The term “digital awareness” describes the sense of experience, comfortability, and proficiency required for basic technology usage. To be aware of how digital platforms or devices work is an essential skill of the 21st century, because so much of the world now relies on it for momentum.

The internet was founded in 1969 with the first workable prototype being created in the US. However, it took until 1991 for it to be open to the general public and by 1994 internet pages were in general use across homes.

With the uptake of the internet, it meant that the risks of internet and digital technology became more apparent including hacking and cyber security.

In 1994, Vladimir Levin engineered the first big money heist by hacking into Citibank’s telephone and computer systems and stealing $10 million. In 2013 a hack compromised three billion Yahoo accounts including names, security questions, passwords and contact details.

Whilst using the internet is an everyday part of life it is vital to keep yourselves and others safe whilst accessing online material, this can include setting passwords that are secure such as using random letters, numbers and symbols rather than words that are meaningful to you such as pet names, children’s names and places of interest. It is also good practice to use different passwords for different websites or apps so if one is hacked it is not easy for a hacker to access all of your information.

The use of technology in your workplace also needs to be monitored and secure such as ensuring that passwords are used, and information is stored within the guidelines of GDPR requirements.