As it has been since time immemorial (or at least since about the mid-2000s) technology is a favored gift during the Christmas (or if you prefer, “Holiday”) season.
Smart devices drive Santa lists, Amazon’s gift registry’s, and many parent’s December budgets. After they are opened and the squealing ends, they are connected up to the nearest WiFi connection and unleashed on the Internet where bad guys sit ready to probe them for vulnerabilities and exploitation.
So before you allow your loved ones to drive headlong into that abyss, here are some things you should consider doing first to lessen the likelihood that you will be looking me up on LinkedIn to ask how to contact your local FBI office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
For Internet-connected devices:
Change default admin and passwords for any IOT-related devices.
Set up automatic updates for Desktops, Laptops, Phones, Tablets, etc....
Install a VPN client on devices you'll be traveling with.
For all new device, use LONG passwords and MFA (where available).
Install security software on devices like computers and smartphones.
Set timely backups where appropriate.
Understand and USE Device Security features (biometrics, lock screen requirements and so on).
Monitor Accounts and Devices
Educate others and make them CyBUr Smart!
As it pertains specifically to your kid’s devices and online accounts:
For your kid's stuff:
Create a kids account under your parental account. DO NOT give your kid full admin access. Restrict downloads as appropriate.
Avoid TIK TOK, no matter how much your child begs (you'll thank me for this- trust me!
If this is the year you allow your kids to get on Social Media, create rules and be their FIRST FRIEND/CONTACT and don't allow them to remove you.
Make them used to creating and using LONG passwords, and MFA.
Utilize parental controls and monitoring. At a minimum, tell them you are monitoring their accounts (even if not true- how will then know!?!?)
Encourage open communication. Kids will feel shame if victimized. They must be able to come to you with problems.
Discuss online reputation. Help your children understand that what they do online can impact their reputation and have real-world consequences.
Familiarize YOURSELF with Technology. You won’t be effective if your kid knows more than you. When they are in their 20s, then let them be smarter….
Monitor (if not outright control) Online purchases.
Location sharing awareness: Teach your children about the risks associated with sharing their location online and ensure location sharing is off on their devices.
Be a digital parent, not a digital friend.
Most of your kids will want/beg/plead to be on Social Media. You will probably give in ultimately. If you do AVOID TIK TOK!! Let me say that again, AVOID TIK TOK! Contact me directly if you want to know why (that is a whole Substack article in and of itself).
But if you let them have Instagram, Snapchat, or whatever (so long as it is NOT TIK TOK), I developed a list of social media rules for my kids when they were in their teens and wanted to be on Facebook (when FB was big with the kids). I honestly don’t remember all the rules, so I came up with a new set of rules for 2024 that you are welcome to use, and claim as your own:
YOU WILL NOT DOWNLOAD OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT ON TIK TOK - EVER?
You must obtain my permission before creating any social media accounts.
I will be your first friend/contact on any social media platform,
I reserve the right to remove any post of an image on YOUR social media account.
I reserve the right to remove friends I find inappropriate, don’t know, or suspect of not being who they say they are.
You will follow the example set by your parents in responsible social media use.
You will not use any devices in the bedroom during bedtime hours.
You will not share your real-time location on social media.
You will not “tag” family members in pictures posted on social media (unless the subject of the post agrees).
You will always treat others with respect and kindness in your online interactions. THIS MEANS NO BULLYING!
You will report any bullying against you, or other bad actions to me immediately. Do not deal with this on your own. Let me help.
You will let me know of any inappropriate content or behavior you encounter on social media.
You understand and accept that your social media usage will be monitored periodically for safety purposes.
You will not share personal information such as your home address, phone number, or school details on social media.
You will think carefully before posting or sharing anything online, understanding that it can remain online indefinitely. In other words, I expect you to act responsibly online.
You will set your privacy settings to the highest level to protect your information.
You understand that any violation of these rules will result in suspension of your social media accounts.
Feel free to add more rules I might have forgotten-. You can’t have too many!
I hope you find value in this information and have a safe and Merry Christmas and Holiday Season.
Darren