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Practical steps to stay safer online

Clear, jargon-free guides to protect your accounts, devices and personal information, for you, your family and your community.

Safety guides

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Each guide gives you four practical steps you can start using today.

Secure your accounts

Your email, social media and mobile money accounts hold your messages, contacts and money. Locking them down makes it much harder for anyone to take control.

  1. Turn on two-step verification

    Add a second step, such as a code from an authenticator app, to email, social media and mobile money accounts.

  2. Use a different password everywhere

    Give every important account its own long password. A password manager can remember them for you.

  3. Check who is logged in

    Review active devices in your account settings and sign out of any you do not recognise.

  4. Secure your recovery options

    Make sure recovery emails and phone numbers belong only to you and are not shared with anyone else.

Manage your privacy

The less someone can learn about your routine and location online, the harder it is for them to track, harass or find you.

  1. Lock down your profiles

    Set social media accounts to private and review who can see your posts, friends list and photos.

  2. Switch off location sharing

    Turn off location tags on posts and review which apps and people can see where you are.

  3. Review app permissions

    Remove camera, microphone, contacts and location access from apps that do not need it.

  4. Think before you share

    Avoid posting details that reveal your routine, such as your school, workplace or regular locations.

Protect your devices

Stalkerware and spyware can quietly share your messages, calls and location. These steps help you spot and prevent monitoring.

  1. Lock your phone

    Use a PIN or passcode that only you know, and set the screen to lock automatically.

  2. Watch for warning signs

    Unknown apps, a battery that drains quickly or unusually high data use can signal monitoring software.

  3. Keep software updated

    Install system and app updates promptly. They often fix security weaknesses.

  4. Plan before removing spyware

    Removing monitoring software can alert the person who installed it. If you feel at risk, speak to a support service first.

Be deepfake aware

AI can now create convincing fake images, videos and audio. Knowing how to question what you see protects you and the people around you.

  1. Question shocking content

    Be sceptical of explicit or outrageous images and videos, especially when they appear suddenly.

  2. Look for inconsistencies

    Check for blurring around faces, unnatural lighting, mismatched skin tones or strange movement.

  3. Do not share it further

    Resharing, even to condemn it, spreads the harm. Report the content instead.

  4. If you are targeted

    Save evidence, report it to the platform and reach out for support. It is not your fault. Get help.

Document safely

Good records make reporting to platforms, police or lawyers much easier. Collect them in a way that keeps you safe.

  1. Capture everything

    Screenshot messages, posts, profiles and comments with usernames, dates and links visible.

  2. Keep a simple log

    Note the date, time, platform and what happened each time. Patterns help when you report.

  3. Store it securely

    Keep copies somewhere the person harming you cannot access, such as a trusted person's device.

  4. Save before you block

    Blocking or deleting can remove access to messages, so collect your evidence first.

Spot scams and manipulation

Phishing and fake profiles are common ways abusers gain access to accounts or build false trust. Slow down and verify.

  1. Pause before clicking

    Be wary of unexpected links, urgent requests or offers that seem too good to be true.

  2. Verify requests

    Confirm any request for money or personal details through a separate channel you trust.

  3. Never share codes

    No genuine company or bank will ask for your PIN, password or one-time code.

  4. Watch for fake profiles

    New accounts, stolen photos or pressure to move to private chat are warning signs.

Interactive

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For parents and guardians

Helping girls stay safe online

Young people are more likely to speak up when they know they will be listened to, not blamed.

  • Talk openly and without judgement about what happens online.
  • Set up privacy settings together on new apps and devices.
  • Learn the reporting tools on the platforms your children use.
  • Make it clear that no one should ever ask them for private images.
Image: a parent and daughter, or a digital-safety training session