The importance of cybersecurity and simple steps to stay safe online

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that protecting ourselves online does not have to be complicated. The 2025 theme, Stay Safe Online, focuses on practical actions anyone can take to safeguard themselves, their families, and their businesses from online threats.

At EURid, online safety is a core priority. We work to protect the .eu namespace through initiatives such as implementing robust DNS security measures, monitoring for phishing and malicious activity, and providing guidance to registrants on how to secure their domain names.

These measures help ensure that European businesses, organisations, and individuals can trust the .eu space to build and grow their online presence safely.

This year, the campaign highlights the four steps to boost online safety:

1. Use strong passwords and a password manager

• Strong passwords are long, unique, and hard to guess. Avoid obvious choices like “123456” or “password.” Combine letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols.
• Password managers store and generate strong passwords for all your accounts, so you do not have to remember each one. They also help prevent reusing passwords across multiple sites, reducing the risk if one account is compromised.

2. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA)

• MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone knows your password, they cannot log in without the second factor.
• Common MFA methods include a code sent to your phone, an authentication app (like Authenticator or Authy), or a physical security key.

3. Recognize and report scams

• Scams can appear as phishing emails, fake websites, or suspicious messages asking for personal information or money.
• Look for red flags: poor spelling/grammar, urgent requests, unfamiliar links, or unexpected attachments.
• Report suspicious emails or messages to your organisation’s IT team, the service provider, or national authorities. Do not click links or download attachments from untrusted sources.

4. Keep software up to date

• Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit.
• Regularly update your operating system, apps, browser, and antivirus programs. Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure you are always protected.

Small, consistent actions like these can make a significant difference in protecting personal data and preventing cyberattacks and we encourages all .eu domain holders to adopt these practices as part of their online routines. By staying vigilant and proactive, everyone contributes to a safer, more secure European digital ecosystem.