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 brings risks. Scams, hacked accounts, and stolen data occur more often than you 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 brings risks. Scams, hacked accounts, and stolen data occur more often than you think. Fortunately, most risks can be significantly reduced with a few basic measures.
Use strong passwords
The most used password in the world is still "123456". That is an invitation to anyone with bad intentions.
A strong password is long (at least 12 characters), unique per account, and contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for each account — this prevents the rest from being immediately vulnerable if one account 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.
Turn on two-step verification
Two-step verification (also known as 2FA or MFA) adds an extra layer of security. In addition to your password, you also need a code — via SMS, an app, or a device. Even if someone has your password, they still cannot log in.
Turn this on for your email, social media, and all accounts containing personal data. It takes a minute to set up and saves a lot of trouble.
Recognize phishing
Phishing is fake communication that looks like a trustworthy message from a bank, government, or well-known organization. The goal: to get you to click on a link and steal your data or money.
Characteristics of phishing:
- Urgency ("your account is being blocked!")
- Strange sender or an email address that is not quite right
- Links that go to a different URL than you expect
- Spelling errors or an impersonal salutation
Never click on a link in a suspicious message. Go to the organization's website yourself if you want to verify if it is legitimate.
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 way, 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 safe. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (email, banking) via public networks. Use your mobile data as an alternative, 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 as well — especially if they have access to shared accounts or personal data.