Essential Posts from 2015
As the year comes to a close, here are the top posts which have helped our users configure their routers, monitor their kids' social media use, configure their smart homes and learn about cyberbullying:
Before You Give Your Credit Card Number: Three Tips for Online Shopping
We want to keep our users safe and secure by providing three easy ways for them to stay safe online during the holiday season and all other times of year.
Cyberbullying: What Parents Need to Know
In April of this year Lavasoft released the results of its Cyberbullying and Online Safety Study. The study surveyed more than 200 students aged 10 to 18 on their experiences with cyberbullying and online safety habits. The study found that one in four students had been bullied or teased online in some way. Additionally, one in four children who experienced cyberbullying did not tell their parents about it.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month: The Smart Home Checklist
“The Smart Home Checklist” is a valuable resource for homeowners managing the privacy and security of their homes and devices. In addition to Wi-Fi and home entertainment systems, more homeowners are utilizing smart apps and connected devices to monitor the security, temperature and light settings of their homes. The checklist covers topics such as “Prior to Occupancy/Closing,” “Modems, Gateways, & Hubs,” “Security Alarms, Keyless Entry, Gate Systems, Etc.” and “Home Thermostats, HVAC Systems, Smart TVs, Lighting…”
Scam Tracker Tool Available in Canada
The Better Business Bureau has introduced its Scam Tracker tool to Canada, allowing Canadians to access and contribute to its online database of known scams. Scam Tracker allows users to access a regularly updated database of fraudulent activities based on region, date, and scam type. As reported by the CBC, "It's a hot map that will identify scams as they're reported in real time, they will show the number of reported scams, where geographically they're hitting and where they're trending..."
Social Media for Parents: Instagram Privacy Tips
Instagram is a mobile photo and video-sharing social network aimed at teens who are 13+. Users upload pictures and short videos using the Instagram app and share them with the public. According to recent statistics, over 11 million of Instagram’s users are 17 years old or younger and that number is growing rapidly, making Instagram privacy a priority for parents.
Social Media for Parents: Snapchat Privacy Tips
Snapchat has 100 million daily active users and approximately half of those users are in the 13 to 17 year age range, making Snapchat privacy important for parents.
Test Your Mobile Provider: Are They Tracking You?
Nine international mobile providers, including Bell Canada, Vodafone NL, and Verizon track the websites their users visit on their phones. A new website allows users to test their mobile carriers and see if they are using these tracking headers.