Online communication is one of the most rapidly changing areas of the digital world. E-mailing, messengers and social networks offer almost limitless ways of transmitting information and contacting people. Everything is available at any time and at the push of a button, from text-only messages to voice or video calling.

Many consumers use multiple communication channels. What very few people know is that even their home landlines now use what is referred to as a Voice over IP (VoIP) connection, so they are in effect internet phones. This technical blending of voice- and data-transmission has a beneficial effect on prices in particular.

For many people, e-mail is as indispensable to daily life as text or video messengers, especially because they are not bound to a particular location. It is consumers who decide which communication medium leads the market. Whether you want to sign up to a service or use a communication channel, you have to make a personal decision for yourself about the benefits. So if you want to use, for example, a search engine, an e-mail service or a social network, you first to have accept the General Business or Usage Terms and Conditions. As such, it is generally advisable to be sparing when it comes to your data or information.

An appropriate level of password and account security is essential in order to defend against unauthorised access to your private communications. For advanced users, additional e-mail encryption, for example, may be a sensible precaution. Another important consideration is device security. Neglecting the technical security of your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. makes it easier for others to gain unauthorised access to your communication channels and data.

Below you can find information on our topics relating to secure online communication, the appropriate behaviour to adopt, and what options are available to victims of online fraud.