Safer Internet Day is a global initiative whose goal is to make the internet a better and safer place for everyone. Observed in February, what started out as a campaign to raise awareness about internet safety about 10 years ago in Europe has now grown exponentially and is now celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide.

The History of Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day was originally started in 2004 by InSafe – a European network of Awareness Centres promoting safer and better usage of the internet. However, it quickly spread from Europe and became a worldwide initiative. In 2012, it gained official recognition in the United States with a joint agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission. Today, it’s celebrated in over 100 different countries.

Observing Safer Internet Day

The best way to observe this day is to make sure that you surf the internet in a safe manner. You can do this by ensuring your software is up to date, that you have the latest antivirus and malware software installed, that you use parental controls, and that you use secure passwords. For additional tips, you can always connect with ConnectSafely.org, Safer Internet Day’s U.S. partner.

If you’re on social media, you can use the hashtag #SaferInternetDay to spread the news about this holiday and to ensure that your friends and family are taking the appropriate measures to ensure that their time on the internet is safe and worry-free.

Conclusion

Safer Internet Day is a great reminder that internet security is something that requires constant vigilance. It’s also a great reminder that a lot of bad things can happen on the internet if you don’t properly take precautions against them. With that in mind, be sure to have a safe and happy Safer Internet Day.