What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day takes place every February, and in 2023 it takes place on Tuesday 7^th. The day is celebrated globally to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology and safe internet habits. Safer Internet Day is a great day to stop and think about how you use the internet and ask yourself am I safe and secure when I’m online?

Find out more.

• Understand how your data is being stored and used by the apps on your device and also whenever you complete an online form.
• Always check the terms and conditions and access rights before signing up to a new app, purchase or just complete an online form.
• When using an app or logging into an account using your Google or Facebook account, you can decide what they can see. You can change the access rights at any time by going into the settings of your device or the app itself.

Ask for consent.

• Never take it for granted, always ask others before you share something about them online.

Talk about it.

• If you’re not sure what to do or how to respond to something that happens online, talk to someone about it, a friend, relative or even the university IT Service Desk.

How to Be in Control Online?

• Check the privacy settings of your accounts.
• Ensure that you are happy with what information people can see about you online.
• Check the privacy notice on a webpage, for example, you can view how we at Host use your data here.

Take Positive Action.

• Be responsible when posting online.
• If you see someone having a hard time online, offer them support and report posts that might be upsetting or offensive.

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Top Tips to protect you online.

Double-check the privacy settings.

Not just your phone, iPad or laptop, think about your smart devices. Smart devices such as your smartwatch, Alexa, etc. have a range of settings which determine what data about you is collected. Check through the settings to ensure you don’t give away too much personal data. For example, check for apps and devices that constantly want to know your location – Do you really want Maccies or Wetherspoons knowing where you are at all times of the day or night!? and think about disabling any features that you don’t need or use.

How to create passwords that are hard to guess but easy to remember?

A strong password doesn’t have to be complex or impossible to remember, the solution is to use a password that is difficult for someone to guess but is easy for you to remember. A top tip is to use three random words but mixed with symbols such as ‘@’ ‘#’ or ‘£’.

Always install all available software updates.

Hackers are always finding new ways to break into smartphones and laptops. Software updates are issued for a reason. Mainly to protect against attacks and fixing any security threats that may crop up. We know it’s a pain when your memories full and have to delete those pics from the other night or delete the ASOS app. But what’s worse removing those or losing all your data from a Hack? And you should always back your photos up to the cloud.

Be careful what you share around smart devices.

We’re not going full-on tin foil hat theory but devices like Alexa are listening in the background – check this blog out how to switch the privacy testing on Alexa.  And it’s not just smart speakers. One of the easiest devices to hack is a webcam. Unchecked webcams may be used to spy on you as you undress, or do anything! If in doubt keep it covered and switched off.
Basically, what we’re saying is always be careful. Think about what you share with these devices and the activities you engage with in front of them.

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