Internet Safety Tips
Keep your family safe and computers running smoothly this school year.
It's 9:02 PM. After a long day, you're ready to stretch out and relax - but your child just told you he hasn't finished his homework. Oh, and it's due tomorrow. But the printer isn't working and the monitor has some error message. Can you fix it?
So much for a relaxing evening . . . !
You and your kids depend on your computers and digital devices to stay productive. Any problem - large or small - can quickly turn into a major headache. Don't wair for this to happen. Here are some back to shool tips to keep your kids safe, secure, and productive this year.
Tip #1, Think Protection.
Why ignore the family computer's needs until it's coughing up errors at the most inopportune times?
Keep your PC and peripheral devices fully up to date by accepting software and driver update requests from trusted vendors. These updates tell your PC and external devices how to work together.
As you add new devices, check for compatibility with your current system. As technology get more complex, it's easy to see why 32% of people find it more frustrating than ever to set up devices: more than 40% find it difficult to fix problems on their won and some 50% would prefer to do housework over fixing computer and device problems. Some problems include:
Slower computer performance
Device and PC sync issues
Printer stops printing
Strange pop-ups and error messages
Many of these errors stem from using outdated drivers and software settings. Most of them can be resolved by ensuring you have the latest updates installed.
Tip #2, Think Security.
So you have antivirus software installed. That takes care of your security needs, right? Not quite. Keeping your computers hardware running smoothly is one thing, but there are criminals out there constantly seeking their next victim. Shut them out with tight security.
Just like a tiger hunting its prey, cybercriminals often go for what they consider to be the easiest targets - children and seniors. Often, they can gain access to all of your family's private information in the most insidious way - by simply asking for it through a practice called "phishing."
Through phishing, fake websites can steal an identity in seconds. Your child may know not to talk to strangers, but will still trust their favorite website. Some phishing sites look identical to the real website, and they can prompt your child for names, addrsses, passwords, and more.
How can you combat this? Ensure that your children know to never respond to suspicious emails asking for private information - like their name and address - and to avoid clicking through any email and text message links. Links embedded in social network comments should also be avoided. Instead, type the URL (the website's address) into the browser's address bar. Also beware of clicking on hidden URLs or those that have their address masked by URL shorteners.
Some software can warn you and your kids of phishing scams, and block fake websites automatically. Some can also scan for potentially dangerous links coming through your social network's news feeds. The downside to this type of software is that it may block sites and links that you need. It may also slow your computer way down, especially when you are on the internet.
Do you worry about what your kids really do and see online? Every parent does - and for good reason.
Tip #3, Think Safety.
62% of children have had a negative internet experience
41% have had a stranger try to "friend" them on a social networking site
33% have downloaded a virus
How can you teach your kids good safey habits that will help them avoid these online dangers, but still allow them to experience everything that is worthwhile on the internet? Some programs - such as Norton Online Family - can help by giving you the tools you need to build trust, communicate openly, and work together to develope and enforce good online behavior. Many of these programs can also track your kids online activities so you can see what websites they visit, what they search for, whom they chatted with, and more. It helps keep your children safe online.
Your computer and the internet are tools - and just like any tool, kids need the proper supervision with usage. By following these tips to consider preventative, safety, and security issues, you can help ensure you and your kids have a productive, issue free school year.