Today is Safer Internet Day 2025, and we’re reminded of the vital role the internet plays in our personal and professional lives.
At Skip Tracing Australia, we work in a unique field that provides us with valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges of the digital world. As licensed private investigators, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the internet can be a double-edged sword—an indispensable tool for connecting people and uncovering truths, yet also a platform that can be misused to exploit or mislead.
Insights from the Investigative Field
Throughout the course of our investigations, we come across a wide spectrum of online behaviours. From social media oversharing to the misuse of private information, our work often involves tracing the digital breadcrumbs people leave behind—sometimes knowingly, but often without realising.
These experiences have taught us some key lessons about online safety:
- Your Online Footprint Matters: Every post, photo, or comment contributes to your digital profile. Even seemingly harmless information can be pieced together to reveal more than you intended.
- Data Privacy is Crucial: Many people underestimate the importance of securing personal data online. Weak passwords, oversharing personal details, or ignoring privacy settings can make individuals vulnerable to cyber threats.
- Awareness is Power: Knowing how your data is used, and by whom, is essential in today’s digital landscape. Information shared online can travel far beyond its intended audience.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe Online
In the spirit of Safer Internet Day, here are some practical tips we recommend based on our investigative experiences:
- Strengthen Your Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for every account. Better yet, use a password manager to keep track of them securely.
- Review Your Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update privacy settings on your social media profiles, limiting what is visible to strangers.
- Think Before You Share: Always consider the potential consequences of sharing personal details, even in private messages.
- Verify Before You Trust: Be cautious with online interactions, especially when dealing with requests for information or money. Scams can be highly sophisticated and convincing.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Educating Those Around Us
One of the most important ways to create a safer internet is by sharing knowledge. Educating our children, friends, and family about the traps of the online world is a responsibility we all share.
For children, teaching them about privacy, recognising suspicious behaviour, and understanding the risks of oversharing can provide lifelong digital safety skills. For friends and family, discussing common scams, the importance of strong passwords, and the potential risks of unsecured online behaviours can empower them to make better choices. Open conversations about online safety create a ripple effect, fostering a more informed and cautious community.
You can learn more on the eSafety website.
A Personal Reflection
As investigators, we’ve seen how simple precautions can make a big difference in protecting people online. While the internet is a powerful tool, it’s also a space that requires vigilance. On a personal level, we’re constantly reminded that the choices we make online—both big and small—have real-world consequences.
At Skip Tracing Australia, we’re committed to using our expertise to assist our clients responsibly and ethically. Our work serves as a reminder that online safety is a shared responsibility. By making smarter choices and staying informed, we can all contribute to a safer digital world.
Celebrating Safer Internet Day Together
Safer Internet Day is more than just an annual event—it’s a call to action for individuals, businesses, and organisations to prioritise online safety and foster a more secure and respectful internet. Whether you’re a parent teaching your child about digital boundaries, a professional safeguarding sensitive data, or simply someone looking to protect your own online presence, every step matters.
At Skip Tracing Australia, we’ll continue to advocate for ethical practices and educate our community about the importance of staying safe online. If you’d like to learn more about our work or need assistance, we’re always here to help.
Let’s make 2025 the year we all take a step toward a safer internet.
Cat Brownlie is the Director of Skip Tracing Australia. With over two years of experience as a Managing Director and Licensed Private Investigator, she provides trusted legal support services nationwide. Her team specialises in skip tracing, asset locations, online investigations, background checks, and more.
With a strong background in IT, software systems, and data analysis, along with numerous certifications in security and investigations, Cat stays ahead of the curve to deliver unparalleled service. Her mission is to help the community resolve legal matters with comprehensive, efficient solutions and exceptional customer support.
