Cyber Security Safety Tips For Parents and Children

Monica Morris • Oct 16, 2020

If you are working remote or at the office, it’s important to always remember to be safe when you are online. In addition to working virtual, some school aged children may have made the switch to attending school remotely and find themselves on the computer more than usual. As parents and children navigate through remote learning during this uncertain time, it’s helpful to keep in mind ways for kids to be safe on the internet. Cyber security is for everyone, kids and adults. Here are some quick cyber security safety tips for parents and children to discuss.

Be Aware of Phishing Emails

It’s good to chat with your kids and remind them about the warning signs of fake emails known as phishing emails. Cybercriminals use phishing emails as a way to steal sensitive information. This is important to know, whether you are a child or an adult – you need to protect your identity. Hackers use phishing emails as a way to collect personal information. Help your child know how to spot this form of a cyber attack. Here are a few signs to share with your child as a reminder of what to look for in a phishing email:

  • An email that is asking for personal information. Do not share any form of personal information in an email sent to your regular email address or to an email sent to a social media account.
  • Broken links or links in an email that do not take you to a correct website. Parents and children can both use their mouse to hover over a link in an email to view the url before clicking on it. This is a good tip as you can see the actual website address for the link at the bottom left corner of your computer screen. Links in a phishing email can lead a user to a malicious website.
  • Several misspelled words and grammatical errors in an email.
  • Files attached to an email from an untrusted source. Do not download and open any attachments in an email from someone you do not know.

Protect Your Password

Teach your children early on to not share passwords. We definitely want to spread the word to any child that is using a device such as a laptop or tablet to not share their password. With remote learning, kids are using programs such as Google Classroom to store their projects or classwork. It’s important to share with your child to not share their password with anyone else. This is to help keep their personal information and their classwork, tests, and reports safe. For children who have social media accounts, it’s important to remind them to not share their social media account passwords with anyone as well.

In addition, teaching children when they are young to create strong passwords will help them maintain keeping personal data safe as they get older. A strong password should be over eight characters long, includes upper and lower case letters, and includes numbers and some websites may require using a special character also. Avoid using personal information such as your birthdate, phone number or address in a password.

Fake Ads

Another way a cyber criminal can reach children or adults is through fake ads. Share with children how to spot a fake ad. Some warning signs are the information in the ad is not true or images may be misleading. Fake ads can be linked with urls that do not lead to a legit website. For a safe online experience, instruct your child to not click on any ads that pop up on their computer screen.

Wi-Fi Rules

Be cautious of using public Wi-Fi. For older kids such as middle schoolers, high school or college students who are studying in public places such as libraries, coffee shops, etc. make sure to use a secure wireless network. As a managed IT service provider we suggest using a VPN connection method which will provide an extra layer of security when accessing Wi-Fi. When at home, use a secure Wi-Fi network that is password protected for your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

 

The best thing you can do for yourself and your child is to be aware of the signs of an online scam. Protecting yourself and your child can help improve internet safety and promote cyber security awareness. The more you and your child are aware of what to avoid when you’re online will help keep your computer network and personal information safe and secure.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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