Category: Safety | Internet Security

Cell phones are a major part of our lives, and getting a new phone can be an exciting time. But just when you’re using the internet there are certain things you need to remember to use your cell phone safely. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind.

1. Understand how mobile networks and data work

There’s more than one way to get online with a cell phone: you’ve got your service provider (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) with its mobile network (usually LTE) and you can also connect to Wi-Fi. Most phones show which one you’re connected to at the top of the screen.

Mobile networks like LTE can have data limits. If you use up all your data for a month, your service might be slowed down or you might get an extra charge on their bill. You’re probably on a family plan, which means this data is shared among all the members of your family. Talk to everyone on your plan about your data limit and how much you can use each month.

This knowledge will also give you an idea about the functionality of your devices. From connecting my AirPods to streaming videos on my smartphone, understanding your data usage helps you manage your online activities effectively and avoid unexpected fees. Knowing how your device works will make sure you can safely use your phone without any connectivity issues.

2. Remember you can make emergency calls on other networks

No matter what type of network you’re connected to, you can always use your phone to dial 911 in case of an emergency. You can even dial 911 when you have no signal at all if you’re still in a service area of another network. This is important to remember because emergencies can happen anywhere. If you have an iPhone, you can also call for help by holding down the side button (iPhone 8 or later) or pressing it five times (iPhone 7 or earlier).

3. Don’t answer calls or texts from numbers you don’t know

Scam phone calls have become really common in the last couple years. Some phones, like the iPhone, sometimes show “Scam Likely” on the caller ID if this happens. But it’s a good idea to ignore calls and texts from any number you don’t recognize. To make sure you don’t miss an important call, add your friends and family to your contacts so you know who’s calling before you answer. 

4. Never send photos or videos to someone you don’t know

Instead of trying to scam or steal personal information, strangers might ask you for photos or videos of yourself. The person may pretend to be someone you know. Never send photos of yourself to numbers you don’t recognize. This also goes for people on Snapchat or Instagram or other apps. If someone is asking for pictures or videos, take a screenshot and investigate.

5. Talk to an adult about whatever makes you uncomfortable

If you come across something in an app or online that seems strange or makes you feel uncomfortable, discuss it with your someone you trust. This might sound scary, but they want you to be safe while using the internet, and they can explain what you’re seeing and give you advice for dealing with it in the future. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

In Conclusion

Cell phones are exciting, but they can also be overwhelming. They give us access to a world of information and entertainment. If you have questions about using your phone, making your phone more safe and secure, or anything you find online, proceed with caution. They can give you advice on how they use their phones and how to stay safe with yours.

Victoria Schmid enjoys writing about technology for the “everyday” person. She is a specialist in online business marketing and consumer technology. She has a background in broadcast journalism.

Let’s be real here: our computers are our lifelines. We work with them. We order things with them. We use them for entertainment. Our phones, tablets, and even iPods are all computers to their core. Our lives are very much revolve around computers. It would be hard to go a full day without them.

If a virus or malware hits your computers, it will be a major hassle to clean and secure your files. Of course, that is if you’re lucky to catch the problem in time. In some cases, your whole computer may be fried with no hope of retrieving any lost data. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are ways to protect your computer from the nightmare of spam, viruses, and malware. Common sense goes a long way in preventing the worst from happening. But taking care of a computer doesn’t always have to be a lot of work. It’s much easier than you think. Here are a few tips to save your computer from utter disaster.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Programs

The installation of a reliable anti-virus program cannot be stressed enough, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You should also install a program that specializes in scanning for removing malware. These programs can regularly do a deep scan and clean of your entire computer.

Be careful when installing virus protection and malware cleaners. Some of them are legitimate while others will make the problem even worse. How can you tell you are getting a good program to protect your computer? Do your homework. It doesn’t take much to get on Google to check out which programs are recommended by reputable websites.

Anti-Virus typically focuses on protecting your email. Anti-malware programs are better at block malicious websites you visit or block a session hijacking attack.

Ad blocker is your friend!

Blocking pop-up ads will cut down on the chances of being a victim of computer infections, including ransomware. Ransomware is a nasty program that will hold your computer hostage until you pay up.

Pop-up blockers will lessen the chances of getting all sorts of malware or viruses. As well, your web surfing experience will much smoother. The browser you are using will probably have an ad blocker but you’ll need to activate it.

Back up everything!

In case your computer crashes for any reason, make sure everything backed up. Cloud backup programs have made this much easier. External hard drives are also good for backing up files, whether you set it up automatically or do it manually every once in a while. There is nothing worse than losing your treasured pics and videos when it doesn’t take much effort to copy them to another device.

Having a strong password will help too. Not having a password is like leaving your front door wide open. It’s not wise to have a weak password either. Some sites will require at least one capital letter, one number, and one symbol to be strong. However, many accounts your sign up for are not so picky. Choose a unique password for each of your accounts.

