• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
    • Secure360
    • UMSA
    • Get Involved
  • Events
    • Secure360 2021
    • Student360
    • Past Events
      • 2020 Secure360 Twin Cities
      • 2020 Student360
      • 2019 Secure360 Twin Cities
      • 2019 Student360
      • 2018 Secure360 Twin Cities
      • 2018 Secure360 Wisconsin
      • 2018 Student360
      • 2017 Secure360 Twin Cities
      • 2017 Student360
      • 2016 TC Secure360 Conference
      • 2015 Secure360 Conference
      • 2014 Secure360 Conference
      • 2013 Secure360 Conference
        • 2013 Secure360 Conference Speaker Presentations
      • 2012 Secure360 Conference
  • For Sponsors
    • Secure360 Twin Cities
    • Student360 Sponsors
  • For Speakers
    • Secure360 Speaker Details
    • Student360 Speaker Details
  • Blog
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • Vimeo

Secure360

How and why to talk to kids about cybersecurity

March 31, 2015 by Secure360 and UMSA

kids on tablet

Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo

In this day and age, kids, of all ages need to know about cyber security. They have access to the Internet on tablets, phones, computers and even on their toys; with that access, they could be putting themselves—or others—at risk.

Why kids need to know about cybersecurity

Kids are far more trusting than adults and for that reason, you teach them not to talk to strangers – but what about on the Internet? Have you discussed talking to strangers online and that people are not always who they say they are or truthful online? Hackers can pose as anyone online. They can ask your kids seemingly innocent questions that give them the information they need to steal your identity or they could trick your child into downloading malware.

How about pay-to-play games? Has your child ever asked for your credit card to buy credits on their favorite app? Well, sometimes they don’t ask. And sometimes, the games they play are not secured. Your child could be giving your credit card information to hackers in exchange for an extra life on a video game.

How to talk to kids about cybersecurity

There are myriad of reasons why kids should know about cybersecurity, and as a security professional, you’re well aware of the risks. Here are some suggestions when it comes to talking to your kids about those risks and those tough cybersecurity topics in terms they will understand.

  • Don’t talk to strangers: Whether it is on social media, in a chat room or in your email, don’t talk to people you don’t know. Alert an adult if someone is persistent.
  • Ask before sharing: Talk to an adult before entering contests or signing up for new accounts. Do not give out your name, address, age, phone number, birthday, email address, where you go to school, and other facts about you unless an adult says it is OK.
  • Beware of tricks: Just like in real life, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone who says they will give you a free phone or concert tickets is likely trying to trick you into giving up personal information.
  • Age limits are set for a reason: Even though your children may want to have their own devices or set themselves up on social media channels, be advised that there are rules as to how old children can be for such things. And although the rules don’t always protect against hackers and cybercriminals, they are good guidelines to follow. It’s always good to know the privacy policies and guidelines for different online platforms.

Kids may be trusting, but they are also smart. Talk to them about cybersecurity regularly and they will listen. And you will feel better about their safety online.

Filed Under: Cybersecurity

About Secure360 and UMSA

The Secure360 and UMSA team is made up of professionals in the security and risk management industries. Topics of expertise range from physical security, IT, risk management, cybersecurity, cloud, information security and records management.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angel Healy says

    March 22, 2016 at 3:53 am

    That’s why kids shouldn’t really be exposed to the internet for a very long period of time to prevent these risks. But if it’s inevitable, I would like to suggest that there should be a specialized program that can be installed in a device to guide kids and prevent them from accessing web threats. For example, there would be a prompt when a kid has gone too far from browsing and if they would be accessing a risky site.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Uncategorized
  • Guest Posts
  • Business Continuity Management
  • News and Events
  • Physical Security
  • Cybersecurity
  • Professional Development
  • Risk and Compliance

latest tweets

  1. Marketing Envy
    Marketing Envy: [New Blog] 2020 saw in-person conferences evaporate, but with vaccines rolling out, 2021 could be different. H… https://t.co/4YONwZNsDa
    about 17 hours ago

  2. Secure360 Conference
    Secure360 Conference: We are honored to be listed on the Top 20 Cyber Conferences for 2021 -> https://t.co/MnrQ3E5ifw
    about 2 days ago

  3. Secure360 Conference
    Secure360 Conference: Fascinating stuff about the shift from brick & mortar to e-commerce, from Diamond Sponsor @cisco! https://t.co/4GaYGQKZ1a
    about 4 days ago

Footer

Contact

For more information about UMSA events, contact: Marie Strawser

Email List Signup

Join our email list for monthly Secure360 news and updates!




Join our tradeshow email list for updates on sponsorship opportunities and upcoming exhibitor deadlines.

Sponsored by:
© 2021 Secure360. All rights reserved.