With the new school year upon us, most parents will be frantically searching for the various uniform items, stationary products and digital devices that their children and young adults will need for their academic pursuits. But one extremely important area that can be overlooked is how to ensure the online safety of the students in day-to-day life. It’s not that parents don’t care, quite the opposite, rather that it can be hard to know what threats exist and how to guard against them.
All Gen is a company that has been on the forefront of protecting the digital aspects of life for decades, thanks to its brands such as Norton and Avast, and here are some of its practical tips on how to ensure your children don’t fall victim to the darker elements that lurk online.
Young people live so much of their online lives through social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat. It can be hugely distressing then if those accounts get hacked and then used to put up nasty posts or send direct messages to people in their contacts. This kind of technique can also be used to bully a child, with their public profile being used to support things they oppose or causing trouble with friends or fellow students if rude or suggestive messages are sent in their name. Worst of all, once inside an account, hackers can change the password so that the child is locked out.
Password protection is key to stopping this, as kids can be prone to using the same passwords for all sites, which means if someone can get hold of one, then they have complete control over the child’s digital profile.
This can be avoided by teaching them to use different account details for their apps, never sharing the details with anyone, setting up multi-factor authentication, installing antivirus software to prevent malware attacks, or using a password manager that can create unique and difficult-to-hack logins for their accounts.
If you’re worried that your child might be the victim of this kind of intimidatory behaviour or other forms of cyberbullying, then you can visit the National Bullying Helpline for more advice. September 2024 is Cyberbullying awareness month, so it’s good to know there’s help available for this serious problem.
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Getty Images
Getty Images
Webcam hijacks
One scary technique used by hackers is to gain control of the webcam on a laptop or phone, then watch the owner. If the device is in their bedroom, then it can mean that the hacker watches them undress and can even take photos. These can then be used to blackmail the terrified target, or any information gathered can be employed to manipulate the child or young adult.
This hack is usually achieved by either sending phishing emails that include links to click on which then download malware to the device. It’s easy to fall for the bait and can lead to very distressing outcomes.
Usually, you can see if the webcam is active thanks to the light next to the lens that comes on when it’s in use. This can be disabled by advanced hacking techniques, so we’d advise placing a piece of electrical tape over the lens when it’s not needed. Closing a laptop when it’s not in use is also a good idea, as is putting phones face down. You can read more about how to deal with this problem in Norton’s How to know if someone is watching you through your phone camera guide.
VPN for public Wi-Fi
As young people are now out by themselves with their phones or laptops, there’s a good chance that they’ll be using public Wi-Fi for getting online. While authentic networks are fine to use, it’s not hard for hackers to set up fake ones that can then take the unwary kids to versions of websites that steal their information. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use a VPN when logging onto public networks, as these encrypt all information so hackers can’t see what the kids are doing.
Identity theft
Another scary attack that is common is identity theft. This can be triggered by malware that scans emails, web activity and other documents to find National Insurance details or other personal data. These are then used to set up various accounts, all of which can end up ruining a young adult’s credit score, meaning they might struggle to get student loans when going on to further education or trying to rent accommodation.
Being a victim of identity theft can come down to factors that are completely outside of your and their control. But ensuring that they keep their devices free of malware, not sharing images that might contain sensitive information, and generally looking after their data can help protect them. If you want more information on how you can deal with this issue, you can read the Norton guide on Identity Theft.
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Getty Images
Getty Images
How to keep on top of all the threats
As you can see, protecting your child online can be a monumental task. That’s why you should employ a range of tactics to keep them safe. Along with the tips mentioned above, there are also a range of software solutions that can help carry the heavy burden of fighting off the hackers.
Security legend Norton has several packages designed specifically to prevent malware and other infiltration techniques from compromising a child’s online life. Norton 360 Deluxe includes antivirus and malware protection, a password manager, VPN, privacy monitor and parental controls that can be used on 5 devices. There’s a Back to School deal available until 12 September 2024, so you can get the first year’s subscription for £19.99, which is a saving of 33%! If you want coverage for up to 10 devices, plus identity restoration support, credit alerts and stolen wallet assistance, then the Norton 360 Advanced package is also on sale, with the first year’s subscription down 29% to £24.99.
Another excellent option is Avast One, which offers support for 3 devices and comes with malware protection, a VPN, password monitoring, webcam protection, scam email warnings, and plenty of other security features. It’s also available on a Back to School special deal until 12 September 2024 which means it only costs £22.69 for the first year.
Ensuring your child remains safe online can feel overwhelming, but by taking a few practical steps, educating them on the dangers, as well as getting a helping hand from specialised apps, you can help them avoid the threats and enjoy everything that the internet and their devices have to offer.
