Safe internet use
Knowledge Center: Digital Skills
Knowledge Center: Digital Skills
Safe internet use: what you need to know
The internet is indispensable—for communication, information, and organizing volunteer work. But it also carries risks. Scams, hacked accounts, and data theft are more common than you might think. Fortunately, most risks can be significantly reduced with a few basic measures.
The internet is indispensable—for communication, information, and organizing volunteer work. But it also carries risks. Scams, hacked accounts, and data theft are more common than you might think. Fortunately, most risks can be significantly reduced with a few basic measures.
Use strong passwords
The most commonly used password in the world is still "123456." That is an open invitation to anyone with malicious intent.
A strong password is long (at least 12 characters), unique to each account, and contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for every account; this prevents the rest of your accounts from becoming immediately vulnerable if one is hacked.
A password manager (such as Bitwarden or 1Password) remembers all your passwords for you. You then only need to remember one strong master password.
Enable two-step verification
Two-step verification (also known as 2FA or MFA) adds an extra layer of security. In addition to your password, you need a code—received via SMS, an app, or a small hardware device. Even if someone has your password, they still won't be able to log in.
Enable this for your email, social media, and any accounts containing personal data. It takes just a minute to set up and saves a lot of trouble.
Recognize phishing
Phishing involves fake communications designed to look like legitimate messages from a bank, government agency, or well-known organization. The goal is to trick you into clicking a link and to steal your personal data or money.
Signs of phishing:
- Urgency ("your account is being blocked!")
- An unusual sender or an email address that looks slightly off
- Links pointing to a URL other than the one you expect
- Spelling errors or an impersonal greeting
Never click a link in a suspicious message. Visit the organization's website directly if you want to verify the information.
Keep software up to date
Updates aren't just for new features—they often patch security vulnerabilities. Set your phone, computer, and apps to update automatically. This ensures you are always protected against known vulnerabilities.
Be careful with public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi in a café or library is convenient but not always secure. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (email, banking) over public networks. Use your mobile data instead, or a VPN if you frequently work on the go.
Next step
Safe internet use starts with awareness. Share these basic rules with the volunteers in your organization—especially those with access to shared accounts or personal data.