In the digital age, being cautious and taking precautions may not be enough, but it is essential.
The 21st century is the era of the internet. Everyone uses the internet, be it a student or a corporate employee. The internet has numerous merits and these advantages are increasing day by day with advancement in technology. But, having all the advantages all does mean one should be ready to face the problems associated with the internet as well.
Cybersecurity tops the problem chart.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is composed of two words Cyber meaning relating to computers, and security means the state of being free from danger or threat. So, cybersecurity deals with those applications of technologies that are designed to protect any network, any system. from cyberattacks.
As it is rightly said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to destroy it.” We must understand the importance of cybersecurity and hence in this article we will discuss the importance and need of the same especially when it is a matter for children, who spend most of their day online.
Cybersecurity, a must for children
According to a survey, it has been found that children and young adults are more prone to cyberattacks as compared to adults because of the lack of basic knowledge of cybersecurity.
The Internet has become an inseparable part of children’s life so parents must ensure that they do follow the below-mentioned tips to ensure their child’s safety:
- Secure the devices
Latest updates must be ensured in the device which is used by children so that proper security features like a firewall can be maintained properly to safeguard personal details from cyberattacks.
- Proper guidance from parents to children
Parents must talk to their children about cybersecurity because children are easily attracted to e-games, social media etc. which are prime targets for cyberattacks. Children must be reminded regularly that they should never share their details with anyone on social media. Moreover, they should be taught about the consequences of sharing personal details and made aware of the threats.
- Strong Passwords
Passwords act as the primary defence source for any online application including social media so their patterns and security must be properly taken into consideration so that no one can access your account. Moreover, parents must encourage their children to use complex passwords with the use of proper symbols.
- Negligible use of public networks
Public networks like ones that are present on railway stations, airports etc. are very prone to cyberattacks. Parents must keep an eye on their children so that they won’t use such public networks except in case of extreme emergency conditions.
- Social media protection
Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc. are having a minimum joining age policy of 13 years but still many underage users join these applications. Parents must monitor their child’s activity on social media and use various available parental controls to protect them from various attacks.
- Social life out of social media
Children must be encouraged to spend quality time off the screen with their friends and family so that they won’t get addicted to the internet and its resources. Also, they should engage themselves in various creative works like book reading, sports etc. which will help in mental as well as physical development.
- Knowledge-based on various cyberattacks
Last but not the least, children must be informed about different types of cyberattacks and cybersecurity along with their respective sources. Some of these cyberattacks are very common and are mentioned below:
- Password attacks
- Ransomware
- One of the most common forms of cyberattack is phishing. An example includes E-mails which are an integral part of almost every age group. E-mails that ask for money or any other confidential information should be directly avoided and reported as well.
Cybersecurity categories
- Cloud security (protects data on cloud storage, in easy words that data which is stored online)
- Network Security (it helps to guide internal networks of a user with outside threats, a common example of network security is anti-virus)
- Application security (to protect data on applications children are using)
Advantages of being cyber secure
- Avoids freezing and crashing of the device
- Protects from theft and sometimes plagiarism also
- Protects privacy and increases productivity
- Protects from the adware (unwanted advertisements): This is a very important aspect of cybersecurity because children get easily fascinated by various advertisements and sometimes harmful ones as well. But this can be prevented by effective use of the methods of cybersecurity.
Key Takeaways
It is a fact that the use of the internet for children can’t be stopped but effective use can be put into practice. This is possible only with the help of cybersecurity which should be implemented by both children as well as their parents and that too as part of their daily lives.
Also published on Medium.