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How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts

By: McAfee

Social media is part of our social fabric. So much so that over 56% of the global population are social media users to some degree or other. With all that sharing, conversing, and information passing between family and friends, social media can be a distinct digital extension of ourselves—making it important to know how you can protect your social media accounts from hacks and attacks. 

Beyond the sheer number of people who’re on social media, there’s also the amount of time we spend on it.  People worldwide spend an average of 147 minutes a day on social media. With users in the U.S. spending just over two hours on social media a day and users in the Philippines spending nearly four hours a day, that figure can vary widely. Yet it’s safe to say that a good portion of our day features time scrolling and thumbing through our social media feeds. 

Given how much we enjoy and rely on social media, now’s a fine time to give your social media settings and habits a closer look so that you can get the most out of it with less fuss and worry. Whether you’re using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or whatnot, here are several things you can do that can help keep you safe and secure out there: 

1. Set strong, unique passwords

Passwords mark square one in your protection, with strong and unique passwords across all your accounts forming primary line of defense. Yet with all the accounts we have floating around, juggling dozens of strong and unique passwords can feel like a task—thus the temptation to use (and re-use) simpler passwords. Hackers love this because one password can be the key to several accounts. Instead, try a password manager that can create those passwords for you and safely store them as well. Comprehensive security software will include one. 

2. Go private

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting, which can help protect your privacy. 

3. Say “no” to strangers bearing friend requests

Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers could be more than just a stranger, they could be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of cybercrime, or they can be an account designed to spread false information. There are plenty of them too. In fact, in Q3 of 2021 alone, Facebook took action on 1.8 billion fake accounts. Reject such requests. 

4. Think twice before checking in

Nothing says “there’s nobody at home right now” like that post of you on vacation or sharing your location while you’re out on the town. In effect, such posts announce your whereabouts to a broad audience of followers (even a global audience, if you’re not posting privately, as called out above). Consider sharing photos and stories of your adventures once you’ve returned.  

5. The internet is forever

It’s a famous saying for a reason. Whether your profile is set to private or if you are using an app with “disappearing” messages and posts (like Snapchat), what you post can indeed be saved and shared again. It’s as simple as taking a screenshot. If you don’t want it out there, forever or otherwise, simply don’t post it. 

6. Watch out for phishing scams

We’re increasingly accustomed to the warnings about phishing emails, yet phishing attacks happen plenty on social media. The same rules apply. Don’t follow any links you get from strangers by way of instant or direct messengers. And keep your personal information close. Don’t pass out your email, address, or other info as well. Even those so-called “quiz” posts and websites can be ruses designed to steal bits and pieces of personal info that can be used as the basis of an attack. 

7. Also keep an eye out for scams of all kinds

Sadly, social media can also be a place where people pull a fast one. Get-rich-quick schemes, romance cons, and all kinds of imposters can set up shop in ads, posts, and even direct messages—typically designed to separate you from your personal information, money, or both. This is an entire topic to itself, and you can learn plenty more about quizzes and other identity theft scams to avoid on social media 

8. Review your tags

Some platforms such as Facebook allow users to review posts that are tagged with their profile names. Check your account settings and give yourself the highest degree of control over how and where your tags are used by others. This will help keep you aware of where you’re being mentioned by others and in what way. 

9. Protect yourself and your devices

Security software can protect you from clicking on malicious links while on social media while steering you clear of other threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It can look out for you as well, by protecting your privacy and monitoring your email, SSN, bank accounts, credit cards, and other personal information. With identity theft a rather commonplace occurrence today, security software is really a must. 

10. Check your Protection Score and see how safe you are

Now you can point to a number that shows you just how safe you are with our Protection Score. It’s an industry first, and it works by taking stock of your overall security and grading it on a scale of 0 to 1,000. From there, it calls out any weak spots and then walks you through the steps to shore it up with personalized guidance. This way, you’re always in the know about your security, privacy, and personal identity on social media and practically wherever else your travels take you online.

The post How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Parents: Are Your Kids Ignoring the Danger of Dating Apps?

By: McAfee

Technology has permeated almost every aspect of our lives, including our romantic involvements. This is especially evident in the increasing prevalence of dating apps among teenagers. While these platforms can offer exciting opportunities for meeting new people and exploring romantic interests, they also present a considerable risk, especially to a vulnerable age group.

