Safer Internet Day 2025 - Simple Tips for Staying Safe Online
Safer Internet Day 2025: Too Good to Be True? Protecting Yourself and Others from Online Scams
Safer Internet Day 2025 takes place on 11 February, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online‘. Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees thousands of organisations get involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
The Cyber and Fraud Hub is proud to be a part of this important initiative, helping to raise awareness and provide guidance on tackling online scams and fraudulent activities. This year’s Safer Internet Day will explore the real impact of online scams and how young people can protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.
Key Themes of Safer Internet Day 2025
This Safer Internet Day the aim is to build on the important work being done to raise awareness of issues such as online financial sextortion and to consider the future of scams, answering questions such as:
How is changing technology like generative AI going to impact the approach of scammers?
What role can the government and internet industry take to tackle this threat?
And what changes would young people like to see to help protect themselves moving forward?
Visit the official page for Safer Internet Day to access education resources, quizzes, top tips and more at Safer Internet Day 2025 - UK Safer Internet Centre
Simple Tips for Staying Safe Online
In support of Safer Internet Day, we've put together some essential tips to help you stay safe online, along with resources to help further strengthen your cyber resilience. Here are some essential guidelines to help ensure a safer online experience:
1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
A strong password acts as the first line of defense against cybercriminals. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using three random words for a strong and memorable password. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed passwords such as "password1234" and consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords.
Read our full password guidance here: The Importance of Passwords
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device or a fingerprint scan, in addition to your password. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they obtain your password.
Read our full 2FA guidance here: Boost Your Online Security – Use Two-Factor Authentication
3. Beware of Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals use phishing emails and fake websites to trick individuals into revealing personal information. Be cautious of emails requesting sensitive data or containing suspicious links. Verify the sender's authenticity before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
For more information check out the NCSC’s guidance on phishing: Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
4. Stay Cautious When Downloading Apps or Software
Only download applications from reputable sources such as official app stores or the developer’s website. Malware and viruses are often disguised as legitimate software, leading to data breaches or financial loss.
New Guide from the Cyber and Fraud Hub coming soon
5. Be Mindful of Social Media Privacy
Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as your home address, phone number, or financial information, publicly.
Read the Police Scotland guidance on social media safety here: Protecting yourself on social media
6. Educate Children and Young Users
Parents, carers, and guardians should educate children about internet safety, including recognising online threats, understanding various social media apps or video games that children use, and reporting suspicious behavior. Encourage open discussions about their online experiences and set up parental controls where necessary.
Our new guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe Online: A Guide for Parents, Carers, and Guardians’ will be out soon providing in-depth advice to parents, grandparents, carers, guardians, siblings, and children themselves, highlighting key things to look out for to stay safe online
7. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated
Regular updates ensure that security patches are applied to protect against vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates on devices, browsers, and antivirus software to stay protected from the latest threats.
NCSC guidance on keeping your devices updated: Install the latest software and app updates
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and adopting safe online practices is more important than ever. Safer Internet Day 2025 is an key initiative in helping to empower young people online, highlighting key issues in online safety for young people. The Cyber and Fraud Hub is proud to be part of this effort, helping to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. Together, we can create a more secure and trustworthy online environment for all.