What #InternetIntelligence Has Taught Us
Over the past three months, NCF Web Strategists Katie Llorens and Rami Hilan have been the creators and writers behind the #InternetIntelligence campaign. Here’s how it changed their own internet safety and digital privacy habits. Thanks to @acfoottawa for their support of this work through their Bilingual Ottawa program and the support of @esdc #SummerJobsProgram.
Katie Llorens:
What is your #1 tip you would give to someone new to internet safety?
Get to know your devices! Learn about the safety features that your smartphone, laptop and other connected devices offer — but only if you enable them. It’s also important to understand the security risks for each device.
What was something you didn’t know before #InternetIntelligence and have now adopted into your digital safety routine?
Before #InternetIntelligence, I never used to update my apps or my device software. Now I understand that updating your devices to the latest offered software is one of the easiest ways to patch security holes and improve performance!
Which #InternetIntelligence tip is your favourite?
My favourite tip was “Creating Strong Passwords”. It’s a perfect step-by-step guide on strengthening passwords.
Recently, I received an email stating that my Snapchat account had been accessed from a device in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, my Snapchat password was weak and I had used the same one for other accounts (a big no-no). I immediately changed my password to a strong, long and unique one (a mix of letters, numbers and symbols), and also changed Facebook using the same techniques. Learn from my mistakes!
What is your favourite app from the #InternetIntelligence App Spotlights?
My favourite app spotlight is the NCF Email Aliases. If you ever feel uncomfortable or just annoyed giving your email address to any organization or person that asks for it, this is the perfect way to stay undercover. NCF’s email aliases maintain your privacy and are a good way to avoid spam!
Before #InternetIntelligence, what was a misconception you had about the internet that you now know is false?
I used to think that email scams and spam would be blatantly obvious and easy to detect. The reality is that email scams and phishing have advanced a lot, and have clever ways to get you to click. It’s important to learn about what to look out for when detecting a suspicious email and how to protect your own email.
What has become your internet safety motto?
Go with your gut.
If a certain email, social media follow request or online seller makes you feel like something’s off, it’s best to stay away. The internet offers many amazing opportunities, but make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand.
Any final thoughts?
The #InternetIntelligence campaign has made me feel much more confident about my own online presence and digital privacy. And I hope it has for NCF members too! Thanks to the rest of the NCF team who helped ensure we shared the most solid and accurate information possible.