How to get your kids interested in cyber security?

Getting less tech-savvy family members, especially teenagers and younger children, interested in computer security is a thankless task. It is necessary to teach them the implications of security breaches along with the importance of preventive measures.

Children and young adults are more vulnerable to security risks like viruses, phishing websites and other worms. Moreover, they are also exposed to social media risks and scams that use social engineering to convince victims to click on fake links or provide personal information. Cyberbullying is another danger of social media, as are online predators and other attackers.

We must assume that younger members in a household need greater guidance and help with security matters since it is in their nature to be curious and slightly careless. Every parent has their own way to handle such issues but one needs to ensure that such dangers are being handled in the right manner.

Implement a degree of fun in the learning process
When one involves an element of fun for youngsters, the response received is better and faster. There are multiple tools and interactive programs that can be used for this. Children love playing games so if one interlaces the learning in a gamification process, the rewards reaped are positive.

Effectively communicate the risks involved
It is crucial to talk to young individuals and to clearly explain the risks of security hazards. Children need to understand why something is wrong. If this teaching is imparted with real world examples it will be processed and understood better. This involves a fair amount of research and study by a parent, so this is something one should be prepared for.

Do not impose unreasonable rules
As children approach their teenage years, excessive rules and limitations worsen things. If a parent sets unreasonable computer usage rules that are not negotiable, the youngster will simply access the Internet from someplace else. One needs to encourage healthy communication. This involves acceptance that there is objectionable content over the web and being prepared for the day a child is exposed to such material.

Make use of appropriate tools
Quick Heal offers a Parental Control feature that must be used wisely for this very purpose. It allows the use of content filters for age appropriate content, usage controls for enforced time limits, usage management tools that embed learning with usage and various options for monitoring as well.

Here are some more points about cyber security to discuss with children:

• Where is the Internet primarily accessed from?
• What are the rules for web access from smartphones?
• How much time is spent online?
• What is the web mainly used for?
• Are social media guidelines being followed?
• Is there awareness about safety precautions for online financial transactions?
• Is there awareness about pornographic and violent content?

For more information on Quick Heal Parental Control and how to configure it effectively, click on the following link:

Quick Heal helps you keep yourself and your family updated about the latest security threats. Internet security cannot be achieved instantly; it is a continuous and delicate process. Importantly, children should not be discouraged from sharing their online experiences.