Online Safety for the Whole Family - Empathia



Online Safety for the Whole Family

It’s hard to look at the news these days without seeing a new story about a data breach or risk to online security. Concerns about protecting personal information on social media and while shopping, banking, or conducting private business are constant, and many companies offer services aimed at protecting you from the risks of digital life.

While some of what happens online may be out of your control, there are a number of simple steps you can take to make sure your private information is safe. These include:

• Lock your network. Make sure your WiFi network is password protected. Be cautious about accessing sensitive personal information when you are using free WiFi in a public place.

• Change passwords often. Passwords should be changed every three to six months or whenever another person, even someone you trust, has gained access. The best passwords use a random combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and are 8-12 characters in length. Never use the same password for more than one website or app.

• Limit your online profile. Storing credit card information with online retailers is convenient, but may put your data at greater risk. Shut down accounts you no longer use, including email and social media accounts. Abandoned accounts can easily be hacked and used to make mischief.

• Keep the family computer in a public room. Does your child use a computer for homework projects or to play skill-building games? Keep the computer in a shared space and turn on parental controls.

• Monitor a teen’s smart phone or tablet use. Talk to your teen or preteen about online safety before you allow them to have their own phone or tablet. Create consistent rules about what age-appropriate apps children are allowed to have on their devices and what social media sites they may use. For older children, establish guidelines on when they are allowed to give another person a phone number or email address or post a picture online.

Whether you have concerns about online safety and security or need help to address an identity theft issue, LifeMatters can help. Call 24/7/365.

Call LifeMatters toll-free anytime. 1-800-657-3719

Resources for Life. Work. Family. Wellbeing.

(password: STMN1)

Local number: 651-259-3840

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Text “Hello” to 61295

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