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In this article, we delve into digital security and responsible social media usage. During Gruppo Luci's "Safety Week," we explored key topics like cybersecurity to learn how to protect our data and netiquette to manage our online interactions effectively. Discover more about social engineering risks, creating strong passwords, and navigating the challenges of digital communication.

Happy reading!

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It's Wednesday morning, and I'm sitting in a small auditorium. It’s "Safety Week" for Gruppo Luci.

What is "Safety Week"?

For the past six years, during the European week for safety and health at work, Gesteco has organized a series of awareness and training events for the employees and collaborators of the Group. The main focus is safety, and this year we have put a spotlight on "cybersecurity". However, we also make time for sustainability with our "Sustainability Coffee" sessions—a coffee break to understand and explore our ever-changing world.

[Note: The European Week for Safety and Health at Work is an initiative organized by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and takes place every October. Its goal is to raise awareness about the importance of proactive health and safety management in the workplace and promote a culture of prevention.]

This morning, there are 30 of us in the auditorium, but the week will involve about 110 colleagues in total. 

It’s always been a valuable time for sharing, and this year it’s also a journey into digital awareness, a chance to reflect, grow, and protect ourselves together.

For this mission, we have two special talents guiding us: Francesco, our "mission commander" for cybersecurity, and Susana, our "mission specialist" on Social Media Policy. Francesco, who is part of the ICT team, can read digital threats as if they were secret codes. Meanwhile, Susana understands the subtleties of online communication and knows how to present our image safely and responsibly.

In an era where cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated and targeted, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue - it's a mindset. Every daily action, every virtual gesture, could hide risks. The statistics are clear: in 2023, Italy faced 11% of global cyberattacks, especially targeting sensitive sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. These threats are driven by well-organized criminal groups (responsible for 83% of the attacks), far from the traditional image of the lone hacker in a hoodie.

Francesco helped us recognize the warning signs, as attack methods are increasingly diverse. Besides the usual phishing emails, we now face SMS scams, social media messages, and even QR codes that can lead to fraudulent sites! The risk from QR codes surprised me - they seem so innocent with their little black squares.

But that’s not all: AI is fueling dangerous phenomena like deepfakes - completely synthetic audio or video messages that realistically mimic facial features, body movements, and voices to deceive people. Defending a company’s perimeter is no longer enough; we need to cultivate a culture of shared vigilance and prevention.

In this context, Susana took the stage to make us reflect on the impact of communication, particularly on social media. 

In recent years, we've seen numerous media blunders by brands, companies, and public figures facing the consequences of ill-considered communication (let's not even mention some politicians or a certain famous holiday dessert brand). These events are not isolated mistakes; they reveal a lack of understanding of the power of words in today’s digital context. In an era where everything we communicate online becomes part of our public identity, it’s crucial for companies and individuals alike to understand the importance of responsible communication.

Susana also explored the concept of netiquette as a crucial aspect of communication. Netiquette, or online etiquette, refers to the set of rules and guidelines that govern behavior in digital interactions. Following these rules is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure a respectful, constructive online environment. For example, using appropriate language, respecting others' opinions, and maintaining civil tones are all practices that fall under netiquette and can help prevent communication pitfalls.

One recent case made headlines: a school cafeteria employee lost a legal battle against their employer after posting critical comments on Facebook about the quality of food served, including insinuations about the honesty of municipal officials involved in an inspection. The case, which reached the Court of Appeal in Catanzaro, concluded with the ruling that companies have the right to monitor employees’ online activities. The ruling confirmed that employers can take action against employees whose public posts are offensive or posted during work hours, as these could harm the company’s reputation (Court of Appeal of Catanzaro, n. 1352 of 28/12/2021).

In a time when every word matters, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to how we communicate and how our interactions affect both our online and real worlds.

Awareness has never been more essential: protecting our data means protecting our future. Each of us plays an active role in this challenge, and every careful action—whether at work or on social media - becomes a shield against digital threats.

As I listened to Francesco and Susana, two thoughts crossed my mind:

I need to download an app to protect my passwords, because up until now my password was "password1234." I know, I’m an underrated genius! 😉

I realized how many talented colleagues I have around me, whose skills and competencies I sometimes overlook. Daily work routines can make us forget how valuable the people around us are and how much we can learn from one another. Each of us has a unique set of experiences and knowledge, which can be a growth opportunity if we take the time to discover and appreciate them—no Mastercard needed, just a wonderful Safety Week!

As it’s time to wrap up, I feel compelled to close with this:

"And then, you know, there's no sense to this time that doesn't give the right weight to what we live, every memory is more important to share than to live alone. I'd like to, but I won't post."

See you soon,

Chiara Pontoni

Sustainability Manager