Safer Internet Day, observed annually on February 6, is a global initiative dedicated to creating a safer and more responsible online environment, particularly for young individuals.

Safer Internet Day 2024: Promoting responsible use of internet

Cyber crimes are increasing and devices are becoming more vulnerable than ever before. But there are a few things that you can do all by yourself to stay digitally safe. On Safer Internet Day, we bring you some of those simple tips that can reduce your chances of being hacked.

Tip 1: Be cautious of who you share your phone with

It can take less than a minute for someone to hack into your phone. So, be a little careful when you give your phone to someone - in an emergency or in any other situation. Take it back if you find that someone is unnecessary fiddling with your phone.&nbsp;

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Tip 2: Don&rsquo;t click on every link that you receive

We receive a lot of links on the WhatsApp, Facebook, or in emails. But don&rsquo;t click on any link as you spot it. Hold on, and verify the link first. See if the link starts with https.

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Tip 3: Never change your password on public wifi networks

Never change your password to online services on open wifi networks. Because this is one trick that hackers use to steal your online details. They come on the same wifi network and create a situation that you would be forced to generate a new password. And as you change your password, they get an access too. Also, we suggest you not to make online transactions on public wifis.&nbsp;

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Tip 4: Keep your phone light

Avoid sensitive information on your phone. Keep taking frequent backups of your data and keep removing the same from your phone. So God forbid, if someday a hacker broke into your phone, there would be fewer chances for him to steal your confidential data.&nbsp;

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Tip 5: Be wary of attachments in e-mails

Never download an attachment if you are not confident about it. Most of the times, your Gmail auto scans those attachments, but some viruses manage to bypass even those security measures.&nbsp;

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Tip 6: Disable mobile data if not in use

If your phone is always connected to the Internet, it increases chances for hackers to get through your phone and install an app remotely. So if your mobile data is not in use, we advise you to disable it.&nbsp;

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Tip 7: Read app permissions before downloading an app

Some of you may be in the habit of reading app permissions before downloading an app,&nbsp; but a majority of smartphone users actually accept the permissions without giving it a read. We advise you to always read them so that you know what all developers are getting access to on your phone. If you find that you are not comfortable in sharing some details with a third party developer, take a call to not install that particular app. It&rsquo;s better to not use an app than increasing your chances of falling for a cybercrime.&nbsp;

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Tip 8: Increase security layers on your phone

Lock code for your phone is fine but that provides you with only one level of security. And, therefore, you are advised to use app locks and protect apps that include sensitive information.&nbsp;

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Tip 9: Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

If the Bluetooth on your phone or laptop is not in use, turn it off. Because an always-on Bluetooth increases chances for hackers to break into your devices.&nbsp;

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Tip 10: Never install an app from unverified sources

If you want to download a new app, visit official app sources and install them from there. Avoid installations from unverified sources.

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Security is never foolproof. But these simple tips can definitely help you protect better.&nbsp;

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Hackers have found new ways to break into your devices. But if you keep your digital doors locked, it reduces your chances of becoming a cybercrime victim.

