SmartBanking Blog

Cybersecurity and Your Kids

               Good cybersecurity habits start early. As the world becomes more digital, kids are online more and more. However, teens and young adults are now some of the most targeted demographics for cyber criminals looking to steal financial data and commit identity theft. Here are some ways kids can improve their cybersecurity in various digital arenas.

Cybersecurity tips for kids…on social media

1. Review security settings to ensure profiles are private and only viewable to accepted friends lists.
2. Make screennames, passwords, and security question answers complex and not easily identifiable via personal information.
3. Avoid clicking links, especially from unknown sources.
4. Ignore messages from people not on friends lists and verify any odd or unexpected communications from friends by directly speaking to them via trusted phone numbers.
5. Avoid taking online quizzes that ask for personal information.
6. Avoid sharing personally identifiable information on social media.

Cybersecurity tips for kids…in emails

1. Scrutinize emails asking for personal information; some emails spoof legitimate schools or businesses.
2. Create email addresses that don’t give full names, personal information, or other identifiable details.
3. Make complex passwords that have at least twelve characters and a mix of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols.
4. Always think before clicking on a link and verify the destination by hovering over it.
5. Ignore emails from unknown senders.

Cybersecurity tips for kids…on devices

1. Download software updates in a timely manner to keep the most up-to-date security measures.
2. Use biometric authentication or passwords to limit access to devices.
3. Make sure to use only secure Wi-Fi networks or the device’s data.
4. Never leave devices unattended, especially in public spaces.
5. Verify apps before downloading. Some scammers spoof apps to collect personal information.

Cybersecurity tips for kids…online

1. Be selective about information that is shared and who it is shared with.
2. Remember: The internet is forever. Even if something is deleted, it can still be found.
3. Regularly review security settings on your computer, browsers, and any websites used.
4. Know that offers that seem to be too good to be true, usually are.
5. NO ONE will ever need to know passwords, usernames, online banking credentials, or account information for any legitimate reason. Anyone who asks is a scammer!
6. Like in the real world, be aware of your surroundings. Question things, verify people and links, and, overall, treat the internet with the same level of scrutiny you would dealing with the outside world.

Learning good cybersecurity habits early can save young people time and money in the long run. As they continue their journey into adulthood, protecting their financial and personal information becomes essential to their financial well-being. Start helping them create good habits early!

Sources:

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Kids%2520Cybersecurity%2520Presentation.pdf