Reading Time: 3 minutes Protecting Your Family Online
This is a collaborative post by Ellie Jo about online security for your family.
The internet is a useful tool for families. It can help you do everything from shopping to research for a school history paper. It’s hard to imagine a life without it! But with the development of the internet, there’s also been a rise in cybercrime. Many families are vulnerable to data breaches, viruses and more that can cost your family both financially and emotionally, so putting protective measures in place is important.
Are you doing all that you can to protect your family online? Take a look at the following tips to help you stay safe.
How to Protect Your Family Online
Protect your devices
If you’re going to invest in different tech for your home, then you also need to invest in its protection. Having antivirus software is important to ensure your devices aren’t left vulnerable to viruses and other dangers that could see your data being leaked. There are some simple things you can do to be more secure online, including using encrypted passwords and masking your IP address. It’s better not to take any chances.
Monitor your kids’ use
Your kids are even more vulnerable to online dangers. Educating them about cyberbullying and talking to strangers online is important to make sure they don’t find themselves in difficult situations. As a parent, you should have open conversations about online safety. You should also put measures in place to keep your kids safe online. Using phone tracking software can be a good way for you to keep an eye on your kids’ online activities and intervene if something isn’t right. While you don’t want to be too controlling, it’s important that you keep a close eye on what they get up to online.
Be careful what you post
Sometimes a simple comment can cause all kinds of security issues online. Talking about going on vacation, for example, or posting a photo that shows that you’re not at home right now could leave your home vulnerable to intruders. It’s better to post after the event and keep your privacy settings locked down to stop an innocent post from being an open invitation to your home.
Be careful about posting your personal information online too. You never know who could be using it to steal your data. Make sure your insurance policy will cover you against any online crime as well as other types of activity. You can learn to save money on a new insurance policy if it’s time to get something more comprehensive.
Being safe online involves a number of factors. But setting rules as a family and making sure everyone knows how to browse the internet safely is important. Try not to rely on the internet too much. It’s important that you and your kids remember that there’s far more to life than the internet. Try spending some quality family time each week where phones are put away and you can all enjoy each other’s company instead.
Rachel is an Austin blogger, educator, mom, wife, young breast cancer survivor writing about health, saving money, and living a happy life in Austin, Texas.
Rachel has written for HuffPost and Hometalk and has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, and CBS Austin.