safecomputing

Safe Family Computing

The internet is a marvellous resource for us all but with children as young as four now regularly using internet-enabled computers at home, it is important for parents to understand the risks they and their children can be exposed to – and how to protect their children and their computers from these risks.

Inappropriate content

Whilst the internet is a marvellous resource for children, the reality is that children will be exposed to unsuitable content unless their internet access is strictly controlled. To minimise the risks:

- Install parental control software such as Net Nanny. Many Security programs come with a parental control option.
- Be aware some “safe” sites may contain adult content – such as Google Top 100 Videos
- Locate the computer somewhere where the family can monitor web access
- Check the Internet Explorer’s history to see the sites your children have accessed
- Make sure that "safe searching" is enabled in your favourite search engines
- Talk to your children about the dangers of “the web”

Contact with inappropriate persons

Children using social networking sites and chat rooms may be contacted and targeted by adults – some posing as children. Sites such as Myspace, Bebo, Hi5 etc are very popular with young people as are some of the online gaming and chat sites. Instant Messaging, such as MSN, between friends is safe, but again the networking element means that your child may end up chatting to someone they don’t know. Key safety advice is:

- Don’t allow children under 16 years of age to use or access any social networking sites such as Myspace. Even those designed for younger children can be used by adults pretending to be children.
- Don’t allow your child to add anyone they don’t know to their Instant Messaging Contacts list. Remember that adding friends’ older siblings can expose them to their contacts and favourite websites. Check their contact lists regularly.
- Ensure that Instant Messaging history is enabled so that you can check the content of discussions.
- Your child’s email address or usernames for any online activity should not identify them as a child or provide any personally identifiable information.
- Once again, explain to your child that people on the web may not be who they say they are and that they should not give any personal information out.

Theft of Data

There are a number of risks associated with financial transactions and identity theft online. Many of you will have received phishing emails from “banks” asking for your account details. The simple rule with these is to ignore them. No banks or companies will email you asking for security information.

The recent growth of wireless networking within the home allows us to access the web and to shop online from our armchairs. Unless your wireless network is secured, there is a risk that your data can be intercepted. All wireless access points in the UK have encryption software built in and you should ensure that it is enabled.

Online shopping with reputable companies is as safe or safer than actually visiting a shop. To keep yourself safe, do not enter your credit card details into a website if you are unsure about the company, or if you think the site may have been compromised. It is very easy for criminals to “spoof” a web address.

Malware

Malware comprises any software that is designed to use/harm your system, steal your data or to try to divert you to commercial sites. Everyone should at the very least run a good anti-virus software on their pc’s but also anti-spyware software is a must. Some security programs come with combined firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and parental control . No matter how good your security software is, it is still very easy for your children to download and unknowingly infect your pc – most “free” downloads bring spyware with them. The simple rules are:

- Regularly scan your pc for spyware and viruses
- Use a router to access the internet and make sure its firewall is enabled
- Do not allow your children to download any software without checking with you first
- Do not open unexpected email attachments even if you know the sender
- Turn off Preview Pane in your email program (to avoid the email being auto opened)
- Do not use peer-to-peer sharing services – but if you must, then never download “exe” files
- Set your internet browser’s security as high as possible

If you would like a security review of your home computers or have any other technology support requirements, call Unwired4 Ltd 0870 11 66 134 or email safety@unwired4/com