As a parent, you might feel caught in a dilemma. On one hand, you want to respect your teen’s privacy and independence. On the other, you worry about the potential dangers lurking behind these digital platforms. This article aims to shed light on the risks associated with teenage use of dating apps and offers practical advice on how to navigate this tricky territory.

The Appeal of Dating Apps for Teens

Before we delve into the potential harm associated with dating apps, it’s important to comprehend why they are increasingly popular among teenagers. Essentially, these platforms provide an easy and convenient way for teens to connect with others, particularly during a pandemic when physical interactions are limited.

Moreover, dating apps may seem enticing due to their perceived freedom and anonymity. They allow teens to explore their own identities and relationships without the immediate scrutiny or judgment inherent in offline social settings. Such apps also hold the promise of romance and excitement, feeding into the natural curiosity and development of adolescents.

The Dangers of Dating Apps

While dating apps can help in forging connections, they also have a darker side that cannot be ignored. One of the main issues is that they often cater to an adult audience, exposing teenagers to mature content and interactions they might not be equipped to handle. This could include explicit sexual content, cyberbullying, or even predatory behavior.

Further, many apps do not verify users’ ages, making it easy for older individuals to interact with younger users – a practice that can potentially lead to grooming and exploitation. While some might argue that ‘age is just a number,’ when it comes to online safety, even a few years can make a significant difference. A 19-year-old chatting with a 14-year-old might not seem like a big deal, but when you factor in the vast differences in maturity and life experience, the dynamic becomes more concerning.

Dig Deeper: AI Goes Dating: McAfee Study Shows 1 in 3 Men Plan to Use Artificial Intelligence to Write Love Letters this Valentine’s Day

The Implications of Online Privacy and Data Security

In addition to the immediate dangers of inappropriate content and interactions, the use of dating apps also raises serious concerns about online privacy and data security. These platforms usually require a significant amount of personal information from users — everything from their name and location to personal preferences and pictures.

This data can be misused, leading to identity theft, online stalking, or other forms of cybercrime. Also, once information is shared online, it becomes almost impossible to completely erase it. A seemingly innocent picture or remark can resurface years later, potentially affecting future career prospects or personal relationships.

How to Protect Your Kids Against the Dangers of Dating Apps

Dating apps have become increasingly prevalent, opening up new avenues for meeting people. While these platforms can be a way to connect, they also pose potential dangers, especially for young users. As a parent, it’s crucial to be proactive in safeguarding your kids from the risks associated with dating apps. This guide will provide you with essential tips and insights on how to protect your children and educate them about responsible online behavior, ensuring their safety in the world of digital dating:

Navigate the Digital Landscape Through Communication

Confronting your teen about the risks of dating apps can be a daunting task, especially if you are met with resistance or the classic “You just don’t understand” retort. So, how can you approach this subject effectively? One of the most crucial steps is to maintain open lines of communication.

Encourage your teen to share their experiences online, and assure them that they can come to you with their concerns or fears without judgment. Regularly discussing online safety might seem repetitive, but it is a crucial aspect of ensuring your child is well-equipped to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Remember, banning or strictly controlling internet use might seem like the easiest solution, but it can backfire by causing your teen to become more secretive or rebellious. Instead, strive to cultivate an environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing their online activities, helping them understand the potential risks and consequences.

McAfee Pro Tip: Balancing screen time and healthy device use is a constant challenge for parents. While devices connect kids to identity and peer acceptance, they also open the door to issues like cyberbullying, predators, risky behavior, and self-image struggles. We advise you to find and identify the right time to implement parental controls. 

Teach responsible Online Behavior

The next step after open communication is teaching responsible online behavior. It is essential to educate our children on the basic principles of online safety. This includes understanding privacy settings, the dangers of sharing personal information, and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity.

Moreover, explaining the permanence of internet actions can help teens grasp the seriousness of their online conduct. Highlight real-life examples of individuals who have faced the consequences due to inappropriate online behavior to drive your points home.

Be Informed and Updated

If your child is using or is interested in using dating apps, it’s crucial to do your homework. Familiarize yourself with the apps they are using or are curious about – download them, explore their interfaces, and understand their privacy settings. This will help you create a natural dialogue about their usage and will empower you to offer guidance on their functionality and potential risks. For instance, some apps may have location-sharing features that might be dangerous, while others might have robust reporting systems against harassment or bullying.

