Our high-tech world offers many advantages and exciting possibilities to families. Of course, with the benefits also comes the risk of online threats that target children and teens which make their personal data and identity information stored within connected devices vulnerable.
Here are some simple strategies parents can use to reduce this rate:
1. Enable parental controls and use website, search, and content filters protected by unique passwords. Avoid saving passwords in your browser or writing them down. Instead, try using a secure password management app.
Teach your kids how to spot safe and secure sites, trusted apps, and how to browse using a search engine. Parental control settings and content filters that block search results, adult websites, and harmful apps are always recommended; however, be sure that they are password protected.
2. Use two-factor authentication settings to help protect your passwords. This system requests a second form of authenticity (e.g. an email or text message). Criminals can also gain access to vulnerable devices through the unsecured home and public Wifi networks, routers, and devices. Once stolen information is combined with public online data like that from a social media account, hackers can answer security questions, change passwords, and gain access to private information that allows them to commit acts of identity theft against adults and against children.
3. Avoid downloading files from an unknown source including websites, emails, and even 3rd party app stores can introduce malicious viruses and spyware. In severe cases, these viruses can completely lock users out of their devices.
iKeepSafe’s Certified Products page for websites, apps, and tech products that have earned iKeepSafe Data Privacy Badges. The products listed on this page have been assessed by iKeepSafe’s Data Privacy Experts and are compliant with US privacy regulation.
4. Be sure to talk about how to properly care for devices, and data security protocol. Even young children are capable of learning basic steps; if they are old enough to be on a device independently, they can be taught to take good care of it.
None of these precautions should take very much time. And yet, by taking these simple steps, you can help your household successfully navigate technology and take full advantage of all its exciting possibilities.