The website — which launched last year and is the company's biggest consumer education campaign focused on web safety — now includes more advice to help protect yourself from dangers of the Internet, from identity theft and scams to online fraud. It also provides suggestions on how to make computers and mobile devices more secure.
The redesign comes as more unsafe websites appear on the web and there is a greater need to stay protected.
"Every day we identify more than 10,000 unsafe websites—and we inform users and other web companies what we’ve found," Alma Whitten, director of privacy, product and engineering at Google. "We show warnings on up to 14 million Google Search results and 300,000 downloads, telling our users that there might be something suspicious going on behind a particular website or link. We share that data with other online companies so they can warn their users."
Google has also added 10 tips from Google Security experts that every Interent user should follow. Here's a look:
• Use a long, unique password made up of numbers, letters and symbols for each of your important accounts like email and online banking.
• Don’t send your password via email, and don’t share it with others.
• Set up your password recovery options and keep them up-to-date.
• Avoid scams - don’t reply if you see a suspicious email, instant message or webpage asking for your personal or financial information.
• Report and flag content that is abusive or illegal.
• Frequently check your privacy and security settings, and customize how you want to share your content.
• Be mindful of your digital reputation — think twice before you post something embarrassing, harmful or inappropriate.
• Keep your device’s browser and operating system up-to-date. When you do install software, make sure you’re getting the software from a trusted source.
• Pay close attention when asked to sign in online. Check to see if the web address begins with https:// — which signals that your connection to the website is encrypted and more resistant to snooping or tampering.
• Always lock your screen when you're finished using your computer, tablet or phone, and for added security, set it to lock automatically when it goes to sleep.
Google isn't the only big tech company celebrating Safer Internet Day. Microsoft has launched a Safer Online Teen Challenge for those between the ages of 13 and 18, designed to help teens learn more about online safety issues.
Image via iStockphoto, bluestocking