Then, open a conversation about these apps. Discuss the benefits and dangers of using them, reinforcing the principles of responsible online behavior. This discussion should cover what information should never be shared (like home address or school location), the importance of reporting inappropriate behavior, and the potential emotional implications of engaging romantically with strangers online. By maintaining an approachable and non-judgmental attitude, your teen is more likely to listen and take your advice seriously.

Dig Deeper: New Global McAfee Cyberbullying Report Reveals Children Now Regularly Face Threats of Racism and Physical Harm Online

Implement Safety Measures

While education and open conversation are the foundation of promoting online safety, sometimes, they might not be enough. In such cases, it might become necessary to put certain restrictions in place, which can be done in collaboration with your teen. These could include setting time limits for app usage, employing parental control software, or checking the age restrictions for each app. You could also encourage your teen to only use apps with verified users.

However, these restrictions should not be imposed without discussion. It is important to involve your teen in the decision-making process, explaining your concerns and hearing their point of view. By treating them as partners in their online safety, you not only empower them to make wise decisions but also foster a sense of responsibility towards their online behavior.

Building Resilience

Finally, building resilience in your teenager is an invaluable tool in navigating the online world. Dating apps can amplify feelings of rejection, comparison, and inadequacy. Regularly reminding them that their online interactions do not define their worth can help cultivate a healthy online attitude. You should reassure them that it’s okay to turn down advances or stop conversations that make them feel uncomfortable.

Encouraging them to keep their real-world connections strong and to participate in offline activities can also help in grounding their sense of self-worth outside of the digital realm. This resilience will not only safeguard them within the online dating scene but is a life skill that can be applied in all aspects of their lives.

Dig Deeper: A Safer Internet for You, Your Family, and Others Too

Final Thoughts

As parents, we find ourselves in uncharted territories, navigating a digital landscape that we did not experience in our adolescence. But with open communication, education, implementing safety measures, and building resilience, we can help our teens explore these platforms safely. Remember, the goal is not to control every aspect of their online life but to guide and empower them to make responsible choices. After all, we are not just raising children, but future adults. It might seem daunting and even overwhelming at times, but together, we can equip them with the tools they need to stay safe in the online world.

Ensuring your child’s online safety is vital, and McAfee is here to help you safeguard them against the dangers of social media platforms and dating apps. Empower yourself with online safety – opt for McAfee for a more secure and protected online experience.

The post Parents: Are Your Kids Ignoring the Danger of Dating Apps? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

What is Social Engineering?

By: McAfee

In the realm of cybersecurity, there is one vulnerability that is often overlooked – the human element. While firewalls, encryption, and other security measures can protect our data to a certain extent, the most sophisticated systems can still be breached by clever manipulations of human psychology. This is where the concept of Social Engineering comes in. Through this article, we aim to provide an overview of social engineering, why it is important, and how it is employed.

Social Engineering in Cybersecurity

Social Engineering, in a cybersecurity context, refers to the techniques used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information that can be used for fraudulent purposes. It is essentially an act of tricking people so that they give away their personal information such as passwords, bank account numbers, social security numbers, or other valuable data. This is often achieved not through technical means, but through human interactions.

Because most people are not aware that they are being targeted until it’s too late, social engineering is considered one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity. The success of a social engineering attack relies heavily on the ability to make the target believe that the attacker is someone they can trust or someone who has a legitimate reason for needing the information being sought. It exploits the natural tendency of a person to trust others and to want to help others, especially those who appear to be in a position of authority or in distress.

Types of Social Engineering Attacks

There are various types of social engineering attacks, each of which uses different tactics to trick victims. From sophisticated email scams to personalized impersonation, the variety of approaches underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of these deceptive tactics to fortify defenses against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of social engineering attacks today:

Phishing:

  • Utilizes deceptive emails to appear as trustworthy sources.
  • Targets a broad audience with the goal of extracting personal information.
  • Often includes links to fraudulent websites that further facilitate data theft.

Spear Phishing:

  • Elevates the sophistication by tailoring emails to specific individuals or companies.
  • Leverages in-depth research on the target to enhance the credibility of the deception.
  • It can involve personalized content, making it harder for individuals to discern the scam.

Pretexting:

  • Constructs a fabricated scenario (pretext) to manipulate victims into divulging information.
  • Frequently involves assuming false identities, such as co-workers, police officers, or bank officials.
  • The attacker establishes trust by initially impersonating someone familiar or authoritative.

