The world is more connected than it's ever been. But while this interconnectivity creates plenty of opportunities, it also presents a number challenges.

Today marks Safer Internet Day 2017 – an international campaign aimed at promoting safe, responsible and positive use of technology, especially amongst children and young people.

Coordinated in New Zealand by NetSafe, this year's theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘Be the change: Unite for a better internet'.

Netsafe CEO Martin Cocker says this theme provides the perfect opportunity for individuals, schools, industry and organisations to come together to raise awareness and start conversations about online safety.

'Technology is constantly shaping the way we live. It's changing the way we communicate, the way we learn and even how we organise our lives.

'We no longer go online – we just are online. This is especially true for young people who have been surrounded by technology since the moment they were born.”

Image: NetSafe

Research shows 80 per cent of New Zealanders own a smartphone or tablet, and 88 per cent of us use social media every month – making it more important than ever before for people to understand about online safety.

This year Netsafe has teamed up with industry partners including Google, YouTube, Twitter and Trade Me to create a handy guide full of tips and advice for being online that's useful to anyone regardless of their age.

Martin says the Staying Safe Online Guide covers everything from social media to online shopping to searching and devices.

'It's great so many people are uniting to help young people develop the skills they need to have a safe online experience.

'By working together and creating useful resources we can really make a difference to how people relate to each other online and help create a better internet.”

Image: NetSafe

Communications Minister Simon Bridges says Connect Smart research reveals one in five Kiwis have experienced cybercrime.

This includes damage from a virus or malware, hacking of a social media or bank account, receiving a phishing email, people having their system locked down by ransomware or being the victim of an online scam or fraud, explains Simon.

'There are basic steps that can make a big difference in improving our online security and research shows that New Zealanders are now more inclined to stop and think before clicking on links and attachments in emails. Connect Smart research shows 94 per cent of people are now doing so.

'Safer Internet Day is a reminder to all to continue to be aware of potential cyber risks.”

For more information and useful advice for protecting yourself online visit the NetSafe website at: www.netsafe.org.nz or the Givernment's Connect Smart website at: www.connectsmart.govt.nz

SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE:

• Keep your software up to date
• Use strong and different passwords for all your accounts, and change them regularly
• Use secure Wi-Fi connections
• Check your privacy settings on social media
• Be cautious about the personal information you post online
• Be suspicious of unusual emails, especially from people you don't know.

Image: NetSafe