The power of the Internet is measured by its ability
to allow users to exchange valuable information and connect people from all
over the world. Through simple search engines, users can easily access the
content they need. On the other hand, social networking sites, like Facebook,
Twitter, and LinkedIn, enable users to communicate, meet new friends, and share
information with others locally and across the globe.
Although these sites have their advantages, they
also expose users—including more than half of all Filipino kids and teens who
own their own computers and mobile devices—to several risks. According to a
recent Trend Micro poll conducted among Filipino parents, most if not all of
them acknowledge the importance of online security. However, less than half (44%)
of the respondents are confident in their ability to secure their families from
online threats.
The online poll, which surveyed 442 respondents from
the Philippines, further revealed that parents’ top online safety concerns are
computer viruses and malware (92%), malicious websites (90%), and sites with
inappropriate content like graphic violence and pornography (84%). As
precautions, Filipino parents said that they protect their kids and families by
installing antivirus software on their computers and mobile devices as well as
regularly updating their security software.
While online security software does its job in
protecting kids and teens online, Trend Micro still advises parents and
guardians to do their part in educating their children and families on how to
use the Internet and social networking sites properly. Here are some of the
best practices:
1. Post only what is necessary.
Always
keep in mind that what you post online can be seen by anyone, even if you
delete them. In some cases, anything posted online will stay online permanently
via online caches. As a rule, do not reveal too much personal information when
posting. People can use that information to stalk you or steal your identity.
2. Keep tabs on the sites you and your family visit.
Check if the sites you’re visiting are trustworthy.
Screen the contents of each site to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for
viewing. Review each site’s security policies and see if they’re asking for too
much personal information.
3. Do not click links anywhere.
Not every link you see is safe. Verify each one
before you clicking links in messages or wall posts, even those your friends
send. Hackers can hack into your friends’ accounts and use those to send
messages. Be wary of links leading to sites that are blocked by your computer’s
firewall. Those sites can steal information once they’re accessed.
4. Lessen access from third-party apps and services
linked to your social media accounts.
Third-party apps that have access to your social
media accounts can view information that you or your contacts post. Social
networks do not necessarily guarantee the security of the information posted on
your profile, even when it is set to private.
5. Secure your passwords.
Use a unique, strong, and hard-to-guess password for
each of your important accounts like email and online banking. Adding numbers,
symbols, and mixed-case letters makes it harder for cybercriminals to guess
your password. A password manager can also help you keep track of your
passwords.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro Incorporated a global leader in security
software, rated number one in server security (IDC, 2013), strives to make the
world safe for exchanging digital information. Built on 25 years of experience,
our solutions for consumers, businesses and governments provide layered data
security to protect information on mobile devices, endpoints, gateways, servers
and the cloud. Trend Micro enables the smart protection of information, with
innovative security technology that is simple to deploy and manage, and fits an
evolving ecosystem. All of our solutions are powered by cloud-based global
threat intelligence, the Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ infrastructure,
and are supported by over 1,200 threat experts around the globe. For more information, visit TrendMicro.com.
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