Top 10 Online Privacy Tips for Families

01/06/2009 

The Internet can be a very dangerous place for children. Every year, more children log on and spend a large portion of their days communicating, learning, and living through the Internet. To make sure they are well versed in the proper way to safely use the internet, follow these ten steps to heighten their online privacy.

1. Make Privacy a Daily Habit – It's best to prepare to handle any online privacy problems well before they come up. If you are prepared to handle these issues by creating a plan with your family, you can keep from needing to retroactively make changes. Create an Internet use plan that makes provisions for every possible problem that might arise.

2. Use Built In Security Features – Use the built in features of your wireless router or computer to set passwords and firewalls for websites you consider undesirable.

3. Control Cookies and Popups – Browsers today allow you to make adjustments to the frequency of popups and cookie downloads. Turn them both off to control the flow of personal information from your children.

4. Use Antivirus and Spyware Software – If these software programs are not included with your computer when you purchase, find a way to obtain them and keep them updated. Show your children how to make updates.

5. Update Your Operating System and Privacy Software – Operating systems make adjustments and upgrades often to patch security holes and new privacy concerns. Keep yours updated at all times.

6. Keep Password Records for Family Members – By controlling access to websites and Internet resources, you can be sure your children and family members are not accessing anything they shouldn't. It also gives you control of when they change these passwords and the ability to login and check their usage for these sites.

7. Create Good Passwords – Find a good balance between passwords that are easy to remember and those that are secure. Children often need something they can easily remember without having to write it down. However, try to stay away from dictionary words, names, places, or things and integrate numbers somehow.

8. Do Not Volunteer Information – Make sure your family members understand that they cannot and should not ever volunteer their personal information to a website or person they meet online.

9. Use Online Aliases – Your family should always use an alias while online, keeping names, locations and ages to yourselves. The only exception is when it is legally necessary to provide a real name and location.

10. Review Online Activities – Review and constantly check on your family's online activities. Use monitoring software or speak with them on a regular basis to ensure they are adhering to the rules you set regarding Internet use.

To protect your children while they are online, set rules, set the computer, and consistently communicate with them the dangers of their interactions. If you can start making these adjustments early enough, you can make sure your children and family remain safe at all times.

Download Privacy Controls now and protect your PC from snoops!