February 1st is Change Your Password Day, celebrated each year to help raise password awareness. It serves an important reminder to each and every citizen to create stronger passwords and utilise different passwords for all accounts.

For most of us, passwords are the gatekeepers of our digital identities, guarding everything from our social media accounts to our financial information. It is important to make sure your passwords are strong, using a passphrase instead of a password, ensuring it is unique for each account, long and easy to remember.

This year, Change Your Password Day should also be used as a recommendation to embrace newer, more secure methods of authentication. Consider adopting a password manager to move your passwords into the background while keeping them secure.

Additionally, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is becoming a norm, offering an additional layer of security and making it harder for unauthorised users to gain access. Soon enough, reliance on traditional passwords will be a thing of the past, but in the meantime, remember your digital security is only as strong as your weakest password!

Safer Internet Day

February 6th is Safer Internet Day, celebrated each year to raise awareness of emerging online issues and concerns, from cyberbullying to social network misinformation and even online digital security.

In today’s digital society, we are heavily dependent on the Internet and technologies for daily activity. And, as technologies continue to evolve, so do the potential online dangers.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are beginning to play a more prominent role in our daily lives, and this is only increasing. It can be difficult to understand these emerging threats and how to stay safe online.

My advice is simply to never be afraid to ask for advice, speak up or ask questions. It can be difficult to determine the difference between a real person online and an AI persona – if you see something suspicious, ask the experts for help or advice.

In your digital social spheres, it’s always great to have a cyber-mentor who is your go-to person for advice and to be aware of the cyber helplines in your communities as well. In this age of emerging technologies and evolving online threats, let’s make the internet a safer place for everyone and never be afraid to ask for advice.