Back-To-School Safety: A Guide to Cyber security for Kids in the Digital Age

With the school year back in full swing, parents are busy preparing their children for a successful year ahead, from managing new routines to tackling homework assignments. Amidst these preparations, one important topic is often overlooked: cybersecurity. 

In this day and age, back-to-school could mean increased exposure to technology, with students relying on the internet for aid in their education or to facilitate their growing social life – but sometimes that comes with a greater risk of cyberattacks. With more and more access to the outside world, it’s important that parents engage their children in conversations about the dangers in the digital atmosphere and equip them with the knowledge to navigate online spaces safely. 

First, let’s talk about two common types of cybersecurity attacks:

1. Phishing – Any deceitful method to convince someone into sharing personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers. The goal is to trick the victim into clicking a link prompting them to input their sensitive information directly or that will prompt them to download a software which allows scammers to unethically retrieve the information themselves.
2. Malware – Any type of software that is secretly downloaded onto someone’s device to steal personal information. Sometimes, hackers will use ‘spyware’ to view what you’re doing on a device from a remote location and collect your browsing habits or data.

But what can we do to teach our children about how to avoid falling into these tricks? Here are a few tips you can discuss with your kids to improve their cyber hygiene!

1. Be Cautious of Websites, Emails, or Ads that Offer Free Things

Sometimes phishers will lure people to share their personal information by offering them free items. This can be anything from free money, music, memberships, or games. If it seems too good to be true, you’re probably right (especially if the free items usually come at a cost) so be sure not to click on those types of offers or links. In the case that you do come across a website, email, or advertisement like this, look out for spelling or grammar mistakes – chances are it’s not coming from a reputable source!

2. Install Anti-Virus Software

If you do plan to download anything onto your computer, your best bet is to install anti-virus software, which scans for any harmful malware that may be present in the program. 

3.  If you’re Unsure, Ask!

It’s not uncommon for friends to send external links via social media suggesting to sign up for something, but sometimes hackers might steal access into their account and target the trust of their loved ones to open a link. If it seems suspicious or unlike them, don’t be afraid to message them on a separate platform to ask if it really came from them. Should you need help discerning if any other suspicious activity is real, you can always ask the opinion of a trusted adult as well.

4. Pick a Strong Password

Without strong and secure passwords, hackers can easily break into your accounts, steal your identity, or misuse your private information. A good password makes it much harder for them to guess or crack, ensuring that your digital life stays safe and secure.

• Avoid using passwords that contain personal information and can be easy to guess, such as your birthday. 
• Use longer and more complicated passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Instead of fuzzydog82 try %FuZZyD)G#84!
• Change your passwords every so often and immediately if they suspect someone knows them. 
• Don’t write down passwords where others can see them, like in notebooks or on sticky notes – and especially not around their computer.
• Avoid logging into important accounts on public Wi-Fi without a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Public networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept the data being transmitted. A VPN provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your connection, making it much harder for hackers to access your data.

5. Don’t Confide in Strangers

Sometimes strangers will pretend to be kids online and try to befriend them in an effort to either trick them into sharing personal information that could be used against them or lure children into meeting with them in person. If a stranger asks for personal information about yourself, like your parent’s name, age, or school, do not share it with them – even if you think they’re your friend! This information can be used by strangers to track your location, steal your identity, or even commit fraud.

There are so many other ways to stay cyber safe and with the right guidance, children can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while staying safe and secure online. For more children-friendly resources on cybersecurity, consider reading Fortinet’s book on Cybersecurity, Cyber Safe: A Dog’s Guide to Internet Safety.