The internet is an integral part of everyone’s lives and digital technology helps us stay connected across many different platforms. Safer Internet Day (SID) aims to create a safer and better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Celebrated annually since 2004, Safer Internet Day falls on the second day, of the second week, of the second month. In 2021, the 18th edition of Safer Internet Day is celebrated on February 9 and the 2021 global theme for the day is “Together for a better internet.” The campaign aims at encouraging everyone to play their part in creating a better internet. Being an experienced data conversion company providing digitization services for diverse industry clients, we also feel responsible in making online experiences better for everyone.
This awareness-raising campaign started in Europe in 2004 and is now celebrated in more than 170 countries worldwide. The day is globally coordinated by the Brussels-based Insafe/INHOPE Network, with the support of the European Commission. In the U.S., the official host is ConnectSafely since 2013. The U.S. theme for the day is “The internet starts with I & ends with T” – asking everyone to think about “What I can do to make the internet better.” “Internet ends with T,” reminds that everyone together has a role to play – that includes families, companies, governments, children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, educators and social workers, as well as industry decision makers and politicians.
Organizations can take part in this global event by –
- Spreading the word about Safer Internet Day on social media using the hashtag #SID2021 and #saferinternetday
- Hosting a Twitter chat to discuss “rules” for digital civility
- Sharing the best ideas in the company newsletter and on social media using the hashtag #SID2021
- Mobilizing volunteers to coach seniors virtually on how to use their phones and computers
Ranging from themes such as cyberbullying to social networking and digital identity, each year this global event aims at raising awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.
Best Practices to Keep a Workplace Safe Online
A workplace will be connected to the internet either through desktops, laptops, smartphones or other portable devices. Providing internet access to employees at work may have advantages when it comes to communication and research, but disadvantages too.
To keep the workplace safe online, organizations must
- Create a culture of privacy at work and make sure privacy is achieved and maintained
- Train employees to keep portable devices such as laptops and cell phones locked with a secure password
- Set out the ground rules at office by implementing an Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP)
- Encourage employees to use two-factor authentication
- Never use Wi-Fi without using a VPN (Virtualized Personal Network) for works outside of the office network
- Implement best security practices to prevent the spread of malspam and ransomware
- Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training for all the staff
- Use advanced tools to track all hardware and software assets within the organization
- Monitor employees’ internet to protect important data and improve productivity
- Use firewall to keep attackers out and protect vital company data
- Secure Wi-Fi enabled devices such as printers to prevent cyber attacks
- Change passwords frequently, update inventory regularly, and distribute the workload evenly
Take part in Safer Internet Day (SID) online programs and organize campaigns in families and offices to help everyone have better online experiences across many different platforms.
