Cybersecurity is an essential skill set for everyone in today’s digital and connected world. For this reason, you should teach your children about it so they can protect themselves from cyberattacks. How do you go about it, though?
In this article, you will gain a better understanding of cybersecurity and how you can efficiently teach your kids its basics.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the methods by which you protect your data and systems from unauthorized access, hackers, and cyberattacks.
These methods are divided into two categories: prevention and response. Prevention involves ensuring that cyberattacks do not occur. An example is the use of software updates. Response involves dealing with cyberattacks once they are detected. An example is the use of antivirus software.
What are cybersecurity tools?
Cybersecurity tools refer to software and programs that prevent unauthorized intrusion into a computer network or system. Some common cybersecurity tools are antivirus programs, password managers, anti-spyware programs, and firewalls.
Why should kids learn cybersecurity?
The internet helps kids to learn new things, from world news to innovations, geography, coding, etc. However, it makes them vulnerable to certain risks as well.
To mitigate these risks, you need to teach your kids about cybersecurity so that they can:
- Protect themselves from internet risks by creating a safe online environment
- Increase their awareness of how cyber attackers operate, thus enabling them to better protect themselves against potential attacks
- Teach others about cybersecurity
Tips for teaching children cybersecurity basics
Teaching your kids cybersecurity basics can be tough, especially if you don’t know much about it. Fortunately, you don’t need a computer science degree or technical know-how in cybersecurity before you can teach it to your kids. The tips below will serve as a guide on how to go about it.
Find cybersecurity resources on the internet
You need to have a foundational knowledge of cybersecurity before you can teach your kids about it. Luckily, you can educate yourself by taking online cybersecurity courses and reading cybersecurity eBooks. You can start your learning process on cyber.org, a platform that offers free courses and activities for parents and educators who want to know more about cybersecurity.
Don’t share your details with anyone
Cyber attackers can use your personal information to commit cybercrimes against you. As a result, avoid sharing too many personal details online. When you model this behavior, your kids will learn from you and this will result in their increased protection from cyberattacks.
Monitor their social media interactions
Children often use the internet for activities like social networking, streaming, and gaming. Monitoring these activities will help you identify inappropriate cyber interactions, which will help you be more proactive with their cybersecurity.
There are several parental control software you can use to monitor your children’s online activities. Examples are Norton Family, Net Nanny, Kaspersky Safe Kids, and Qustodio Parental Control.
Establish best practices
Set some cybersecurity rules for your children. To facilitate their adherence to these rules, maintain an open dialogue with them.
Here are some general cybersecurity rules you should establish.
- Exercise extreme caution about clicking on links from unknown sources
- Download apps from authorized stores like Google Play and Apple stores only
- Ensure that your antivirus program is always running in the background
- Store your online login details in a password manager
- Do not store sensitive information, like credit card details, in online accounts