Category: Internet Security

Parenting allows you to look at life from a different perspective. When you have kids, you start noticing the details in everything! While the danger of the online world and the importance of internet safety may have never occurred to you, becoming a parent has changed you!

After all, it’s a dangerous world out there! Of course, keeping your kid safe is your responsibility, but it’s possible when you have the knowledge. It’s also important to equip your child for online safety as well.

According to the FBI, taking the right security measures can prevent online crimes.

Internet Safety Tips for Parents And Kids

Whether you use the internet or your kids, you must follow safety precautions. It’s always best to be on the safe side.

Consider the following;

1.   Never Share Passwords

While you want to keep easy passwords, you must not share them with others. It’s best not to tell your kids. You never know if they innocently share it with friends or other family members. So, keep the passwords safe and change the email password regularly, especially if you feel something isn’t right!

Tell your kids not to share the wifi password. You never know who can use the internet and visit websites that are not safe! Also, avoid using financial accounts when you are using public wifi.

Talk to your kids about how to create strong passwords and keeping those passwords safe. If your children have accounts on any website, tell them not to share the information with anyone.

2.   Don’t Post Kids And School Image Online

You don’t want the predators to know where your child studies. It’s best to avoid posting your kids’ images on social media. If kids are attending a party, let the parents know that you don’t allow sharing your child’s image on social media.

It’s all about keeping yourself and your kids safe in the online world. So, when using social media, make sure you are not sharing information about your kid’s school.

3.   Don’t Discuss Your Private Life Online

Keep your private life private! While there is a trend of sharing each detail online, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Some people prefer privacy and don’t want to discuss their private life publicly.

Why share family matters online when you can discuss them peacefully at home? Keep your friends list private on social media. Don’t add everyone who sends a friend request.

Suggest the same to your kids. But, of course, they also must not share their private life on social media or gaming platforms!

4.   Consider Privacy Settings And Parental Control

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to consider the privacy settings and parental control. Look into the settings and make sure you switch on the privacy settings on your laptop and other smart devices. Installing parental control apps on mobile devices, especially iPad and tablets is equally important. Tools like these can monitor, filter, and track your child’s phone activities. Learn how to use the privacy settings if you are unsure. There would be YouTube tutorials to guide you, or you can ask someone for help!

5.   Never Share Personal Information

Teach your kids not to share personal information online. When kids play games at the beginner level, they may not be aware of the rules and regulations.

You never know who is on the other side of online games. So, talk to your kids about the importance of protecting personal information.

The kids must inform you if a stranger asks for a name, date of birth, or information about the bank details, and even the home address.

6.   Keep Yourself Updated About Online World

It’s best to educate yourself about the online world. For example, Artificial Intelligence is an exciting topic, and there is talk about Web 3.0. People are talking about the virtual world!

You have noticed how the world has changed in the past few years. Businesses are moving online. So, you need to educate yourself about the current world to keep pace with the fast-changing world.

With proper knowledge, it’s easier to differentiate right from wrong.

7.   Have An Open Discussion About Internet Safety

Establish internet rules at home. Use a common laptop or smart device. Everyone must use the internet on this device. Print the rules for using the internet, which would act as a reminder for the child and the parent.

Discuss the pros and cons of the internet with your children. When you have a strong relationship with your kid, discussing the dangers of the online world will be easy.

Wrapping It Up

Parents and kids must responsibly use the internet. Never share passwords, personal information, address, school, or kid’s image online. Have an open discussion about internet safety, and never discuss your private life online. Consider privacy settings and parental control. And keep yourself updated about the online world!

School administrators consider safety a priority for the school’s students and staff. They ensure that students have a safe environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Similarly, teachers must feel safe while at work. That’s because emergencies can happen in schools even during school hours.

Unfortunately, there’s no way one can predict when fires, earthquakes, or intrusions can occur. As such, the best thing school administration officers can do is to implement stringent safety and security measures.

