Women need to be alert to internet safety challenges, to leverage the opportunity

That the internet has positive and negative at work is well know. Technological advances have allowed access and impediments. So for us as women we have opportunities but we also internet safety challenges. Some of these threats could turn into abuse and the use of electronic devices can track one’s whereabouts. We all need to leverage the development of the world wide web to grow our careers and fructify our ambitions but it's important for us to also be alert to new challenges it posts. Therefore it is vital to protect your online activities and understand the ways in which technology may compromise your safety.

At the Digital Trust Dialogues in Jaipur this is one workshop focus that put the spotlight on women's safety. We mostly don't know of tools that we must. We are callous and forgetful when it comes to our safety. We think this stuff doesn't happen to us, but only to others. The safety dialogues were a wake up call.

An increase of 17% internet traffic in India contributed to an increase of Rs 7 lakh crore in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India, thereby contributing 5.6% to India’s GDP in 2015-16, according to a study by ICRIER and Broadband India Forum.

By 2020, this contribution is expected to grow to 16% or Rs 36 lakh crores, half of which will be driven by apps, the study predicted.

THE GOOD NUMBERS

Internet plays a vital role in our precious life. Internet has become a basic need for our daily routine. Internet is useful as well as in medical, economy, industry, education, industry etc so it's ideal we will raise our guard and stay alert to make the most of it. Our online movements can be tracked through a number of ways, locations, check ins, email, maps, including spyware, hacking, and other complex details.

Here are some good numbers. The Internet itself contributes 3.4% to GDP in 13 countries says a McKinsey report. It creates jobs for illiterate and idle and improve their status in society.

Internet works as bridge between two people from different area. And connects them regardless of distance. More than 95% of businesses have an online presence nowadays and improved efficiency and communication with customers.

The Internet itself contributes 3.4% to GDP in 13 countries says a McKinsey report. It creates jobs for illiterate and idle and improve their status in society.

Some people use it as platform for bullying individuals. There are many internet safety challenges - that range from data misuse to image and gendered abuse and so on. It is important for us to be aware of these.

THE DIAGNOSIS

The privacy debate has only just begun. And the data security threats will loom large in our discussions. So for us as individuals it's ideal to start thinking of ways to be alert to what and how we share our data and information.

-There are several fake websites on the internet which consecrated to obtaining people’s information to steal their identities and sell them. We must know when to opt in and opt out.

-Secure passwords do not have to be hard to remember, just hard to guess. The key aspects of a strong password are length (the longer the better); a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols; and no tie to your personal information.
Use unique passwords for each site or service. This way, if your password is discovered on one site, the rest of your services aren’t at risk.

-Discuss online safety issues with friends and family. Talk of how one can protect each other’s privacy online and set rules that reflect your personal values. Decide what information about yourself you are willing to have shared online, and with whom you are willing to share it.

-Be selective about who you interact with online and what information you make public.

-Think twice before you open attachments or accept any offers.

-Internet makes the spread of personal information and private pictures quick and uncontrollable. Personally for me this is a huge concern.

If we take some prelim measures it would be a good step forward. I for one believe the internet empowers us, and it's upon us to keep it safe for ourselves.

Mahak Gupta is a student of ARCH College of design, Jaipur and this effort is a part of Google India and SheThePeople initiative Digital Trust Dialogues across colleges in India.