Vishing (Voice Phishing):

  • Exploits voice communication through phone calls or voice messages.
  • Often impersonates reputable entities, such as banks, to extract sensitive information verbally.

Dig Deeper: Artificial Imposters—Cybercriminals Turn to AI Voice Cloning for a New Breed of Scam

Baiting:

  • Tempts victims with enticing offers or false promises.
  • Lures individuals into revealing personal information or downloading malicious content.

Quid Pro Quo:

  • Involves offering something valuable in return for information.
  • Attackers may provide a service or benefit to coerce individuals into disclosing sensitive data.

Impersonation:

  • Assumes the identity of trusted figures, such as colleagues or IT support.
  • Exploits the trust associated with familiar roles to deceive and extract information.

Dig Deeper: Fighting Mobile Phone Impersonation and Surveillance

Watering Hole Attacks:

  • Targets specific websites frequented by a particular group or organization.
  • Injects malware into these websites, compromising the devices of unsuspecting visitors.

Understanding the intricacies of these social engineering tactics is crucial for individuals and organizations alike, empowering them to recognize and thwart these manipulative strategies in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

The Psychology of Social Engineering

At its core, social engineering is about exploiting the human element of security. It takes advantage of our ingrained behaviors and tendencies to trust and to want to be helpful. For instance, most people will not suspect a friendly phone call or an email from a co-worker to be a potential threat. As such, cybercriminals use these characteristics to their advantage in executing their attacks.

Psychology plays a crucial role in successful social engineering attacks. By understanding and manipulating human emotions such as fear, curiosity, greed, and the desire to help others, cybercriminals can more effectively trick their victims into falling for their scams. For example, they may send an email posing as the victim’s bank, warning of suspicious account activity and prompting them to verify their account credentials. In fear of losing their hard-earned savings, the victim is likely to comply, thus giving the attacker what they want.

Dig Deeper: Social Engineering—The Scammer’s Secret Weapon

Prevention Techniques Against Social Engineering

In dealing with social engineering, awareness is the first line of defense. Individuals and businesses should ensure that they are familiar with the various types of social engineering attacks and how they operate. They should learn to recognize the common signs of these attacks, such as emails containing spelling and grammatical errors, or emails requesting urgent action or confidential information.

Strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication can also serve as deterrents to social engineering attacks. It’s crucial to regularly update and secure your systems, use encryption for sensitive data, and always verify the identity of individuals before divulging any personal or sensitive information. Additionally, organizations should hold regular training sessions to teach employees about social engineering tactics and how to respond to potential threats. It’s better to be safe than sorry – when in doubt, don’t give it out.

Dig Deeper: Protect Your Digital Life: Why Strong Passwords Matter

The Consequences of Social Engineering

The consequences of falling victim to a social engineering attack can be devastating. Personal consequences may include financial loss, identity theft, and damage to personal reputation. Businesses that fall victim to such attacks can suffer damage to their brand reputation, financial loss from theft or fines due to non-compliance with data protection laws, and loss of customer trust.

Moreover, the information obtained through social engineering attacks can be used for further attacks, making the problem even more severe. For instance, a cybercriminal who has obtained someone’s email password can use it to send out phishing emails to the victim’s contacts, thus spreading the attack even further. The ripple effect of social engineering can therefore, lead to widespread damage, affecting not just individuals, but also the organizations they are a part of.

McAfee Pro Tip: Modern social engineering campaigns bear a striking resemblance to authentic communications from reputable organizations. Meticulously crafted, these campaigns may have grammatical correctness and seamlessly blend into plausible scenarios. Despite their polished appearance, their underlying objective remains consistent – the acquisition of sensitive information. Protect your personal data and identity with McAfee+ to avoid the consequences of social engineering.

Final Thoughts

It is clear that social engineering poses a significant risk to cybersecurity. This form of manipulation exploits the human vulnerability to trust and help others, leading to the disclosure of confidential information that can be used for fraudulent purposes. Despite advances in technology and security protections, this threat remains prevalent due to the human factor.

Individuals and organizations must stay educated and vigilant against these attacks. Only through awareness and adequate protective measures can the risk of social engineering be mitigated. By understanding the psychology of these attacks, recognizing the common signs, and employing prevention techniques, one can create a strong first line of defense against social engineering. In the realm of cybersecurity, every person should remember that they could potentially be the weakest link, but with adequate precautions, they can also be the strongest asset.

