How should teenagers guard against cyber crimes? 2 What should we do to ensure Safe Surfing?

Question

Cyber Safety 

Given below is a text on “Cyber safety” developed from the inputs received from Crime- Branch Crime Investigation Department (CBCID), Tamil Nadu dated: 05.12.2018. Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

1. How should teenagers guard against cyber crimes?

2 What should we do to ensure Safe Surfing?

3 What are the details not to be revealed in public domain ?

4 What should parents do to ensure the safety of children in cyber space ?

5 Should children be discouraged from playing online games?

Answer 1

1. 

• Desist from interacting with strangers on social media and never meet strangers in person pursuant to social media chat/interaction.
• Avoid having your picture as profile picture. Even if you choose to have one, do so while restricting those persons who can see your profile picture.
• Do not download software’s/Apps from unknown sources. Do not download unnecessary apps in the devices. Be a member of social media group or whatsapp group only if you know majority of members in it and also if it is relevant to be part of the group. Do not believe and blindly share message in social media without verifying the facts.
• Keep front camera of mobile phones, laptops etc., closed when not used. 
• For Example, Stickers may be used to close the camera and to avoid remote access of front camera.

2. 

• Use a secure browser.
• Do not surf unsafe websites. A website with URL starting with https:// is a secure website. If the website URL starts only as http://, it is unsecure.
• Avoid clicking on links from unknown mails/pop ups.
• Do not enter passwords when connected to a public network (WiFi in Railway station or Airports)
• Always use a computer in which updated Anti Virus is installed.

3. 

• Any Passwords
• Bank account /credentials
• Credit card/Debit card details
• Personal mobile number
• Date of Birth
• Any details which would help to track your routine activities

4. 

• Set a fixed time during which children are allowed to surf the internet.
• Always place the computer in that part of the house, which is visited most often by everyone. Don’t keep the computer in a secluded part. Talk with the children and educate them on the websites that they are allowed / not allowed to visit.
• Be “Friends” with the children’s social media account so that their activities are monitored.
• Install an Anti Virus with parental control in the computer.
• Make it a habit to check browsing history/hidden files, apps installed etc., on the computer/ device to monitor activity of the children.

5. 

• Yes, the following steps can be followed to discourage children from playing online games.
• Encourage children to play outdoor games.
• Monitor closely if they are found playing a single game for long hours.
• Watch out for early signs of addiction to games such as

1. Decreasing Academic activity 4 Less time spent with family 

2. Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed. 

3. Lack of sleep / Sore Eyes 

4. Headaches 

5. Create awareness about the ill-effects of dangerous online games.