There are multiple reasons to celebrate World Computer Security Day (CSD). We'll get to the primary reasons in a minute, but the other thing that's nice about it is there aren't any greeting cards associated with it. Not yet, anyway.

So, what's today's rather nebulous-sounding pseudo celebration all about? Read on.

World Computer Security Day

As woolly as it might initially sound, this is actually a great idea. The purpose behind it is simple; to raise awareness of cyber security, and to encourage us all to refresh our digital security practices, if only once a year. Admittedly even that's probably not quite enough, but it's still an improvement for a lot of people, which makes CSD worth spreading.

The exact origins of Computer Security Day are surprisingly far reaching. It's always held on November 30th, with the first one dating back almost 30 years to 1988.

This, some of you older computer nerds will recall, was when the (in)famous Jerusalem virus first appeared, and spread itself far and wide just as computers were becoming commonplace within homes and offices. It was a pernicious little chap, was Jerusalem, and squirrelled itself away within a minuscule amount of memory to deliver its volatile payload every Friday 13th.

How Do You Join in With World Computer Security Day?

On face value this is a pretty easy question to answer.

• Change your password(s). Not just for your computer, but also for your online accounts, of course.
• New lock for your smartphone and tablet.
• Update your anti-virus, malware and other security precautions.
• Set up a new password for your wi-fi.
• Run a full, deep-level spyware, virus and malware scan.

Pretty obvious stuff really, and it's where everyone should begin. There's even a brand new element14 badge to go with it all.

Before we delve any further into CSD throughout today, tell me if you've updated your security today or recently, and what are your best practises when updating your computer security. Help us spread the good CSD word!

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And hey! Now that you've secured your digital self, come and tell us how you can make yourself and others safe and sound in the physical world, in our brand new Safe and Sound Design Challenge.

The Kit -- The Prizes