Making Your Laptops Kid-Safe
Using mobile devices is popular with virtually every age group, but kids are also using desktops and laptops more than ever. However, any type of computing is not without its dangers. Maintaining security is crucial for anyone who uses a computer or mobile device that connects to the Internet. Online safety involves keeping personal information secure with antivirus software as well as parental supervision and controls on online activity.
Basic Online Safety
Maintaining anonymity online is the best way to stay safe while using the Internet. Instruct kids to keep private information such as their full name, address, phone number, Social Security number, banking information, passwords, and photos offline as much as possible. Use the privacy settings on Web browsers and websites to protect personal information, and avoid unscrupulous websites designed to capture personal information.
Always choose strong passwords that include uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Make rules about what's appropriate to post on social media, and check kids' social media activity regularly to make sure that all is well. Tell kids to ask for guidance first if they're ever unsure about whether it's safe or appropriate to post something.
- Online Safety
- Top Ten Internet Safety Rules and What Not to Do Online
- Online Safety Tips
- Introduction to Internet Safety
- Protect What's Important to You
Viruses
Think of a computer virus as similar to a human virus that passes from person to person by sneezes and coughs. Viruses are bits of malicious code that are inserted into documents or programs. Once these files are installed on a computer, the code can execute to harm the computer system by corrupting systems or destroying data. Computer viruses spread via text message and email attachments, by Internet downloads, and by scam links found on websites and social media platforms.
To avoid viruses, always browse the Internet cautiously. Avoid sketchy websites, don't download files or click unknown links, and don't open attachments unless you're sure about the sender and the contents. A desktop or laptop might be infected with a computer virus if it suddenly begins operating erratically or slowly, if it starts crashing, or if you have an unexplained loss of data.
- What Is a Computer Virus?
- What Is a Computer Virus, and How Can I Protect My Computer?
- What Is a Computer Virus?
- How Do Computer Viruses Work?
- Computer Viruses and Their Types
- Malware, Botnets, and Ransomware
- What Is the Difference Between Malware and a Virus?
Antivirus Programs
Antivirus software is software that you install on your computer that scans all incoming files to block harmful ones. Antivirus software has to be continually updated and upgraded by manufacturers so it stays up to date with current threats. When files and programs contain code that match these threats, the software blocks, isolates, and removes the harmful files and programs so they can't damage the computer.
Antivirus software also includes a scanning process that will examine all of the files on a computer to find harmful ones. Users need to set up a scanning schedule so it will run regularly. It's also possible to run a manual scan if a computer suddenly begins acting erratically.
- How Do Antivirus Programs Work?
- How Does Antivirus Software Work?
- Understanding Antivirus Software
- How Does Antivirus Software Work?
- What Is Antivirus Software, and How Does it Work?
Online Identity Protection
Following online safety rules helps protect you from identity theft, which might involve compromising personal information such as your driver's license number, your Social Security number, or banking information. Always use strong passwords, don't use the same password for multiple websites and platforms, and use two-factor authentication when possible. Use a password manager to keep track of passwords. Set privacy settings to the most stringent level, and avoid allowing other websites to sign you in using your social media credentials. If you no longer use online accounts, close them.
Phishing emails and text messages may try to deceive you into sharing personal information. Always ignore and delete these messages: Never click links sent to you. It's also a good idea to avoid sharing too much information on social media platforms. Teach kids to limit the amount of details and information they share, too.
- How Do You Protect Your Personal Information Online?
- Five Ways to Help Protect Your Personal Information Online
- Protecting Your Privacy Online
- Cybersecurity 101: Protect Your Privacy From Hackers, Spies, and the Government
- Ten Easy Steps to Protect Your Personal Information and Detect Fraud
- 12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online
Resources
- Facts About Bullying
- The Real-Life Effects of Cyberbullying on Children
- Cyberbullying Definition
- Setting Up Parental Controls on Google Play
- Use Parental Controls on Your Child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
- Parental Controls on Laptops, Phones, and Tablets
- How to Set Parental Controls on All of Your Devices
- Parental Controls
- What Are Parental Controls, and How Can They Keep Children Safe Online?
