Data breaches, malware attacks and hacking attempts are at the front of every company’s defense plan. In fact Gartner analysts say that over 50% of company cybersecurity budgets will be focused on security. As a marketer with many tech and cyber security clients, I find myself subscribed to a lot of compliance and infrastructure protection newsletters.
While the EU released GDPR, Americans are left with little protection when it comes to personal data. After all the information you have is valuable, so it should be protected. This can be as basic as using a strong password, remembering to log off public computers, updating your anti-virus, enabling 2FA or changing your Facebook posts settings from public to friends only.
As adults, most of us are aware of the risks associated with data loss. The biggest ones are fraud and identity theft. Let’s face it, we live in a highly digitized world where more and more tech is becoming a part of our routine.
There’s so many entry points for hackers to steal your information – an ATM or card reader, random apps, your Smart Home devices, that bluetooth radio system in your car, etc.
But what about the kids! How can we tell youngsters about the woes of their data when they’re surfing on their phones and tablets or doing homework on their laptops?
Kids today have been growing up with technology at a faster rate than say 10 years ago. Therefore the education about data privacy is crucial.
Thankfully, if you have a young sapling you’d like to educate there are many kid-friendly resources.
- My favorite is this awesome game from Google’s Be Internet Awesome initiative: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/interland/tower-of-treasure
In this game you can learn about collecting your data and keeping info safe against hackers. - Girls & Boys Club Cyber Kids Classes
- Savvy Cyber Kids – free resources and educational materials
- Cyberwise – focuses on providing parents and educators with a plethora of resources and interactive games for kids as well.
Yes, there are other programs and online resources as well.
TIP: If your kid or you are browsing the internet unprotected, make sure you turn on do not track. I also use Brave Browser or FireFox’s privacy browser when on mobile. Although not every site will honor this DNT request, it’s good habit.