Back to school cybersecurity advice for parents
In an effort to keep you, your kids, and your devices protected from the latest internet threats, here are five cybersecurity tips for helping you and your kids stay safe for the new school year.
Tip #1: School shopping online. Only shop on websites with https:// in the url. The “s” is a sign that the site is secure.
Tip #2: Buying a new mobile electronic device. When you’re setting up your new device, set strong passwords and ensure you download security updates to keep cyber criminals from accessing your new purchase.
Tip #3: Using illegal downloading services on the internet. Whether you’re searching for movies, music, or books, cyber criminals use illegal downloading sites to spread viruses, malware, and spyware. If you don’t visit them, cyber criminals can’t visit you.
Tip #4: Fully or partially public profiles on social networks. Strong privacy settings keep cyber criminals from using personal information to steal your or your family members’ identity and commit other crimes.
Tip #5: Gaming on mobile devices. Fun mobile games can come with spyware and viruses. Only use apps from trusted sources and make sure the permissions they require don’t grant unnecessary access to other features on your device.
Sophia Woo
A first step to get children/youth to approach cyber safety is to have them explore the device (computer, tablet, iPad) with parent present. The role of the parent is to mentor, explain the reasons for following guidelines and show children/youth the importance of patience when connected.
Actual guidelines are outlined in Back to School Cyber Safety as tips.
#1, School shopping online.
#2, Buying a new mobile electronic device.
#3, Using illegal downloading services on the Internet.
#4, Fully or partially public profiles on social networks.
#5, Gaming on mobile devices.
All 5 tips are important and children/youth will follow them if they are explained in detail and with patience. Here the relationship between parent and children/youth flavours the mentoring. One approach is to have children/youth help you out in combatting cyber criminals. Repetition of the tips is needed at intervals. Occasional workshops tend to work well.
Trying to alter behaviour once children/youth has already engaged in using devices is difficult. Hence it is better to get buy in before children/youth has engaged rather than later.
Sophia Woo