While it’s considered a standard to have security measures up in place in many learning institutions, it’s still worth taking a look at how else you can improve your school’s safety. That said, here are seven security measures you can consider:

Streamline School Access Process

While you want to keep intruders out of the school, you must also ensure authorized individuals can quickly gain access to the premises. This means students, teachers, other school staff, and authorized visitors don’t need to jump through hoops just to enter or exit the school grounds. You can easily police the flow of people by limiting access to the designated entry and egress points.

For example, you can issue digital cards in personalized lanyards to authorized people so they have access to entry points or areas that needs to be secure. These access control cards can also serve as school identification and can log students, staff, and visitors’ attendance and the time they entered the premises.

Install a Monitoring System

Aside from limiting access to only authorized individuals, it’s also a good idea to monitor all access points through security cameras. Installing security cameras in entry and exit points and secured areas provides you with visual references of who comes in and out of the building. Also, be mindful of the placement of security cameras so you can fully take advantage of them.

Place the security cameras at all entry points to the school whether they’re high-traffic or low-traffic areas such as main entrances, fire exits, and other access points. Then, have a security staff member monitor the videos and keep the video recordings for at least 30 days. The recordings can be reviewed in case of incidents.

Enhance Communication System

Having a public address (PA) system in place is very useful for regular and emergency communications. It’s easier to call the attention of specific individuals during busy class hours as well as announce important reminders to everyone in school. During emergencies like fires and earthquakes, the PA system can help guide staff and students on what to do.

Aside from the PA system, you also need to consider how students or teachers in classrooms can communicate with other staff during a crisis. If, for example, there’s a medical emergency, the staff’s mobile phones can be very helpful in getting immediate assistance. Alternatively, distress alarms can be just as handy. These aren’t like fire alarms that inform the fire department but are silent alarms that call for help. If this is something you’re considering, factor in where the alarm will be heard and who will be the responders. It’s also a good idea if the distress alarm can communicate where the emergency is happening so responders will be able to reach the location quickly.

Keep the School’s Exterior Well-Lit

Another way to improve school security is keeping the exterior well-lit. It can maintain the visibility of students and school staff during school hours. Additional illumination can also help identify individuals who are on the school premises. As such, it’s important to switch on basic exterior lights in the evening, especially at the different access points. It can help deter potential intruders and make them more identifiable in security videos should they do anything malicious.

Secure the School’s Perimeter

One additional way to protect your students and staff is to secure the school’s perimeter. Schools may consider enhancing their perimeter fencing with durable materials such as Western Red Cedar for improved safety. For instance, utilizing quality fencing options like those available at Big Tex can contribute to a secure and visually appealing school environment.

Ensure gates to the playground are secure and install security doors and windows on the school.  Security screens on windows make it more difficult for potential intruders to break the glass, while maintaining visibility outside.

Image by pch.vector on Freepik

Train the Students and School Staff about Emergency Procedures

Another method to improve school safety is by educating students and school staff about the different emergency procedures you have in place. Informing them of plans for various scenarios such as earthquakes, fires, or in case of attacks can help everyone know what to do during such an event. School staff also become aware of their responsibilities should emergencies arise.

It’s also a good idea to conduct training and emergency drills so everyone can practice the necessary procedures and be more familiar with them. Additionally, regularly review the emergency plans and remind everyone. You can either choose to educate them at the start of each semester as this is the time you may have new students or staff joining.

While it not mandatory in many jobs, learning first aid skills and even CPR can save lives until professional help arrives. Consider offering free instruction for teachers who wish to learn these techniques, not only for the children in their schools, but their loves ones at home.

Implementing security measures ensures that your school is a safe place for students and teachers alike. But you shouldn’t just stop there. Continuously look for improvements so you can be prepared for different emergencies and potential threats. Consider the suggestions mentioned above and prioritize the safety and welfare of every person inside its premises.

Does Your School Have an Emergency Plan?

Watch the video on emergency preparedness:

Internet safety becomes more important year by year due to rampant threats to cyber security and explicit online content. To educate everyone about online security and keep them protected, Safer Internet Day (SID) is held annually on the first Tuesday of February.   The day is commemorated globally to promote a safer and more responsible use of the internet.

