Cybersecurity for Kids: Risks & Basic Tips

A big emphasis has been placed on the security of your data being breached from one of the many companies that store your data and the ramifications of that type of cybersecurity attack. But we still need to think about our internet habits and being safe at home, something many people do not give too much thought to. Cybersecurity has evolved and just not sharing your passwords is not enough to stay smart and safe on the internet. I am going to take you through kid-specific risks on the internet and some basic tips to keep them safe online.  


According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, kids ages 8 – 18 in the US spend over 7 and half hours online daily. Kids need the education that online cybersecurity courses can provide them, but to not overwhelm them it would be smart to have an adult take some cybersecurity training and then share the necessary information with the child. CompTIA A+ training will teach you the best practices to be secure online.   


Risks 

The first ever global Child Online Safety Index (2020) revealed that nearly two-thirds of children surveyed around the world are exposed to cyber risks. With kids spending so much unsupervised time online, cybersecurity and online risks are nonstop. Some risks and threats are as follows: 

  • Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the top risk that many children face and up to 45% of children are affected by cyberbullying. Whether it is on social media, in games, through email or group chat, or getting hacked by a friend and ruining your child’s reputation—a more extreme example but happened to me when I was a child—the majority of children will be affected by this.  
  • Phishing: Kids can easily fall to phishing through a fake email, text message, or get scammed on social media. 
  • Sexting: Sexting has been around for a long time, but with social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram evidence can be erased right away. Meaning even if you are checking your child’s social media activities you would have no idea of it happening.  
  • Cyber Predators: Unfortunately, there are still many people using the internet to use, control, or harm others and pretending to be someone they are not who are targeting children.  

As a parent, do not be afraid of your child using the internet, just be aware of what your child is doing and the habits of your child. If your child is an over-sharer, be sure to educate them on what they can and cannot share online. Or, if your child is curious and likes to click on things, educate them on sketchy links and what you should not click on. If you want to understand the vulnerabilities and threats of your online activities, look into a Security+ training course or a CySA+ training course.  


Tips 

Try to educate your children early on about the risks and benefits of the internet. Teach them about phishing, viruses, and even online communication etiquette. When teaching them, consider these basic tips: 

  • Be mindful what you say, post, and share online. It stays there forever and could hurt your child down the road when looking for work or applying to colleges. 
  • Be careful talking when talking with strangers. Try and teach your child that the rules of real-life and internet are the same. If you would not tell a stranger on the street personal information you would not tell a stranger online either.  
  • Watch out for scams. Phishing scams, unsecure shopping checkouts, data farming, there are so many scams that can be found online. 
  • If something looks dangerous or weird, say something. Just like in real life, encouraging your child to speak up and ask questions if something does not look right. This will also give you an insight into what websites should be restricted.   
  • Update security software and all applications on computers and mobile devices.  
  • Encourage use of unique and different passwords for all platforms.  
  • Install antivirus on computers. Children are curious and drawn to many things, they are also downloading things constantly. Installing antivirus software to secure your device from malware and other viruses. 
  • Make use of privacy settings. Social media platforms all have privacy settings you can customize. It is highly recommended to update your child’s privacy setting to private, each site differs on what you can do.  
  • Show moderation and balance. Kids follow what they see, practice moderation and be a great example by turning off your computers and putting away your phones to have screen-free time.  

 

Your child is going to be on the internet, you are going to be on the internet so it is important you all know how to use the internet safely. Interested in learning more? Look into Fundamentals+ training or Network+ training.  



Written by Lindsay McKay

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