Article courtesy of Cyber Nut
Back-to-School Safety: Tips From A Cybersecurity Specialist
As students eagerly start their first day back at school after the Easter break, parents must be vigilant about the potential risks lurking in the digital world. In today’s society, where technology plays a central role in kids’ lives, understanding and mitigating these risks is paramount.
Oliver Page, CEO of CyberNut sheds light on the potential pitfalls parents should be aware of to ensure their children’s safety and privacy.
Cyberbullying: Protecting Students From Digital Harassment
The digital realm presents various online threats that can compromise students’ safety and privacy. One significant risk is cyberbullying, where individuals use digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or humiliate others. Oliver warns, ‘Cyberbullying can have serious consequences on a child’s mental and emotional well-being, making it imperative for parents to monitor their children’s online interactions.’
Phishing Attacks: Guarding Against Deceptive Emails
Another prevalent threat is phishing attacks, where cybercriminals attempt to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. Oliver advises, ‘Students may be targeted with phishing emails disguised as messages from their school or educational platforms. It’s essential to educate children about the importance of verifying the authenticity of online communications.’
Exposure To Inappropriate Content: Shielding Children From Harmful Material
In addition to cyberbullying and phishing attacks, parents must also be wary of their children encountering inappropriate content online. This includes exposure to violence, adult content, or other materials unsuitable for their age. Implementing robust parental controls and regularly monitoring online activities can help mitigate the risk of children accessing harmful material.
Falling Victim To Fake News: Building Critical Thinking Skills
Moreover, kids are increasingly exposed to fake news and misinformation online, which can shape their perceptions and beliefs. Parents should educate their children about the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming information online. Teaching them to question sources, verify information, and think critically about what they encounter on the internet can help inoculate them against the influence of false information.
Protecting Against Online Risks
To safeguard against online risks, Oliver offers this practical advice for parents:
Establish Open Communication
Foster a supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns.
Educate Them About Online Safety
Teach children about safe internet practices, including the importance of strong passwords, privacy settings, and recognizing potential threats.
Implement Parental Controls
Utilize parental control software and privacy settings to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor online activities.
Stay Informed
Stay updated on emerging online threats and technologies to better protect your child in the digital world.
Oliver summarizes, ‘Empowering children with knowledge and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness is key to navigating the digital landscape safely and responsibly.’
About CyberNut
CyberNut is a security awareness training solution built exclusively for schools. CyberNut’s automated campaigns train your school’s faculty, staff, & students to recognize and report the phishing emails and deep fake Al scams that are targeting your school district, making CyberNut the easiest and the most painless security awareness training solution to implement and manage for school IT departments.
Article courtesy of Cyber Nut
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