The next Safer Internet Day will be observed on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.  Let’s briefly discuss the history of Safer Internet Day and its current activities.

Background of Safer Internet Day

Millions of people join Safer Internet Day events and activities each year organized by SID supporters. It was initiated by the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 by Insafe a European network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). In 2009, the day was first observed outside Europe.

More than 200 countries celebrate the event worldwide, and over 150 global SID committees are working to make the day successful. The main committee of the SID is based in European Union in Brussels.

Each SID committee consists of leading actors who are involved in the online safety arena like researchers, industry, and NGOs. There are SID committees in most of the country in the world. If your country hasn’t a SID committee, you can form one by contacting the proper authority.

Previous Versions of Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day has been taking place annually since 2004. Here I’ll talk about several previous editions of SID.

Proposed Activities for Safer Internet Day

SID Committee organizes various activities on Safer Internet Day to make the day fruitful and increase its reach across the world. Some of the common activities that they plan for Safer Internet Day are;

• Awareness campaigns in media using video clips, social media campaigns, songs, posters, and many more
• Television programs
• Radio announcement
• Competition for children
• Press conference inviting the celebrities who support SID
• Session on internet safety involving governments, lawmakers, educators, parents, researchers, children, and so on
• Publication of recent research and results on online safety
• Visiting schools to make students and teachers aware of internet safety
• Free resources to be safe online

Note: The activities may vary a bit depending upon the decision of the SID committee in your country.

What Type of Cyber Security Does Safer Internet Day Promote?

Safer Internet Day provides lots of beneficial content to ensure online safety for everyone. Some of the best ways how SID helps us to extend cyber security are;

Educating Others about Online Safety

This annual event comprises different presentations, workshops, or campaigns that educate people about how to stay safe online. These include many of the topics we cover within our own categories on Safe Search Kids.

Encouraging the Use of Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are an essential part of online security. Safer Internet Day will encourage people to use complex passwords and to change them regularly.

Promoting Online Privacy

SID helps to understand the importance of protecting personal information online and encourages everyone to be aware of what they share online.

Encouraging Responsible Social Media Use

Social media is now a widely used platform to connect with others, but it’s important to use it responsibly. Safer Internet Day encourages people to think before they post and to be respectful of others online.

Promoting Cyberbullying Prevention

Cyberbullying can have serious consequences, so it’s important to educate people about how to recognize and prevent it.

Encouraging Responsible Gaming

Online gaming can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to use it safely, sensibly and to be aware of possible addiction issues.

Conclusion

Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of online safety. This annual event will help to educate and promote internet safety for all. Hopefully, Safer Internet Day will bring some good prospects. Be prepared for the upcoming Safer Internet Day.

As a parent, you’re responsible for protecting your children. It is particularly true for cyber security and online risk management. While there’s no way to prevent every possible threat, there are things you can do to help your kids stay safe online. Here are seven simple tips that will help you and your family stay safe on the Internet:

1. Teach Your Children That ‘Always Connected’ Is Not Always a Good Thing

“Always connected” is a term that refers to a setting on your computer that allows you to stay connected to the Internet at all times. It is often a good thing, but it can also be dangerous.

The reason why it’s so dangerous is that it leaves your computer vulnerable to being hacked by hackers. These people gain access to your private information, including passwords and bank account numbers. They can also cause serious damage to your computer.

If you want to protect yourself from this attack, ensure your computer is not always connected to the Internet by disabling this feature in your settings menu.

The “always connected” setting allows websites to track your location and follow you around the Web as you browse. It’s especially dangerous if you’re using an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection. If you’re worried about your kids’ safety on the Web, here are some things you can do:

• Be aware of what sites they’re visiting and what they’re doing there.
• Explain that sharing personal information online is risky and can lead to identity theft or cyberbullying.
• Set parental controls on all devices in the house so your kids can’t access anything without your permission.

2. Educate Your Kids About the Risks Online

Cyber security is a broad term that protects your devices from anything that could compromise their safety or data. The prime way to do this is by creating and maintaining strong passwords, which can help ensure no one else has access to your devices.