Keep all software up to date.

Out-of-date software is an invitation for malware and viruses. Within all of your computer programs, select “automatic updates” and you won’t have to worry about it. This includes your computer operating systems, whether it be Windows, Mac or any tablet.

For additional protection, a VPN might be a good way to go too. More people are looking for a secure way to enjoy their time on the internet. This will keep out spying eyes for sure. It does not take more to look up how to install a VPN either. Again, just be careful to look for a legitimate VPN system that will not mess up a computer.

Use Comment Sense. In all your online activities, don’t rely on an anti-virus software program to do all the work for you. If an email looks suspicious, don’t click the link or open the attachment. Delete it right away. If a website doesn’t look right, close your browser and don’t visit the site again.

Read about more ways to protect yourself online:

How Browsing Fingerprinting is Used to Track You

In 2017 there were 16.7 million victims of identity fraud in the United States – a record high, according to a study by Javelin researchers. Children fall among the most vulnerable targets for identity theft due to the existence of so many points of entry.

These access points include tablets, mobile phones, computers, and good old-fashioned home break-ins. As a result, protecting your family from a security breach can feel overwhelming.

However, there are ways to reduce risk and increase identity theft protection. Use the following tips to keep you and your family safe.

1.  Use long, random passphrases

Unless your password is a random set of letters, numbers, and characters, it’s easier to crack than you might think.

To reduce your chances of a security breach, keep the following tips in mind:

Create a long passphrase.

Don’t write passwords on notes near your computer.

Don’t use identical passwords across multiple accounts.

Don’t use words or numbers that are significant to you.

Fraudsters scan public profiles for personal information and identifying details to try to crack passwords. That’s why it’s important not to use things like birth dates, pet names, or details about your kids in your passwords. Especially for the most important online accounts, such as your bank, insurance, or home Wi-Fi.

The easiest way to create secure passwords is to use random (meaningless) phrases mixed with numbers and symbols (e.g., Fox8thegiAntsandwich!).

Because it’s difficult to keep track of multiple random passwords, consider using a dedicated password manager to generate and save secure passwords. That way all your passwords are truly random and saved in a secure location.

2. Be careful using smart speakers and other automated toys

The Internet of Things and smart tech have created a more connected world than ever before. In fact, even some children’s toys can now connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, not all smart tech is secure.

Several toy manufacturers have come under fire in the past few years for having inadequate security and, in some cases, data breaches that put millions of children’s personal information at risk.

If you decide to buy a smart toy, do your research ahead of time. One important thing to look for is where the data is stored. If data is stored directly on the toy, the risk should be relatively small. If the data is sent to a server, it could be stolen by hackers who eventually use the information for credit card fraud or identity theft. 

Play it safe by inputting only false info (e.g., fake birth dates and pseudonyms), or consider forgoing smart toys altogether.

3. Upgrade your home security

The digital world isn’t the only place your family is at risk. The home is often where identity theft begins. Burglars aren’t just looking for fancy jewelry or TVs—personal information can be much more valuable.

Always keep important documents such as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other sensitive records in a locked safe or file cabinet. And be extra cautious during high-risk periods when thieves are more active, such as over holidays—never share your vacation plans publicly until after you’ve returned home.

Also, think about investing in a home security system so you can keep tabs on your property while you’re away and protect your family 24/7.

4. Monitor and freeze your child’s credit

Children are likely targets for identity theft because they have clean credit and the theft is likely to go undetected for years until the child is older. By this time, the damage is done, making it difficult for the child to apply for credit, get school loans, and pursue job opportunities.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent credit fraud. One of the best ways is credit monitoring to keep tabs on your child’s credit. If you notice any bank loans, credit card applications, or other activity, your child’s identity has likely been compromised and you need to take immediate action and report the fraud.

You can also go one step further to prepare and freeze your child’s credit until they’re older. A credit freeze limits access to your child’s credit file, making it harder for would-be thieves to open accounts in your child’s name.

5. Talk to your kids about internet safety

Once your child can use their own digital devices, they’re at a greater risk of a security breach. Talk to your children early and often about how to stay safe on the internet. Teach them to avoid sharing personal information (such as full names, birth dates, addresses, or school names), talking to strangers online, and making online purchases without your permission.

By limiting how much information you share online, you can protect your family from child identity theft, credit fraud, or worse.

As the world becomes more connected, thieves and fraudsters have more opportunities to take advantage of you and your family. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your children for years to come.

By Andrea Harvey

In many ways the internet is more safe today than it was in its infancy. Search engines are better at screening out websites that are harmful to children and teens when you activate their filtering features. There are also many search engines in existence that are specifically devoted to providing safe search for kids with a higher level of filtering.

