Taking care of your kids while they are online is not an easy task. Being taken advantage of while bullies or seeing them hurt in any way is distressing to every parent. Thankfully some virtual convenience tools are available to assist you to protect your kids.   Kaspersky Safe Kids and Net Nanny are two of them.

Overview

If you have a kid that can use a computer or mobile independently, you should explore the use one of these tools to see what your child is being exposed to while surfing on the internet. We’ll be going through a detailed review of Kaspersky’s Safe Kids vs. Net Nanny.

General Information

Which parental control app is the best: Kaspersky Safe Kids VS Kid Net Nanny

Kaspersky Safe Kids Review: This parental control software is developed by Kaspersky. It protects your kids from harmful content on the internet by blocking them. It allows parents to manage their kid’s screen time and check where they go.

Kaspersky Safe Kids is available for Windows, macOS, Android & iOS.

Net Nanny Review: Net Nanny is also a parental control software, developed by ContentWatch inc. This software allows parents to monitor and control their kid’s activities on the Internet to prevent them from watching or surfing inappropriate content.

Net Nanny works on devices having Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Kindle & Chromebook.

As you see, most parental monitoring applications focus on very similar goals.

Features

Both parental control software programs offer parents the ability check and control activities of kids on their phone, as well as on tablets or computers. Let’s review some of the outlined key features that are being offered by both companies.

Internet Filter

Internet Filtering is a feature that allows parents to whitelist and blacklist websites. Whitelist is a list of websites that are approved by parents and can be accessed by kids. Whereas the blacklist is the list of the blocked website due to adult or inappropriate content. Without doing anything, default filtering is set up to restrict kids from bad content.

One cannot expect a parents first downloading and installing the software to manually allow or block websites they don’t even know about.  However, there is a feature that enables parents to block (or allow) specific websites or a category of content.  Reasons for this may be allowing certain websites for teens, as compared with younger kids in the family.

Both Kaspersky Safe Kids and Net Nanny offers internet filtering features to manage kid’s online activity.

YouTube Monitoring

YouTube is one of the most popular websites visited worldwide.  So it stands to reason that kids will be attracted to it.  Setting up restrictions on YouTube according to age through a Google account does not mean kids won’t have access to videos you won’t want to them see.  Kaspersky allows parents to check kid’s activities and protect them from inappropriate content by using an Online Content Filter feature.

On the other side, Net Nanny allows you the same feature to check kid’s YouTube activities. Net Nanny offers users the ability to filter YouTube content for their kids by using the Internet Filter feature.

Screen Time Management

Sure, there is plenty on the internet to worry about.  That’s the main reason to choose a parental control program.  But spending time in front of a screen even while watching harmless or even educational material can have unrelated negative effects.  It can affect a kid’s behavior as well as habits. To prevent issues of too much screen time, Kaspersky allows parents to monitor and control the time their kids spend on the devices.

Whereas Net Nanny options related to screen time focuses on setting usage limit, such as a a daily time limit allowment.

Texting Management

If you are worried about a specific contact that is in touch with your kid. You can flag and monitor those conversations using Kaspersky Safe Kids.  You will be able to check all call logs and text messages. However, this feature is limited to Android users only

Net Nanny doesn’t provide any text management feature.  No monitoring is available but it allows you to block texting and related apps.

Child Locator

With Kaspersky you can check the real-time location of your kid. Additionally, it allows you to set a geofence. Geofence allows you to set the location where you expect your kid to be.

Net Nanny doesn’t have any feature like geofencing but it shows you the current location of your kid.

Kaspersky Safe Kids vs. Net Nanny: Pricing

Kaspersky Safe Kids pricing

Kaspersky offers a free version with limited features. To truly test it out, you’ll need to give the software a try via the free 7 day trial of the paid version.  It it gives you a bundle of great tools to protect your kid online. Kaspersky Safe Kids software is cheaper than Net Nanny. Kaspersky offers is available at £14.99 for one year.

