Archives - Family Safety


Activate administrator privileges to protect your family

If you have a family or shared computer, make sure your loved ones are safe by adding administrator controls to restrict downloads and installations. Many modern operating systems allow you to require approval from an administrator (i.e., primary user) before executing scripts, device drivers and system firmware. To set up an account as an administrator […]

Parental controls aren’t just for kids

Parental controls are generally used to protect children from certain things on the internet, allowing them to browse freely without the risk of coming across harmful content. But they can be used by adults to protect themselves from potential security risks too. Delve into the specifics of parental control settings — such as blocking gambling […]

For child safety, partition your computer into separate user accounts

Many operating systems have the choice of making a multiple user accounts, one for each user. If you’re worried that your child may accidentally access, modify, and/or delete your files, you can give them a separate account and decrease the amount of access and number of privileges they have. If you don’t have separate accounts, […]

Teach kids about avoiding scams while gaming

Many games now include in-game currencies and microtransactions through which players can obtain new items or features. Scammers attempt to take advantage of these systems by selling fully-upgraded accounts to unsuspecting kids for real-world money. To keep children safe while gaming, instruct them about the risks of in-game purchasing. Teach them what a legitimate microtransaction […]

Demonstrate good online habits to kids

Teach children how to be responsible online, explain the risks of technology. Because the nature of the internet is so anonymous, it is easy for people to misrepresent themselves and manipulate or trick other users. Children present unique security risks when they use a computer—not only do you have to keep them safe, but you […]

Be aware of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying refers to using technology to harass, or bully, someone else. Bullies previously were restricted to methods such as physical intimidation, postal mail, or the telephone. Now, improvements in electronic media offer forums such as email, instant messaging, web pages, and digital photos to increase to the arsenal. Computers and smart phones are present-day tools […]