While there are more tools available and a greater awareness about online safety, the internet continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This poses new challenges that need to be addressed. By no means is this a time to ease up on educating kids regarding safe internet use.  Communication between kids, parents, and teachers provides the groundwork for success.

Safe Search Engine Tools

To bookmark our individual search engine tools scroll to the very bottom of this page then select from the following tabs; Google SafeSearch | Safe Images | Safe Wiki | Safe Videos.  Or set this page as your main search engine and have your kids or students select the appropriate tab above our main search bar.

We also provide these additional search tools:

• Safe Online Game Search
• Safe App Search
• Safe News Search

Parental Controls for Schools: All the features that parents utilize to protect their kids online is now available for schools.  These resources offer schools the ability to filter content on all school devices.  Discover internet filtering for schools

Search Filtering

Parents and educators need to be vigilant in striving for the utmost in internet security for their kids, whether it be at home or in school. It’s especially true for younger children who are not even aware of the dangers. It’s important to keep on top of new trends that may pose a risk. While kids search engines make the internet more safe, social media sites now pose a danger that was not even an issue a few years ago.

For the utmost in online safety for kids, it takes a combination of filtering tools, parental control software and maintaining an open dialogue about topics such as proper rules of social media. Predators are online and unsuspecting children can be tricked into giving out personal information.

Please be advised that no safe search engine should replace the supervision of a parent or teacher when it comes to children browsing the internet. Bookmarking a kids search engine like ours for regular use is only the beginning to creating a safe environment online for children of all ages.

We also need to be reminded that the internet is now accessible on multiple devices and from many locations away from the watchful eyes of parents and guardians.

Google SafeSearch is automatically activated using our search tool. Apart form the web filtering tool at the top of this page, SafeSearch can also be implemented on any desk top browser or phone.  Learn More!

Safe Search Kids is not Google. We are not directly endorsed by them. Our affiliation with Google is strictly as a third party participating in their Custom Search Engine program.

Kids Search Engine vs Parental Control Software

A kids search engine like ours will filter results to keep kids from landing on bad websites. However, we do not stop a child from leaving our site and conducting a search from a search engine that may not have proper filtering.  Of course, you can activate proper filtering from within your browser, but you can’t block access to harmful websites if a child is determined to seek them out. This can only be done with internet filtering software.

When parental controls with complete internet filtering is installed, if a child clicks through to a website that has illicit or explicit content access is blocked instantly.

The level of blocking can be set according to the age of the child. Additional features include the ability to limit the time of day internet access will be allowed, as well as the number of hours per day.

Safe Search Using Our Website

Individuals at home or kids in school classrooms can utilize our safe search tools on the top right corner of this website. They include:

• Google Safe Search:  For strict filtered Google search.
• Safe Images:  Featuring images from only safe sources.
• Safe Wiki search:  A filtered Wikipedia just for students.
• Video search:  A selection of videos deemed safe for kids.

Using our Google SafeSearch function, you will get filtered results sorted by relevance, but at the top right there is a drop-down box with an option to sort them by date as well. Additionally, depending on your device and browser, you can use web page search capabilities to quickly navigate through the results to find specific words and phrases.

Finally, unlike most other websites that employ safe search engines, we feature articles on various subjects related to a healthy online behavior, as well as internet safety articles for parents, teachers and many geared just for kids.

About our Search Search Engine

What does it take to provide a safe web experience for children at home and students in school?

It takes a combination of tools and resources working together in unison.  Internet filtering, safe and secure browsing, parental control apps, and education regarding a variety of topics. Safer search is our mission as we work to deliver these four cornerstones of online safety to parents, teachers, and students.

Safe Search Kids first launched in 2009 to automatically turn on Google safe search while using any browser.  Over the years it has evolved in to a robust filtering API that aggressively block unwanted websites that prove to be a danger to children.  Search tools were expanded to provide a safe kids wiki, safe images, and a video website that pulls only filtered videos from many educational websites, including YouTube.  In this way it provides an alternative to mainstream video channels.

We have also become a resource for parents and educators who are seeking the latest information related to online safety. This includes cyberbullying prevention, social media monitoring, and parental controls. Our search partner also provides a free kids search engine in the form of an app download.

Celebrate ‘Safer Internet Day’ for Greater Awareness

Education is key to online safety for kids. Safer Internet Day is an annual event that takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of the 2nd week of the 2nd month. The date will change from year to year, but it’s always on a Tuesday. The theme also changes each year to focus on specific topics that are relevant to online safety.

While the focus of Safer Internet Day is designed to protect kids online, it is good advice for anyone surfing the web.  For example, the importance of being aware of malware is also essential because it can make your computer vulnerable to unsafe material.

A safer internet for kids all year long is important using kids search engines that lock safe search on your computer.

Safe Internet Day is an additional way to draw attention to this issue. It raises positive awareness to spread the word about how young people can use the internet safely and securely throughout the year. This includes respecting each other online.