Net Nanny pricing

Net Nanny doesn’t offer any free version or free trial to users. Currently, it has 3 below outlined plans are available.

Conclusion

In the debate of Kaspersky Safe Kids vs. Net Nanny, doing your own research is key to finding the right solution for your family.  What works for you is dependent on the size of your family and the number of devices you want to implement parental controls on.  Kaspersky is the most budget conscious when dealing with one single device.  There 7 day free trial certainly makes it a convenient way to test out the software on your child’s particular device, as well as giving you a feel for the monitoring features as a parent.

You don’t have to be a computer savvy parent to begin making sure your child is searching the internet from a properly filtered safe search engine. We have additional filtering of Google that blocks all bad content in your kids search results.  It’s a good start, but the best parental control apps are also recommended to keep kids protected from the broad variety of threats online.

Apart from Google search, even if using a internet filtering app, kids searching the web without parental controls installed will be able to go directly to any website that one of their friends may have told them about. There are also social media concerns, such as cyberbullying, online predators or inappropriate images.

And what about harmful texts, such as the sending of personal photos that are best kept private? What about the innocuous threats, including too much screen time and time spent online late at night while kid should be sleeping? A search engine cannot control all of these issues. It takes a parental control application for complete safety online.

Parental Control App for iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire

In addition to mobile devices, our recommended parental control app FamiSafe by Wondershare also works on Windows and Mac OS.  In fact, multiple devices within your home can be monitored and controlled.  Comprehensive solutions for complete online safety is software that Filters and Monitors all aspects of online activity for kids. It provides an easy to use app or access from and computer dashboard that gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are protected online.

FamiSafe lets parents control screen time, track real-time location and detect inappropriate content on kids’ devices.  This includes texts, messaging and app downloads.  It’s also teaches kids good digital habits. Created by the Trusted Brand: Wondershare.

• Explore Features and Download Options
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Monitoring apps make it easier for parents to take control of their kid’s activities online, maintain their kid’s safety, manage their kid’s times on all devices, as well as manage their own time more effectively so that they can continue to do what they do best: Parent.

Effective Parental Controls include:

• Web filtering including keyword and phrase filtering.
• The latest in app blocking or the setting of specific restrictions on apps like Snapchat.
• Monitor and manage users real-time activity.
• Centralized management of multiple computers, lap tops and mobile devices, including iPhones, Android and Amazon (Kindle Fire).
• Time management and daily scheduling.

Parents and guardians will also enjoy a slew of product enhancements, including:

• Chat filtering for texts and messaging apps.
• Security options to block system changes on computer.
• Alert notifications by email or text, such as when new apps are installed.
• Invisible / stealth operation. (Works in the background so it doesn’t interfere with device performance)
• Real-time tracking of users whereabouts and whether they are online or not.

Download our recommended Best Parental Control App

When it comes to maintaining the safety and innocence of children, the Internet isn’t just a search engine anymore. So many other elements are needed in an effort to keep kids safe online. Not to mention, the more time parents spend managing screen time restrictions, social media friends, texting and photos – the less time parents have to focus on building a stronger relationship with their child. 

Parental Control Software becomes the “bad guy” monitoring your kids’ activity. While it blocks bad content and controls usage, it also puts the onus on your child to be responsible for what they do online. Individual levels of freedom can set up according to age and times of day.

It’s not enough to just turn on safe search.  A trusted parental control App is necessary to fully protect kids online, including filtered web search and monitoring of social media and app downloads. It not only ensures that kids stay safe, parental control software can help build character in kids to make the right decisions on the internet.

As a parent, you no longer have to play the “guessing game” as to what their kid searches for online, who their friends are, and whether they are actually studying for that history project or just killing time playing games.

Do you Know? (Internet Use by Kids)

Do you know what your kids are looking at online? 41% of U.S. teens say that their parents have no idea…

Do you know how often your kids frequent social networking sites? According to the Norton Online Living report, 76% of U.S. teens ages 13-17 are “constantly” or “frequently” visiting social networking sites.

