Since 2004, countries around the world have observed Safer Internet Day; this year, we celebrate it today, February 8. 

Safer Internet Day was created as an opportunity to learn about practices to use the internet safely and for the betterment of all. Each new day offers new websites, new apps, and new ways to connect – as well as new ways for other people to target you, deceive you, and steal your private information. So it’s not only important – but necessary – for each of us to be aware of how we can protect ourselves and our information and to be knowledgeable about how other people might use the internet for nefarious purposes.

This is especially important for political candidates – regardless of political leaning. Digital security is a necessity for any campaign, to ensure that opponents or detractors are unable to compromise your systems and that your data and communications  – as well as the information you’ve collected from and about your supporters and donors – are secure. By utilizing Safer Internet Day and following recommended security practices, candidates can provide themselves, their teams, and their supporters with peace of mind – starting from the campaign and continuing through serving in office and even after leaving office.

“Ahead of the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, we’re launching the Campaign Security Project, which aims to train high risk candidates and campaign workers on how to be safer with Google. We’ll work with groups including the Veterans Campaign, Collective Future, Women’s Public Leadership Network, LGBTQ Victory Institute, Center for American Ideas, Emerge America, Latino Victory and more,” Google announced.

“This will help us build on our ongoing work with Defending Digital Campaigns, the USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative, and Cybersecurity for State Leaders program, which has trained over 8,000 election- related stakeholders across the U.S. and equipped hundreds of campaigns with more than 10,000 Titan Security Keys — the strongest form of two-factor authentication.”

Look for opportunities to hear more from Google about data and security through WPLN’s 2022 programming, including an upcoming Facebook Live event.

“We’re so proud to partner with Google to help future officeholders and their teams have more peace of mind,” said WPLN President and Co-Founder Larissa Martinez. “It’s crucial now more than ever to equip women across the political spectrum with the knowledge, skills, and resources for optimal digital security. As we educate women on the fundamentals of running for office, implementing best practices to keep their campaigns secure should be at the forefront.”

Click here to learn more about Safer Internet Day and how you can get involved, all year round.