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Happy Safer Internet Day

Protect your privacy with a free security check-up from Google.

Peter Mulroe

Feb 09, 2017

Caldwell, New Jersey

Adrian Sava // Unsplash

Happy Safer Internet Day!

It was officially February 7th and Google observed the occasion with a link to their free security checkup. However, every day is a good day for security so I'll definitely walk us through that.

But first a little about how #SID started.

The initiative began in 2004 by the EU SafeBorders project and was bolstered in 2005 by the European network of Safer Internet Centers (SICs), otherwise known as Insafe. Safer Internet Day is now celebrated in more than 100 countries globally to raise awareness of emerging online issues.

For more about SID I've included their URL and hashtags at the end.

So about that security checkup:

The shortcut link is already gone from the Google homepage, but the checkup is right inside your account settings under Sign-In & Security. Here's the link.

The first page is just recovery information - phone number, alternate email and secret questions like "What was your first car?".

Page two shows you what computers, phones or tablets that account is currently signed into. If there's one you don't recognize being used in South Africa, perhaps you've been hacked.

Page three is to enable or disable old apps with outdated security technology. Imagine locking your door with a piece of string instead of a deadbolt. Old apps are that easy to break into so Google can automatically block those.

Page four shows all apps, websites and devices currently connected to your account. This includes all the silly games and chrome extentions you used once.

Review all this information for correctness, unfamiliar or unused apps and computers. Tying up loose ends, so to speak.

If something looks weird, simply press the button to flag it and the checkup will recommend what to do.

Online safety and security should be on everyone's radar. Initiatives like Safer Internet Day encourage us all to use best practices and protect our information.

Leave a comment or reach out on social media to discuss!

@pjmulroe | www.saferinternetday.org | #SID2017 #SaferInternetDay #MakeSecurityGreatAgain

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies

5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit

6. When he had to apologize to Jesus

7. When his GPS drove him into a lake

8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss

9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise

10. When this happened

11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up

12. When he had to defend his generosity

13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend

14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure

15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

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Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

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"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

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"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

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