The internet opens up a world of opportunities for the children to learn new things. It provides them access to a broad spectrum of information on diverse topics, a chance to interact with people from all across the world and a medium to express their opinions. At the same time, internet also poses many security risks for the children, making them an easy target for the cyber criminals and hackers.

Here are some internet safety tips to help children make the most out of the virtual space:

Use Internet Together

Browsing websites together with your kids will make them familiar with the security measures that they need to follow. Teach them about hackers, malicious software and common online threats, such as malware, spyware, identity theft etc. This will help you develop a comfort level with your children and make it easier for them to open up about their online experiences, either positive or negative.

Have Access To Your Child’s Computer

Make sure you have complete access to your child’s computer. Keep a check on what types of websites have been accessed and what files or programs are downloaded. If possible, monitor the IM applications, chat rooms and the email received by the child. You can also set parental controls to block inappropriate websites and limit the amount of time your kids can use the internet.

Encourage Your Child Not To Disclose Personal Information Online

Children must be encouraged not to share their personal information, including home address, school name, contact number, passwords etc., with anyone over the internet. Stop them from posting photos or videos online without your approval. Tell them the importance of signing out of all their online accounts each them they access them, particularly on public computers. Make them aware about creating strong and complex passwords as well as keeping them strictly confidential.

Keep Your Computer System Protected

Keep your computer’s operating system and web browser updated to protect against any hacking attacks. Download and frequently update anti-virus software, spam-blocker, firewall etc. to detect any malicious program or file. Also, make sure that they do not open or download attachments in emails from unknown sources. Software should also be downloaded from credible sources and updated from time to time.

For more tips on increasing online security for your kids, feel free to contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 – 9654.

Phishing is one of the most prevalent forms of cybercrimes targeted at stealing personal information and financial data. It involves tricking the users into opening spam URLs or entering sensitive details in malicious websites that have been disguised as legitimate ones. Such attacks are usually launched through pop-ups and false emails.

Here’s how one can protect against phishing attacks:

• Be wary of emails: Make sure you do not respond to emails that ask for your bank account details, credit card number or other financial information. Legitimate organizations do not request such information through emails. Phishing emails aren’t usually addressed directly to the recipient and create a sense of urgency in order to elicit quick response.
• Never click on links embedded in emails: Hyperlinks or URLs attached in the emails may be spoofed to direct you to a malicious website. Hence, you should never click on links, open attachments or download files that you receive from an unknown sender. Instead, type in the URL directly into your web browser to ensure that the website you are visiting is authentic.
• Be cautious of pop-ups: When browsing a website, be careful if you see too many unrequired pop-ups. You should not click on the pop-up or copy any link to your browser’s address bar. Also, do not enter any personal details as credible organizations do not ask to submit such information in pop-up screens.
• Confirm security of the website: Before entering your personal or financial details, conduct a complete security check to protect yourself from phishing attacks. The website URL should start with “https://” instead of “http://” and there should be a padlock icon in the address bar. This signifies that the website uses encryption to ensure privacy of your confidential data.
• Enhance the security of your computer: Keep your computer protected with the most up-to-date firewall, spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You should also update your operating system and web browser regularly. Make sure all the software on your computer is downloaded and installed from credible sources.
• Check bank details regularly: Keep a check on all your online transactions, bank accounts and credit card statements to identify if any unauthorized transactions have been made. If there are any irregularities, you should immediately report it your bank or credit card provider.

For more tips to prevent phishing attacks, feel free to contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 – 9654.