Do you know if your child has been contacted online by a stranger? 16% of U.S. children have been approached online by a stranger. Is your child one of them?

What is YOUR Internet Monitoring Strategy?

You can rely on the search engines or safe search apps for filtering services, but they are not designed to include social media, app usage or screen time monitoring. It’s more than parental controls in the present, it’s about equipping kids to responsibly navigate the world wide web safely long after they grow up and leave home. 

Do More With the Power of Software

• Discover how much easier it can be to have a parental control app controlling internet access for every user in your home according to their age.
• Enjoy reduced stress no longer having to hunch over your child’s shoulder monitoring their online activity or asking for their phone to search for bad apps.
• Parental focus and peace of mind can be restored knowing that full control is within your fingertips via an app or on any computer.

Read about our other endorsed Wondershare software, discounted for students and schools:  PDF Creator and Editor

File sharing is the process in which digital media is shared among devices. The art of file sharing is not a new thing as it began in 1967 when Alan Shugart invented the floppy disk. This technology has evolved over the years from people being able to share a single file to multiple ones by one click of a button.

Currently, there are no limits on the number of files that you can share. The process involved is both simple and straightforward.

Making use of technological tools

In recent years, there have been advancements in technology that now allows you to zip files and share them. There are companies that pioneer in the provision of tools for compressing, zipping, and achieving files. The beauty of using such tools is that they will reduce the size of the document without tampering with the format and appearance. They also have an option to input security measures so that files can only be accessed by authorized people alone.

But, what are the benefits of file sharing? When done safely, it:

• It is affordable which allows teams to have access to relevant information at a low cost.
• The process is efficient as the technology available allows you to share files promptly.
• Based on the service that you are using, files shared can be accessed from any location.
• It fosters collaboration especially if you are using cloud computing that allows users to edit the information online.

Currently, there are numerous ways in which you could share files safely. Below are 10 tips on how to share files safely and efficiently:

1. Avoid emails

Emails may be convenient but they are not the best when sharing documents with confidential information. These platforms are prone to hacking which could result in confidential files landing in the hands of authorized personnel.

2. Update your security software

Often people forget to update their software which leaves them vulnerable. Hackers know this and tend to take advantage of systems that are not updated.

3. Encrypt with passwords

Technology has made it possible for people to incorporate passwords on files that they do want people with prying eyes to see. To ensure that a document is not easily accessible, you need to encrypt it with a complicated password that has upper and lower cases as well as symbols and numbers. When you leverage encryption, you will significantly reduce the penetrating power of various cyberattacks.

4. Change passwords often

It is recommended that you change your passwords often preferably every month. Because it can be difficult to remember to make these changes, you need to note down the dates when passwords need to be changed.

5. Use secure connection

Remote workers are among the people who are fond of sharing information among themselves. Suppose you work away from the office, you need to ensure that your connection is secure before sharing any files. Be extra careful if you are using a public WiFi.

6. Refrain from suspicious downloads

The rule is that whenever you are sharing files using digital platforms is that you never download files that you do not trust. Hackers can incorporate viruses, spyware, and adware on files to gain access to your system. Thus, you should never open downloads that you do not trust.

7. Double-check inbox emails

Working from home will have you receiving a ton of emails from various stakeholders, customers, and colleagues. It is always safe to check the sender of the email several times before opening any attachments that come with it. Sometimes a sender may appear legitimate, your job is to look keenly so that you protect your files and digital devices.

8. Utilize safe file-sharing programs

There exist programs that you can use to share files with colleagues. Among them are Enigmail., pCloud, Resilio., SpiderOak., and Signal. These programs should have features such as web editing, remote file access, and file locking as well as mobile access.

9. Refrain from clicking links

Do not make it a habit of clicking links that come with files that you receive. If you are in doubt, you should hover around the link a couple of times before clicking it. When your gut tells you that you should click a link, you need to listen to it.

