Safety is a point, which has been a roadblock for many online giants such as Facebook, and Google definitely knows about it. The search engine giant has opted to go ‘+1’ with the launch of its first online safety campaign. Google is teaming up with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for the cause. The company has named their campaign as “Good to Know”, which would be accompanied by the website www.google.co.uk/goodtoknow.
This campaign would have Google promoting “safe computer usage” for users, which would be done by the following ways:
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by logging out of computers when they’re finished using them
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specialized child protection
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use of cookies in web browsers
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‘two-factor authorization’ which sees the user entering a password and then a unique verification code sent to their mobile device.
“Information is a powerful tool for preventing problems from arising in the first and safety, personal data and identity theft are among the top concerns of people of using Internet”, said Gillan Guy, the CAB’s chief executive. Further detailing the importance of security, was Google’s Communications and Policy Manager, Anthony House, who said, “Everyone wants to stay safe online, but many people aren’t confident that they know how to.”
Google intends to twist from its traditional promotion activities, which has been focused on promoting a product. This time the company aims at a campaign, which would guide users on noting points to protect themselves against security concerns in online usage.
‘Good to Know’ campaign is for the majority of online users, who do not know how to best secure their computers and surf the net safely. The reason here is not that the users do not want to be secured, but because the securing procedures are quite complicated. Google aims at advising users to follow the procedures in a way which would be simple, useful, and educational.
The duo have created a few tips to be safe and feel safe, when online. These tips are as follows:
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Always make sure to have a strong password. Try to always have a unique password to you that no one else will know. Using a long password will keep it safe. Try to always have a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Some people remember their password with a song or lyrics or a mixture of the two.
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When you get a suspicious email with personal information on it, go directly to the site: don’t click on the link in the email. Unless you’re expecting the email, it’s probably not from them and is known as a “Phishing attack” that’s trying to get your personal info and steal from you.
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Always look for ‘https’ in the URL. A website is running through a secure connection when it’s through https. This will safeguard your emails, credit card numbers, and all other info from watching eyes.
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Just as you make sure not to leave your front door open, you need to make sure you’re always signing out of your computer. Make sure to always sign out of social media accounts and all other accounts that you may have signed into.
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Try and only use safe networks that are secure. Internet cafes are nice but not always the safest place for you to be browsing the Internet.
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With all the apps out there, make sure that you always have the latest app. Make sure you trust all your apps and the sources your apps come from. Always lock and passcode lock your phone. Never store personal details on your phone because anyone could take it and have all your info.
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Two-step verification is a must if accounts offer it. This will make you or anyone else go through two different steps of verification to access your account – much like Facebook when you login. You have to login and then tell which computer you’re logging in from, then it texts you. By doing this it will keep your account safe.
The attempt from Google seems to be an effort to inform users that their security is at stake.