Online risk management refers to how you manage your online presence. Doing so safely means having good habits like avoiding shady websites, sexting, and using two-factor authentication for all accounts where possible.

3. Be Open to Conversations About Cyber Security and Online Risk Management

Cyber security is a huge issue. According to Zippia, a cybercrime is committed every 39 seconds in the US. People must understand how to protect themselves online, but it’s also important to recognize when people are trying to take advantage of them.

Parents should ensure their kids are aware of cyber security and open to conversations about online risks and how to manage them. Parents can help their kids stay safe online by being open to cyber security and risk management conversations.

Don’t be afraid to talk about it. And don’t be afraid of questions, either. Questions should not make you feel uncomfortable or judged because they don’t. Let your kids ask as many questions as they want.

If your child asks something you’re unsure how to answer, or if they ask you a question that makes you feel uncomfortable or awkward. There’s no need for any embarrassment here. You can always say that your parents might know more than you do on this topic and suggest looking up their answers together. You can use those moments as opportunities for learning together instead of stumbling blocks.

4. Make Sure Your Children Understand the Importance of Password Protection

Password protection is the first line of defense against cyber security threats. Your child’s password should be long and complex, and it should not be something easily guessed. For example, consider using a random sequence of letters, numbers, and symbols when creating your child’s password.

It will help keep unwanted users out of their devices or social media profiles. According to Statista, around 56% of young adults between 18 to 29 share their passwords with friends and family members. Technology-savvy parents may even consider using two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security when logging into online accounts such as Facebook or Gmail.

Many kids share their passwords with friends to play online games, but this is not recommended. It could compromise their accounts’ security measures. Instead, encourage your children to develop a shared passphrase they only know.

5. Teach Your Kids How to Manage Their Privacy on the Internet

Teach your kids what personal information is and why it’s crucial to manage their privacy.

Personal information can include anything that identifies or could identify you, like a name, social security number, or driver’s license number. Kids should understand that sharing this information with others can put them at risk for fraud or identity theft.

Teach your kids how to manage their privacy on the Internet so they know what information they should share with others on the Web. According to a study by Javelin, in 2022, around 915,000 children fell victim to ID fraud in the US, compared to 1.25 million in the past year. This decrease in number shows that kids are becoming aware of cyber fraud and data breaches.

6. Keep an Eye on the Latest Online Fads, Trends, and Apps

Keeping an eye on the latest online fads, trends and apps is the best way to keep your kids safe. With the rise of social media and increased exposure to technology, you must talk about the latest apps with your child. You should also check their social media accounts frequently to ensure they’re not doing anything risky. In addition, it can give you opportunities for discussions about cyber security.

It’s also important to be aware of the latest trends and fads. For example, if your child spends a lot of time on social media, this could indicate that they’re being exposed to unhealthy habits like smoking.

7. Encourage Kids to Think Before They Click on Links or Open an Attachment

Teach your kid to think before they click on a link or open an attachment. If a website looks suspicious, tell them to ask you before opening it. If in doubt, don’t open it.

Many web pages are designed to look like legitimate sites that kids should trust, but they may be dangerous. For example, some websites use pictures of famous characters, like Pokemon, to trick children into visiting them. In addition, these sites may try to get children to download software or enter personal information that criminals can use for identity theft.

When you see a link on Facebook or other social media platforms that seems questionable, tell your child not to click on it unless you check with them first. Explain to them so they understand what is happening here too. This type of discussion will help build up better habits around online safety when kids become mature enough for more advanced conversations about online risks like cyberbullying.

Keep Your Child Safe by Being Aware and Talking About It

As a parent, it’s your job to protect your children from online risks. You can teach them about cyber security and online risk management. Kids need to know that not everything on the Internet is safe or good for them.

Make sure they understand these risks and how to avoid them with your help. Keep an eye on new apps, trends, and websites that may pose threats, and make sure they know how important it is not to click on links or open attachments without knowing who sent them.

Having an open dialogue with your children will help them understand these challenges; while also helping them learn how to deal with them should they occur in the future.