Tuesday, February 7th is Safer Internet Day (SID). This is an annual event organized by Insafe to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world. As a result, next Tuesday will be a good day to be on the lookout for the latest on antivirus software, securely storing information in the “cloud,” password safety et al. Consider this a heads-up on what will be happening next Tuesday as well as some things you can do so you’ll be ready to celebrate SID…, safer.
The theme for 2012 is “connecting generations and educating each other.” SID has historically been a grassroots-led effort. Microsoft has actively participated over the last 8 years. This year, we will again be participating in events around the globe. Our theme for 2012 is: “Online Safety is Ageless.” Specifically, we’ll be reiterating online safety messages for all ages.
While you’ll want to check my Facebook page on the 7th for news on a social networking study Microsoft recently completed we’ll be announcing that day I can tell you now about the online safety/privacy mini-workshops we’ll be conducting, on the hour, at all our 14 retail stores.
If you live in the vicinity of one of the Microsoft Retail Stores you can show up and get a demonstration of safety/privacy settings you can activate on your PC from one of the store associates. In addition, if you’re able to show up at one of our stores on the hour and attend a 15-minute workshop you’ll get all this safety/privacy information AND have a chance to win one of 1400 $100 Microsoft Store Gift Cards.
Bottom line, Microsoft will be using SID to tout 3 areas that you can focus on and the 9 steps you can take towards a safer online experience at that same time protect your privacy.
Defend your computer:
- Keep all software current with automatic updating.
- Install legitimate antivirus and antispyware software.
- Never turn off your firewall.
Protect sensitive personal information:
- Before you enter sensitive data, look for signs that a webpage is secure.
- Never give sensitive information or call a number in response to a request in email or IM or on a social network.
- Think carefully before you respond to pleas for money from “family members” deals that sound too good to be true, or other scams.
Take extra steps to keep kids safer online:
- Make online safety a family effort, a mix of guidance and monitoring.
- Negotiate clear guidelines for web and online game use that fit your kid’s maturity and family’s values.
- Pay attention to what kids do and who they meet online.
By the way, what a wonderful Valentine’s gift a $100 Microsoft Store Gift Card would make, no? And, of course, it would come from someone who knew a few things about having a safer online experience.