The post What is Social Engineering? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Valentine’s Alert: Don’t Let Scammers Break Your Heart or Your Bank Account

By: McAfee

As with any major holiday or special occasion, Valentine’s Day is unfortunately not immune to scammers looking for an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Their deceitful acts can break hearts and bank accounts. In this article, we spotlight some common Valentine’s Day scams, offer tips on how to protect yourself and navigate this romantic day with confidence and caution.

The Unromantic Side of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time when love is in the air. It’s a time to express your feelings for that special someone in your life, or perhaps even embark on a new romantic journey. But while you’re busy planning that perfect dinner or choosing the ideal gift, there’s an unromantic side to the day that you should be aware of – the potential for scams.

Scammers, always looking for new ways to trick people into parting with their money, use the heightened emotions of Valentine’s Day to their advantage. They prey on the unwary, the love-struck, and even the lonely – anyone who might let their guard down in the quest for love or the pursuit of the perfect gift. And in our increasingly digital world, these unscrupulous individuals have more ways than ever to reach potential victims.

Dig Deeper: AI Goes Dating: McAfee Study Shows 1 in 3 Men Plan to Use Artificial Intelligence to Write Love Letters this Valentine’s Day

Recognizing Common Valentine’s Day Scams

Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, and that’s certainly true when it comes to protecting yourself from scams. By understanding the types of scams that are common around Valentine’s Day, you can be better prepared to spot them – and avoid falling victim.

One of the most common Valentine’s Day scams is the romance scam. Scammers, often posing as potential love interests on dating websites or social media, manipulate victims into believing they are in a romantic relationship. Once they have gained their victim’s trust, they ask for money – perhaps to pay for a flight so they can meet in person, or because of a sudden personal crisis. These scams can be emotionally devastating, and they can also result in significant financial loss.

Dig Deeper: Fraudulent Adult Dating Services Turn 10 Years Old, Still Evolving

Another popular scam around Valentine’s Day involves online shopping. With many people seeking the perfect gift for their loved ones, scammers set up fake websites that appear to sell everything from jewelry to concert tickets. After making a purchase, the unsuspecting victim either receives a counterfeit product or, in some cases, nothing at all. Additionally, these sites may be designed to steal credit card information or other personal data.

Phishing scams are also common. In these scams, victims receive emails that appear to be from a legitimate company – perhaps a florist or a candy company – asking them to confirm their account information or to click on a link. The goal is to steal sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.

How to Keep Your Heart and Your Wallet Safe

While the existence of these scams is unquestionably concerning, the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love, not a source of stress and worry.

One of the most important is to be aware that these scams exist and to be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar people or websites. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When shopping online, make sure the website you are using is secure, and consider using a credit card, which offers greater protection against fraud compared to other forms of payment. Be wary of emails from unknown sources, especially those that ask for personal information or urge you to click on a link.

For shopping scams, it’s recommended to do research on any unfamiliar online retailer before making a purchase. Look for reviews or complaints about the retailer on independent consumer websites. If the website is offering items at a price that seems too good to be true, it likely is. Also, consider the website’s URL. A URL that begins with ‘https://’ indicates that the website encrypts user information, making it safer to input sensitive information than on websites with ‘http://’ URLs.

Forewarned is forearmed, and having advanced strategies to detect and avoid scams is also a strong line of defense. When it comes to online dating, be sure to thoroughly vet any potential romantic interests. This involves doing a reverse image search of profile photos, which can quickly reveal if a picture has been stolen from another online source. Additionally, be aware of red flags such as overly-flattering messages or requests to move the conversation to a private email or messaging app.

McAfee Pro Tip: If you’re considering using one of these for a bit of dating beyond a dating app or simply to stay connected with family and friends, the key advice is to do your homework. Look into their security measures and privacy policies, especially because some have faced security issues recently. For more information, take a look at this article on video conferencing to ensure you can keep hackers and uninvited guests away when you’re chatting.

How to Report a Scam and What to Do If You Fall Victim to One

If you come across a scam or fall victim to one, it’s crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps law enforcement track down scammers and alert others to the scam. In the U.S., you can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission through their website. If the scam involves a financial transaction, also report it to your bank or credit card company. They may be able to help recover your funds or prevent further losses.

Additionally, take steps to protect yourself after falling victim to a scam. This could involve changing passwords, monitoring your financial accounts for unusual activity, or even freezing your credit. It can also be beneficial to alert your friends and family to the scam, both to protect them and to gain their support and assistance in dealing with the aftermath of the scam.

