According to IBM, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks. Tuesday, Feb. 8, is Safer Internet Day, giving all people a reminder to act responsibly and stay protected online. 

There are many ways to stay safe online. 

Firstly, making sure that you keep your personal information private is crucial to your safety. Information that is shared with a friend may spread unintentionally or due to miscommunication, which may end up in a bigger problem. Therefore, keeping private information such as passwords secret is important.

Secondly, only go on websites that you trust. Some websites may ask you for personal information, so make sure you know it is trustworthy and secure before you go on it. Additionally, in a highly technological world where purchases are made online more than ever before, it is important to make sure that the website you’re buying from, whether it’s your groceries or a new car, is genuine.

It’s not just individuals who have to stay safe online. Most businesses have an IT (information technology) department that allows the business to prevent harm. By establishing critical infrastructure security, companies put themselves a step towards protection. Additionally, many organizations are facilitating AI (artificial intelligence) into their daily operations in order to add an extra layer of security to their important information. 

For children, Google has an online game called “Interland,” which teaches kids about ways to protect themselves through a gamified environment that involves many interactive and fun elements. This can motivate children to stay safe, while having fun. 

As Vanguard News, we believe staying safe online is extremely important, especially in today’s highly technological world. With Safer Internet Day, we can all have an extra reminder to be safe online.