10. Avoid USB drives

Flash disks and external hard drives are not the best tools to share files with them. Given their size, they are bound to get lost and are easy to steal as well. Suppose, they fall in the wrong hands, you lose valuable data.

Conclusion

File sharing is one of the most important technologies we have. It enables teams to work together onsite and remotely. However, this process is prone to the risk of hacking hence the need to share files securely.

You do not have very go far these days to access free public Wi-Fi. It is available in airports, libraries, cafes, hotels and government buildings. This is helpful but it is important for both adults and kids to make sure they do not trade safety and security for convenience. Just because the public building you are in is reputable, does not mean the Wi-Fi connection is secure.

When using your smart phone or computer in a public hotspot, you need to be careful to ensure the Wi-Fi network is encrypted. Otherwise, it opens you up to the risk of having your online accounts hacked. This could result in cyber thieves stealing your personal information.

Here are two basic safety tips to keep in mind to protect your information.  And then we will explore additional ways to stay safe while online in public.

1.  Check to see if the Public Wi-Fi Network is Secure.

As mentioned, we are not worried about the people who control the Wi-Fi network.  The risk is when others around us are in the business of hacking into the personal accounts using the network.  It could be the person sitting across from you in a coffee shop, or just outside on the street. 

If the public Wi-Fi network does not ask you to enter in a WPA or WPA2 password, the network is not secure. As you are probably thinking, this is most places.  The most common public Wi-Fi networks that require a password are internet providers with home you have an account.

2.  Make sure any website you are on has https at the beginning of URL.  

An example of this is https://youraccount.com or https://yourbank.com.  Secure websites will encrypt your information as you use the site.  Unsecured sites do not have the “s” in them, such as http:// (your information is not encrypted and kept safe if you don’t see the “s”)

Unsecured websites will also show a padlock that is unlocked.  Here is an example of what a secured website looks like.  Notice how with website URL with https also has a closed lock.

Clicking the lock will reveal more information about the secure site.  Now you can be sure you are on a secured website.

On a mobile website, it will look like this.

If you are using a site that is not secure and locked, you open yourself up to hackers that can access your personal accounts and steal your data.  This could mean your name, address, phone number, address book and photos.

Hackers need see you on a public WiFi to be able to monitor our activity, so one sure fire way to to prevent this (regardless of being on an unsecured network) is to encrypt your data by using a trusted VPN. It can be turned on when you wish, such as when you are in public or traveling.

Here are ore ways to protect your personal information when using public Wi-Fi.

• It is good idea to have different passwords for each of your online accounts. This way if a cyber thief gets a hold of your email and password on one of your accounts, they will be unable to log into other accounts using the same password.
• Educate yourself on the various ways cyber attacks happen even when you are in the safety of your own home network, such as Phishing, Vishing and SMishing. Hacking through public WiFi is less common than these other methods used.
• Do not email important information about yourself for any reason.  This includes credit card details, bank account information and your personal government ID number. You should never do this even if a network is secure, not even from home.
• When accessing accounts in public, whether it is your own computer or a PC in a library, always log out when finished.
• Take advantage of 2 step verification methods being offered within your personal accounts.  This will add further security because 2 step verification means you cannot log in until you enter a secret code that is sent to you by text or via the Google Authenticator App.

If you are in doubt about the security using any public Wi-Fi network or website, it is best to restrict your activity online to general use, such as searching Google while you are not logged into your Google account.

Do not log into any personal accounts and if you find it necessary to do so, disconnect from Wi-Fi and use your personal cell data.  Even then, it is always important to ensure the websites on your account pages start with https in the URL.  Most major accounts websites are secure, but if you do not see https something may be wrong.

If you are in doubt about the security using any public Wi-Fi network or website, it’s best to restrict your activity online to general use, such as searching Google while you are not logged into your Google account.

Don’t log into any other personal accounts and if you find it necessary to do so, disconnect from Wi-Fi and use your personal cell data.  Even then, it’s always important to ensure the websites on your account pages start with https in the url.  Most major accounts websites are secure, but if you don’t see https something may be wrong.