consider using “Private Mode”, which, although not as much as it promises, can improve privacy.

Updating systems and applications

All operating systems have tools to keep your computers up to date. And they are a must because they contain security updates against known threats. Just as important – or more – than the above is updating your installed apps to the latest versions, as these usually contain security patches. When versions are older, they are at greater risk of being attacked by cybercriminals who find vulnerabilities in the program.

Consider using security solutions

There are several providers that offer both commercial and free security solutions to consider. Same with the native anti-malware apps that some operating systems include, such as Microsoft Defender. No matter how careful we are, it’s difficult to be safe from all the malware that hits the Internet. At the professional level, it is mandatory to use a comprehensive commercial security suite, which includes tools such as a firewall and specialized tools against Ransomware, Phishing, adware or spyware attacks.

Take care of passwords

Never ending story… Yes, their usability is terrible, but until we have mass adoption of advanced biometric identification techniques, we will have to use them safely. You know, it has to be random, long and complex and different for every website, especially for online banking and e-commerce. Consider using password managers capable of doing the work for us, reducing human error in password management and automating the generation and management process.

Use two-factor authentication

Aimed at reinforcing the use of passwords, 2FA is an access control method you may know as “two-factor authentication”, “double identification” or “two-step verification”, which has become one of the most effective security mechanisms. in the technology industry when it comes to user authentication and identity protection. This feature is already available on most major internet services and it’s a good idea to use it whenever possible with a verification code sent via a mobile app or SMS.

Consider using encryption

BitLocker Drive Encryption is an operating system data protection feature available in the Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 10 and 11, among others. BitLocker allows you to encrypt or “scramble” data on your computer to protect it from threats such as theft or data exposure in the event of device loss, theft or inappropriate removal, ultimately improving online security.

Beware of free wireless networks

Free access points have spread to many areas in cities, restaurants, airports, train or subway stations, hotels and all types of businesses. Security researchers have demonstrated the inherent insecurity of public wireless networks. They are generally easy to hack, so we should only use them for occasional browsing.

Use a hardware security key for vital accounts

For vital accounts, especially in professional and corporate environments, you should go the extra mile and protect them with a hardware security mechanism. It is generally a device in the form of a pendrive that plugs into a USB port and contains a highly secure encryption module. The entire process takes place within the hardware, which significantly increases the overall security compared to software solutions.