13
Mar, 2018

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Parents of the digital age are aware of the fact that internet is quite a useful resource for children. They can learn, understand and accomplish so much with the aid of online information. But then, the numerous cyber threats lurking out in the cyberspace, make parents worry about the online safety of their children. Researches, surveys, and studies clearly show that cases of cyberbullying, child pornography, drug addiction, etc. are not going anywhere, which clearly raises an alarm.

Just the way parents teach and guide their children about dealing with different aspects of everyday life, it is also important to guide them a few important skills of the internet life so that they remain secure. Here are some important internet security tips for parents so that they can create cyber security awareness.

Unattended Devices can put you in Danger

As all the handy gadgets like smartphones, tablets, etc. have become a part and parcel of our everyday lives, it becomes crucial to store these in a safe location. Also, ensure that these devices are never left with a stranger. Hackers and thieves can steal or copy data on the device and can misuse it.

Never click on Unknown Links

Cyber attackers send phishing emails to internet users laced with malicious URLs which when clicked, automatically install malware on the system or device. Tell your children not to click random URLs. Teach them that they should always hover over the URL first to ensure that it redirects to a genuine web address. Urls with spelling mistakes, odd names and threatening words shall never be clicked. It is always a good practice to visit the company website directly and check with their support staff if they have sent such a mail or not.

Be Private on Social Media

Social media is a big craze among teenagers these days. They make friends, share updates, upload pictures and what not. But this gives hackers an advantage to get someone’s private information so easily. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure proper privacy settings on the social media platform. Never add unknown people to your friend list. Share status and other media with friends only.

Maintain Netiquettes

Digital manners are an important aspect of the online world. Show respect for each and everyone. Never post anything rude or abusive on the internet. Understand that embarrassing or inappropriate content can hurt someone’s sentiments. So one should always avoid doing so. Also, if one finds such content posted by someone, they should immediately report it abuse or contact local cyber crime authorities.

Never Share your Personal Information

Hackers can easily use one’s personal details like name, contact number, address, etc. to make hacking attempts or can misuse it. For parents, it becomes indispensable to make their child alert about this. Personal information shall never be shared with a stranger.

Use Parental Control Software

To ensure that the child is not involved in browsing content which is inappropriate for him, parents should use a parental control tool. It helps you keep a track of the browsing habits of your child such as the type of websites browsed, time spent on the internet, etc.

A child is the most precious asset for a parent. Therefore, one must stay updated with the online security updates in order to ensure the safety of their little ones.

The Author

Kanika Sharma

Kanika Sharma is a cyber security writer and digital marketer. For the past 5 years, she has been writing for various technology blogs. Being an engineering graduate, her background allows her to connect with cutting edge technologies and relate them to real world scenarios. When she is not writing, she loves wandering around the hills, as exploring nature excites her the most.
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