Dig Deeper: How To Report An Online Scam

Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Valentine’s Day

The unfortunate reality is that scammers are ever-present and always looking for new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims. However, by being informed, cautious, and proactive, you can significantly decrease your chances of falling victim to a Valentine’s Day scam. Whether you’re looking for love or shopping for the perfect gift, remember to always prioritize your safety and security.

And if you do encounter a scam, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone and there are resources available to help. McAfee’s blogs and reports are just some of them. By reporting scams to the authorities, you’re doing your part to help stop scammers in their tracks and protect others from falling victim. Remember, Valentine’s Day is a day for celebrating love, not for worrying about scammers. Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t let a scammer ruin your Valentine’s Day.

Remember to always stay vigilant. Protect your heart and your bank account, and make sure your Valentine’s Day is filled with love and happiness, not regret and frustration. Don’t let scammers break your heart or your bank account – on Valentine’s Day or on any other day.

The post Valentine’s Alert: Don’t Let Scammers Break Your Heart or Your Bank Account appeared first on McAfee Blog.

End the Hate: 10 Ways to Stand Up and Help Stomp Out Bullying

By: McAfee

Bullying is a pervasive problem in our society, occurring in schools, workplaces, online, and even within families. It can cause immense physical and emotional pain, leading to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, and even suicide in extreme cases. Given its severe potential consequences, it’s critical for every one of us to take steps to end the hate and stomp out bullying.

This article explores 10 ways in which you can stand up against bullying, ranging from individual actions to community-based initiatives. Remember, each effort counts. Together, we can create a world where respect, kindness, and acceptance rule over hate and intimidation.

Understanding Bullying

Before we delve into the various ways to combat bullying, it’s important to first understand what it is. The World Health Organization defines bullying as “repeated exposure to negative actions from one or more individuals.” These actions may involve physical aggression, verbal abuse, intentional exclusion, public humiliation, or harmful manipulation.

Understanding the nature and effects of bullying is the first step in combating it. Recognizing the signs of bullying is essential in identifying victims or perpetrators. Those who are bullied often exhibit signs such as unexplained injuries, poor performance or attendance at school or work, changes in eating habits, or sudden loss of friends. On the other hand, those who bully often exhibit increased aggression, difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions, and a constant need to dominate or control others.

1. Educate Yourself

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against bullying. By educating yourself about different forms of bullying, its impact, and why it happens, you can better understand the reasons behind these harmful behaviors and approaches to address them. Learn about not just physical and verbal bullying, but also cyberbullying, sexual bullying, prejudicial bullying, and relational aggression.

There are plenty of resources available that can help increase your understanding of bullying. Anti-bullying organizations offer detailed information on different types of bullying, how to identify them, and ways to prevent them. Books and documentaries can also provide personal narratives and insights into the effects of bullying, giving you a deeper understanding of its impact on individuals.

2. Awareness-raise

After educating yourself about bullying, the next step is to raise awareness. By spreading the word about bullying and its harmful effects, you can bring this issue to the forefront of more people’s minds. This can be achieved through discussions, presentations, social media campaigns, or organizing events focused on bullying prevention.

Bullying often thrives on silence and ignorance. By bringing the issue to light, you empower victims, bystanders, and even bullies to change their behaviors and attitudes. Remember, change starts with awareness. The more people know about the issue, the more they can do to help combat it.

Dig Deeper: What You Do Now To Protect Your Child From Cyberbullying

3. Showcase Empathy

Empathy is a powerful weapon against bullying. By empathizing with the victim, you are not only providing emotional support but also validating their feelings and experiences. It can help them feel less isolated and more confident to stand up against the bully.

Showing empathy also extends to those who bully. It’s essential to understand that bullies often act out due to their own difficulties. Demonstrating empathy doesn’t mean condoning their actions, but rather understanding their problems and helping them seek the needed support. It also means helping them realize the harm they’re causing and encouraging them to change their patterns of behavior.

Dig Deeper: Digital Strategies to Safeguard Your Child from Upsetting and Violent Content Online

4. Be a Good Role Model

Good behavior is often emulated. Thus, being a good role model can have a significant effect on how others treat people around them. Show respect, kindness, and understanding in your everyday interactions, and stand up against any form of intimidation or humiliation you witness.

