Whether you are trying to keep your kids safe online or be more in control of your data, the fact is that with every member of the family that comes along there is a greater risk of being defrauded or being attacked online or via telephone. As great as the internet is for our children’s education, it's important that we all understand what our data footprints are. From your child’s Instagram account to the number of online stores with your card details, it's important to keep everybody's data secure, but how can we do this?
Establishing Good Privacy Habits
Privacy habits are almost non-existent for many families. As parents, we need to set an example, especially if we are constantly speaking to people over the phone or paying for things online. It's more than just hiding your phone number when you call an external number, but is about ensuring that you model good privacy hygiene. It's important to encourage your family to make privacy a mindset and a skill.
Using Complex Passwords
We all use passwords we can remember, but the best trick is to use phrases you remember easily, but spell them incorrectly. The vast majority of passwords should have a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters. There are password manager programs out there, but the best thing you could do if you were concerned about putting information online is to have a document on your computer not connected to the internet.
Turning Off Location Services
You may want to track your child's location when they are out and about, but if you are not, you can easily turn them off.
Understanding the Hallmarks of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams have gradually become more sophisticated, but the basics of phishing scams come from sources you don't recognize. This is also a very important thing for children to be aware of because they are more likely to fall for the allure of the unknown, especially if there is a so-called prize waiting on the other end. Phishers try to make the messages look more authentic, but tend to use really poor grammar or spelling.
Never Feel Coerced Into Doing Something
Many people can find themselves on the receiving end of financial fraud and the fact that people who become victims of financial fraud are vulnerable in some way. We can all fall for it, all it takes is a poor night's sleep for us to be on the receiving end. If somebody ever calls you saying that your bank account has been hacked, the best course of action is to call back your bank. This way, you have control over the situation and can minimize regret pretty quickly.
Cover Your Webcam
This may seem a bit too much but even Mark Zuckerberg covers his webcam. If you really want to make sure that your family data is secure, it's not just about how you operate online, but about how you conduct yourself in real life as well. A combination of these can get you started in operating with a more secure mindset.
No comments:
Post a Comment