Safer Internet Day: 54% social media users haven't changed their password in 6 months
The survey indicates most internet users in India neglect best practices of cyber-security.
By ET Bureau | Updated:
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Today is Safer Internet Day. It is observed to promote safer, more responsible use of the internet and is especially relevant for India, where a majority of the users have been found to be very casual about internet security, according to a survey done by OLX.
The origins According to the European Commission of the European Union (EU), “Safer internet day is an international event that promotes a safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones by children and young people across the world.” It was started as part of the EU Safe Borders project in 2004. It is now reportedly observed in over 100 countries.
Themes Every year, the day is observed with different themes. The theme for this year is ‘Together for a Better Internet.’ The theme/slogan for 2018 was ‘Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you’.
Safety in India The results of a survey conducted by an online classified portal among 26,000 netizens in India indicates most internet users neglect best practices of cyber-security. It found:
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Statistics in the infograph by OLX Awareness less among older age group: Expert Hyderabad-based data security researcher Srinivas Kodali said netizens not following best practices is a worldwide problem, but is more acute among Indian users due to lack of both digital literacy and literacy in general. “You will not find these issues so much among the younger generation. Many in the older generation do not understand the importance of such practices and hence do not bother to follow them,” he said.
The survey did throw up a positive result There exists a high degree of awareness about financial safety. About 68% said they never share their OTP or password of bank or social media accounts, laptop or phone with anyone
#SecurityCheckKiya
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On Safer Internet Day 2018, Google launched ‘#SecurityCheckKiya’, a campaign to make Android phone users more secure. Google outlined three steps users could take. Firstly, to run a security check status on their Gmail account. Secondly, to use Google Play Protect, an application that scans for viruses in new installed apps. Thirdly, to download the ‘Find My Device’ app that can track a lost phone.
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