The Internet is rapidly changing, providing Caribbean citizens with new opportunities, but also creating new risks for children, parents, teachers, politicians and businessmen.
Cyber crime, cyber bullying, sexting, data security and corporate surveillance have emerged as headline risks not just in the boardroom but also in the classroom and the living room.
Overcoming the new breed of challenges is a complex task, requiring a variety of approaches by an ecosystem of affected stakeholders.
On February 10, the 12th Safer Internet Day attempts to highlight the work being done to make the Internet safer for all.
"This is a hugely important event in promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet and digital technology by children and young people," says the Safer Internet Day official website. "All over the world people will be celebrating with a theme this year of 'Let's create a better internet together.'
The website is a global online community platform where countries and organisations are showcasing the actions they are taking locally, nationally and internationally to make the global Internet safer.
Created in 1999 by the European Commission (EC), the Safer Internet Programme aims to promote safe, responsible use of the internet by children and young people, and protecting them from illegal and harmful content and conduct online.
"All stakeholders–individuals, businesses and governments–have a shared responsibility to ensure a safer Internet," saidBrian Collins, Managing Director of Columbus Communications Southern Caribbean, in media statement released on February 9.
"To create a better Internet together involves more than simply providing services. It involves educating the most vulnerable in our society on the proper and most secure use of the Internet. This includes the very young as well as senior citizens."
"As the Internet becomes even more accessible and user-friendly, the youth and the elderly are oftentimes the target of online predators," said Collins. "As a company, our goal this year is to provide our users with the knowledge and tools to help safeguard themselves. The Internet provides excellent learning and communication opportunities, but it also opens the door to a higher degree of risk. Oftentimes this can be avoided completely."
The release included tips for parents and guardians to help protect their children from online predators and unwanted content.
Keep the computer in a high-traffic area of your home
Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so make sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices and laptops
Surf the Internet with your children and let them show you what they like to do online
Talk to your kids to know who is connecting with themonline
Set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using webcams
Never share your password or account numbers over an e-mail or instant message
Do not follow links from e-mails when conducting financial transactions
Always be wary of callers, pop-ups, websites or e-mails asking for personal information
Create secure passwords and change them often
Invest in anti-spyware and anti-virus software
Report (suspected) incidents of identity theftto the police