The Internet is a wonderful and useful invention that makes it easy to learn, work, communicate and shop. However, do not forget that the World Wide Web is not always a safe place. On the Internet, there is a risk of becoming a victim of scams, cyber attacks, viruses, etc. How to protect a modern child who spends a lot of time online from all this?
In this article, we'll talk about cybersecurity.
What is cybersecurity?
This is a set of steps you must take to protect yourself online.
These include:
- keeping personal information (name, home address, school number, credit card, personal account password, etc.) secret; respecting other people on the Internet;
- the ability to determine whether to trust a person online by their behavior;
- care when downloading information from the network, etc.
Why is it important to teach children how to behave safely online?
Children are more impulsive and naive than adults. They don't always think about the consequences of their actions and are often at risk: it is much easier for cybercriminals to “catch” them into their insidious networks.
Due to the active development of computer technologies, the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime is increasing every day. Statistics show that cybercriminals include children and teenagers, whose number has increased significantly in recent years. This also suggests that ordinary children are at risk, as they tend to trust their peers to a greater extent.
Be careful! It's cyber safe!
There are various types of cyber security on the internet. Let's get to know each one of them.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber scam that involves trying to trick you into revealing personal information. This usually happens through emails, messages, or through websites that look like they're owned by a legitimate company.
Piracy
This type of online fraud includes the illegal sharing of copyrighted material. This can be music, movies, software, texts, and more. This kind of file sharing may seem innocent, but it can be severely punished.
Cyberbullying or cyberstalking
Threatening behavior or unwanted flirting using the Internet, email, social media, or text messages.
Malicious software
It includes viruses that are designed to damage a computer or steal personal information.
Obscene material
They include any content that is not intended for children.
Revealing the details of life
On social media, many adults and children share personal photos and information about themselves, which can be used by scammers.
Cybersecurity tips: how to protect your child?
- Set parental control mode on your child's gadgets.
- Learn as much as you can about the dangers online to teach children about it. Don't wait for things to happen, but do it well in advance.
- Teach kids how to keep all personal information and passwords private. Change your passwords regularly.
- Explain to children that photos and texts they share on social media can be shared with the whole world! Let the child learn to decide what he can and cannot put on public display.
- Encourage kids to let you know about any problem that happens to them online without keeping a secret.
- Show your child special cybersecurity training videos. The more you and your child are aware of the potential risks, the better!
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