How to protect children online during the coronavirus
The Internet has become a real lifeline during the crisis, helping not to completely fall out of the usual life. However, it has become even more important to keep children safe online. When schools are closed and parents work from home, children are more likely to use the internet unattended.
In this article, we look at a few of the main threats children can face online and how to protect them.
The pandemic has led to the fact that children began to spend more time on the Internet, that is, the likelihood that they will face this or that danger has increased. And there are many such dangers in the online space. Here is some of them.
Excessive openness
The Internet creates the illusion of anonymity, and children may not be aware of the possible consequences of their actions. For example, they can post personal information on a social network that allows them to establish their identity - that is, information that should not be put on public display. It can be anything from photos of awkward moments to home address or family vacation plans. Children can also post something on the Web that they will later regret publishing.
Internet bullying
Cyberbullying (also known as cyberbullying) can take many forms. The child may, for example, be sent threatening or insulting emails, SMS, messages on social networks or instant messengers, or they may even hack their email or steal an account in order to harm or humiliate.
Grooming (harassment)
Children may not know who they are actually talking to on the Internet. Online harassment can be the sending of obscene messages and sometimes material designed to lure a child into a meeting in the real world. Criminals can drag the child into an inappropriate relationship or persuade them to take pictures or videos of themselves and send them, and then use these materials to threaten the child or blackmail him.
Phishing
Email messages that criminals use to trick victims into clicking a malicious link or opening a malicious attachment are called phishing emails. They are especially dangerous for children, as they can seem like messages from people they know, such as friends or family. In addition, messengers or SMS are sometimes used for phishing - this is called SMS phishing (or “smishing”).
Hidden costs in ads and in-app purchases
Children may not recognize hidden attempts by games, apps, or websites to provoke users to spend. For example, in games for mobile devices, children can be persuaded to buy virtual items from a parent's card. In class-action lawsuits, these games are called decoys.
Extremist materials
On the Internet, children can come across materials of a radical and even extremist nature - political, religious, racist, sexually discriminatory, as well as interlocutors with relevant views.
Inappropriate, harmful, or age-inappropriate content
For example, an uncensored ad in a free game, an image of a children's cartoon in an obscene situation, or a forum where topics not suitable for children are discussed.
Random download of malware
Malicious software is programs that are installed without the knowledge or permission of the victim and can cause many problems. Cybercriminals are often tricked into downloading malware. We have already discussed one method, phishing, but cybercriminals have others in their arsenal, including disguising malware as games, which is especially attractive to children. A comprehensive security solution on all devices in the home will help protect your child's computer from such malware.
2. Make sure your child's device has the latest antivirus and software. Antivirus programs protect devices from external attacks, find and eliminate potential threats to the system and warn about them. New viruses are emerging all the time, and developers regularly improve their antiviruses to keep them effective.
3.Keep track of your children's friends lists and block any unwanted or suspicious contacts.
Reviewed by imran
on
March 18, 2021
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