Cyber crimes are increasing and devices are becoming more vulnerable than ever before. But there are a few things that you can do all by yourself to stay digitally safe. On Safer Internet Day, we bring you some of those simple tips that can reduce your chances of being hacked. Tip 1: Be cautious of who you share your phone with It can take less than a minute for someone to hack into your phone. So, be a little careful when you give your phone to someone - in an emergency or in any other situation. Take it back if you find that someone is unnecessary fiddling with your phone. Tip 2: Don’t click on every link that you receive We receive a lot of links on the WhatsApp, Facebook, or in emails. But don’t click on any link as you spot it. Hold on, and verify the link first. See if the link starts with https. Tip 3: Never change your password on public wifi networks Never change your password to online services on open wifi networks. Because this is one trick that hackers use to steal your online details. They come on the same wifi network and create a situation that you would be forced to generate a new password. And as you change your password, they get an access too. Also, we suggest you not to make online transactions on public wifis. Tip 4: Keep your phone light Avoid sensitive information on your phone. Keep taking frequent backups of your data and keep removing the same from your phone. So God forbid, if someday a hacker broke into your phone, there would be fewer chances for him to steal your confidential data. Tip 5: Be wary of attachments in e-mails Never download an attachment if you are not confident about it. Most of the times, your Gmail auto scans those attachments, but some viruses manage to bypass even those security measures. Tip 6: Disable mobile data if not in use If your phone is always connected to the Internet, it increases chances for hackers to get through your phone and install an app remotely. So if your mobile data is not in use, we advise you to disable it. Tip 7: Read app permissions before downloading an app Some of you may be in the habit of reading app permissions before downloading an app, but a majority of smartphone users actually accept the permissions without giving it a read. We advise you to always read them so that you know what all developers are getting access to on your phone. If you find that you are not comfortable in sharing some details with a third party developer, take a call to not install that particular app. It’s better to not use an app than increasing your chances of falling for a cybercrime. Tip 8: Increase security layers on your phone Lock code for your phone is fine but that provides you with only one level of security. And, therefore, you are advised to use app locks and protect apps that include sensitive information. Tip 9: Turn off Bluetooth when not in use If the Bluetooth on your phone or laptop is not in use, turn it off. Because an always-on Bluetooth increases chances for hackers to break into your devices. Tip 10: Never install an app from unverified sources If you want to download a new app, visit official app sources and install them from there. Avoid installations from unverified sources. Security is never foolproof. But these simple tips can definitely help you protect better. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: On Safer Internet Day, 10 tips to prevent hacking

Google and NCERT today signed a pact to integrate a course on &#39;Digital Citizenship and Safety&#39; in information and communication technology curriculum.

&quot;Internet can be used be phenomenonly in helping us, it has a potential of damaging the social structure and damaging an individual. It is extremely important for us to understand how can we keep ourselves safe,&quot; Union School Education Secretary Anil Swarup said on the occasion.

He further said the safety awareness programme with Google can be scaled by training teachers on latest development that takes place in internet space.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has a curriculum on IT and communication technologies embedded in teachers training programme.

The curriculum developed by NCERT in collaboration with Google will be used to train students from class I - class XII across 1.4 million schools in India where they will learn how to become good and responsible digital citizens.

&quot;We have provided NCERT lot of content that were ready with Google, tools and tips about internet use. We also segregated the curriculum into four different area. We have a different set of programme for different age group,&quot; Google India Director, Trust and Safety, Sunita Mohanty said.

The curriculum is spread into four themes - being smart, being safe, being a digital citizen and being future ready.

&quot;This will help student identify between good content and bad content. In advance classes, we are talking about privacy, device management, intellectual property and reputation management,&quot; Mohanty said. 
Google will not charge any fee for the training, she said.

&quot;We are working on internet for all in India and the purpose of such programme is to create good experience over internet,&quot; Mohanty said.

Union School Education Secretary Anil Swarup said the safety awareness programme with Google can be scaled by training teachers on latest development that takes place in internet space

Google and NCERT today signed a pact to integrate a course on 'Digital Citizenship and Safety' in information and communication technology curriculum. "Internet can be used be phenomenonly in helping us, it has a potential of damaging the social structure and damaging an individual. It is extremely important for us to understand how can we keep ourselves safe," Union School Education Secretary Anil Swarup said on the occasion. He further said the safety awareness programme with Google can be scaled by training teachers on latest development that takes place in internet space. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has a curriculum on IT and communication technologies embedded in teachers training programme. The curriculum developed by NCERT in collaboration with Google will be used to train students from class I - class XII across 1.4 million schools in India where they will learn how to become good and responsible digital citizens. "We have provided NCERT lot of content that were ready with Google, tools and tips about internet use. We also segregated the curriculum into four different area. We have a different set of programme for different age group," Google India Director, Trust and Safety, Sunita Mohanty said. The curriculum is spread into four themes - being smart, being safe, being a digital citizen and being future ready. "This will help student identify between good content and bad content. In advance classes, we are talking about privacy, device management, intellectual property and reputation management," Mohanty said. Google will not charge any fee for the training, she said. "We are working on internet for all in India and the purpose of such programme is to create good experience over internet," Mohanty said.

Safer Internet Day: Google, NCERT partner for internet safety training in schools

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Safer Internet Day 2024: Promoting responsible use of internet

Opinion: On Safer Internet Day, 10 tips to prevent hacking

Safer Internet Day: Google, NCERT partner for internet safety training in schools