In today’s world, our lives are increasingly dependent on digital devices and social media platforms. It is not uncommon for children and teenagers to spend a lot of time on these platforms. As we become more reliant on technology, it is essential for both parents and children to be well-informed about the possible risks of the internet and to practice basic cybersecurity measures to help reduce risk, and ultimately avoid or prevent cyber-attacks.
Understanding the risks and implementing a few straightforward measures can significantly enhance online safety for both children and their parents. We have compiled some key considerations for parents, caregivers, and guardians to help protect you and your household against cyber threats.
Education and Open Communication
Education is paramount in ensuring cyber safety for all ages, particularly for the most vulnerable who are often the easiest targets for cybercriminals. It's important to educate your children about online risks by discussing real-life scenarios, such as examples of hacks and scam messages. Knowledge of these dangers equips them to better recognise and avoid scams.
We aren’t best placed to advise you on how to have conversations with your children, particularly on more sensitive topics, but there are plenty of professional and free resources available online that can help you discuss different cyber threats with children effectively and comprehensively.
Continual support is also crucial. Cybercriminals often use false threats to manipulate their targets. For instance, they might threaten to release data they don't actually possess or claim they will take actions they cannot perform. Creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing any concerns is vital.
Implementing Cyber Best Practices
Adhering to basic cyber best practices is also very important. In many instances, very basic measures could completely prevent an attack. We’ve compiled a few key best practices below.
- Strong Passwords: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for each account to prevent multiple account breaches from a single compromised password. Consider using a password manager to simplify the management of secure passwords.
- Two-factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to accounts, requiring both a password and a second verification form. Think of it as an extra lock on your door.
- Regular Updates: Keep software and operating systems up to date to protect against vulnerabilities often exploited by hackers. Set updates to install automatically whenever possible.
- Privacy Controls: Help your children set strong privacy settings on their social media accounts to minimise the amount of personal information that is publicly accessible, including email addresses and profile images.
- Anti-virus/Anti-malware Protection: Install reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software on all devices to block malicious websites and downloads. A good, free solution that we recommend is Avast.
- Safe Network Connections: Teach your children the risks of public Wi-Fi and encourage the use of secure, private data connections whenever possible.
Ongoing Monitoring and Parental Restrictions
Many applications offer parental controls that allow you to restrict the content your children can access, enhancing their online safety. Regular monitoring of what children are accessing online can help prevent exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
Cyber Risk Management with Cyber Xpert
Manage your family’s cyber risk using tools like Cyber Xpert, which provides dark web monitoring, passive scans for vulnerabilities, and checks for compromised data. Our portal also allows for monitoring of family members’ email addresses, helping you stay informed of any potential data breaches.
To learn more about our platform, visit Cyber Xpert. If you are an insurer, discover how Cyber Xpert can enhance your cyber insurance offerings at Cyber Solutions for Insurers.