Back-to-school preparations have a little different feel to them this year. Families planning to learn remotely in the fall are likely expecting laptops, tablets and other online technology to see a significant uptick in use within their households. Unfortunately for Puget Sound parents, the risks associated with using those devices are likely to increase, too.
Kids often have a tougher time spotting the difference online between what is real and what is not, and that makes them especially vulnerable once virtual classes are in session. Anyone with an email account, for example, receives spam and junk mail in their inbox. If you don’t have much online experience, those spam emails may seem pretty legitimate. Clicking on one of the links, though, could result in a pricey bill from a fraudulent website or unwanted access to your banking information.
To further complicate circumstances, some of the more popular websites kids visit are the most common gateways to cybersecurity issues. Many social media sites and their corresponding apps are designed to collect and sell unauthorized user details to advertisers engaging in targeted marketing. Those ads can tempt kids to purchase products or services that may not exist.
The same sites and platforms also host contests and giveaways that either collect a hefty amount of personal information on their entry forms or, in some worst-case scenarios, steal financial information that could lead to identity theft.
As the beginning of the school year approaches, Better Business Bureau Northwest and Pacific encourages parents to educate their kids on how to stay safe online. BBB NW+P recommends using these tips and resources to help guide those conversations:
Prioritize privacy. For any apps your kids want to use, read through the privacy policies and te ..
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