“Every device in a child’s hands is a gateway to a vast world, both educational and risky,” states Josh Gordon, a cybersecurity expert from Geonode. As kids gear up to return to the classrooms, their smartphones can serve as valuable tools for learning and staying connected. Yet, these devices also pose potential risks if not adequately secured.
Here are the top seven smartphone settings cybersecurity experts recommend parents enable to keep their children safe as they head to school.
- Control App Installations
Use parental control features available in both Android and iOS to restrict app installations. Approve app downloads yourself and explain to your child why downloading apps from unknown sources can be harmful. This layer of protection is vital in shielding children from harmful material and potential financial risks.
- Enable GPS Tracking
Use location services smartly. Enabling this feature allows you to keep track of your child’s whereabouts for safety. Services like Find My Device on Android or Find My iPhone on iOS can be life-savers in situations where your child misplaces their phone or in worse scenarios.
- Update Privacy Settings and Social Media Controls
Adjust app permissions to the bare minimum required for functionality. Limit apps’ access to camera, microphone, location, and contacts where not necessary. Cybersecurity experts recommend restricting who can see your child’s posts and personal details. This reduces the risk of online predators gaining access to your child’s information, a critical step in ensuring their online safety.
- Enable Emergency SOS Features
Smartphones today come equipped with emergency SOS features that can be lifesavers. By enabling this setting, your child can quickly send an alert to you or emergency services if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. This quick access to help is invaluable in emergencies where every second counts.
- Safe Browsing and Internet Filters
Implementing safe browsing settings and internet filters helps block access to malicious websites. Children often explore the internet unsupervised, especially during school breaks. These filters protect them from stumbling upon harmful content or phishing sites, making their online experience safer.
- Set Up a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra security layer when kids use public Wi-Fi networks at school or in public libraries. “A VPN encrypts internet traffic, making it far more difficult for hackers to access transmitted data,” explains Josh Gordon. Parents should ensure the VPN app is reliable and straightforward for kids to use.
- Set Up Secure Screen Locks
It’s simple but essential; ensure your child’s phone is protected with a secure lock screen. Opt for a random PIN that does not include easily guessed numbers like birthdays or sequential digits. Patterns, passwords, or biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition offer additional layers of security.
Josh Gordon emphasizes that while setting up these features, it’s also crucial to discuss with your children why they’re necessary. “Dialogue about cybersecurity can empower them to make smarter decisions and understand the value of privacy and security in the digital world,” he notes.
Next Steps for Parents:
- Review these settings and apply them as needed.
- Have ongoing conversations with your children about the importance of cybersecurity.
- Stay informed about the latest in digital security to continuously optimize settings.
By taking proactive steps today, you can help create a safer tomorrow for your tech-savvy kids.
If you opt to use the research, please attribute the source: https://geonode.com/