While the internet offers opportunities for rich education and learning, there are increased risks associated with online activity. In 2019, there were over 3.2 million cases of identity theft and fraud reported in the United States alone. Europe saw an increase in online fraud payments as recently as 2018, with 79% of the value of total card fraud resulting from card-not-present (CNP) payments (i.e. payments via the internet, mail, or phone).
Issues of fraud and internet safety have become even more crucial since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent Forbes article, average daily time spent consuming content (most often online) soared in 2020 to nearly seven hours a day. With all this increased time online, it’s more important now than ever to keep the internet safe.
Find out how you can join people around the world in the drive for a better and safer online experience through Safer Internet Day.
What Is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day (SID) began as an EU SafeBorders project back in 2004. Over the years, Safer Internet Day has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. While this important holiday began as a European initiative, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 170 countries worldwide.
From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.
How Can I Participate in Safer Internet Day?
Due to the global struggles with COVID-19, celebrations across the world may look different than in years past. As mentioned above, nearly 170 countries around the world participate in SID. Interested in engaging in your local events? You can find out how your country is celebrating here, along with various events conducted by corporate supporters. While you’re online, don’t forget to check out the official Safer Internet Day Twitter and Facebook pages.
How Can IC3 Digital Literacy Certification Help Create a Safer Internet?
A crucial piece of internet safety is basic digital literacy and competence. Certiport’s IC3 Digital Literacy certification prepares candidates around the world to stay safe online. Internet safety is one of the main learning objectives on the new IC3 Digital Literacy Global Standard Six certification. Topics include the following:
Understand Internet Commerce Basics
- Describe goods and services
- Explain how digital payments work
- Describe in-app purchases and their security concerns
- Identify examples of media streaming services
Understand How to Protect Others’ Personally Identifiable Information
- Explain the need for and how to achieve online privacy
- Explain the need for and how to achieve privacy at the workplace
- Explain the responsibility that comes with knowing another’s password and account information
- Avoid broadcasting other people’s information without permission
With digital mastery, users around the world can stay safe and secure in their online interactions. Interested in helping your students stay safer online? Learn more about IC3 Digital Literacy certification here.