If you’re in a position of authority (like a parent, teacher, or manager), your role modeling has an even greater impact. Show how conflicts can be resolved calmly and respectfully, and do not tolerate any form of bullying. This not only creates a positive environment but also teaches others about the importance of respectful interactions.

Dig Deeper: Helping Kids Think Critically About Influencers They Follow Online

5. Encourage Open and Honest Communication

Encouraging open and honest communication can empower victims and bystanders to speak up against bullying. Many times, children and even adults are afraid to express their feelings or fear being dismissed or ridiculed. By promoting a safe and open communication environment, you can help them voice their concerns and experiences without fear of judgment or backlash.

Remember, communication goes both ways. While it’s important to encourage victims and bystanders to speak up, it’s equally crucial for parents, teachers, and friends to listen actively and offer support, guidance, and intervention if necessary.

6. Stand Up and Speak Out

Don’t be a silent bystander. If you witness bullying, stand up and speak out against it. Bystander intervention can make a significant difference, as it can deter the bully and comfort the victim. It can also encourage other bystanders to take action. But always ensure your own safety before intervening. If you fear a violent reaction, you should report the incident to a trusted adult or authority figure instead.

Speaking out against bullying also means challenging discrimination and prejudice whenever you encounter them. Whether it’s racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other form of bias, these attitudes often underpin bullying behavior. By challenging them, you’re helping to create a more inclusive and respectful society.

Dig Deeper: Instagram Takes Huge Step to Filter Bullies, Become a Kinder Social Hub

7. Reach Out to Victims

If you know someone who is a victim of bullying, reach out to them. Let them know that they’re not alone and that you’re there to support them. Encourage them to report the bullying, and offer to accompany them if they’re anxious about doing so. You can also help by listening to their experiences, validating their feelings, and providing advice or resources for coping with bullying.

Remember, bullying can have a deep psychological impact on its victims. They may be struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. So, your support can make a real difference to their mental well-being. If you’re worried about a victim’s mental health, urge them to seek help from a mental health professional.

8. Report Bullying Incidents

If you witness or experience bullying, report it to a trusted adult or authority figure. This could be a teacher, school principal, HR manager, or police officer, depending on the context. Many victims of bullying fear retaliation and so, don’t report their experiences. However, reporting can initiate the process of addressing the issue and holding the bully accountable.

When reporting bullying, it’s important to be specific about what happened. Include details like who was involved, when and where it occurred, what was said or done, and whether there were any witnesses. If the bullying is happening online, take screenshots as evidence. Remember, your report can help protect not only you but also other potential victims.

9. Support Anti-Bullying Organizations and Programs

There are many organizations and programs dedicated to preventing bullying and supporting victims. You can support these initiatives in various ways, such as by donating money or time, participating in their events, or spreading the word about their work. By doing so, you can contribute to their efforts to create a bully-free world.

These anti-bullying organizations and programs often provide resources for education, prevention, and intervention, as well as support services for victims. Their work is crucial in raising awareness about bullying, teaching people how to stand up against it, and giving victims the help they need to recover.

Here are some notable anti-bullying organizations and programs:

10. Practice Self-Care

If you’re a victim of bullying, it’s essential to practice self-care. Bullying can take a toll on your mental and physical health, but taking care of yourself can help you cope with its effects. This could involve activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. It could also involve seeking help from a mental health professional.

Self-care is equally important for those supporting victims. Standing up against bullying is a daunting task, and it can leave you feeling stressed or overwhelmed. So, make sure to take care of your own well-being too. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Final Thoughts

Bullying is a grave issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. Its impacts can be devastating, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. However, each one of us can play a crucial role in combating bullying. By educating ourselves, raising awareness, demonstrating empathy, being good role models, encouraging communication, standing up against bullying, reaching out to victims, reporting incidents, supporting anti-bullying initiatives, and practicing self-care, we can contribute to creating a world free from bullying. Remember, every effort counts. Together, with McAfee, we can end the hate and stomp out bullying.

The post End the Hate: 10 Ways to Stand Up and Help Stomp Out Bullying appeared first on McAfee Blog.

5 Ways to Safeguard Your Child’s Instagram Bio

By: McAfee

Keeping your child safe online is a growing concern for many parents. Instagram, a popular social media platform among tweens and teens, is no exception. Despite privacy settings that can effectively limit who sees your child’s posts, their Instagram bio nonetheless remains public by default. This leaves an opening through which those with ill intentions can glean personal information about your child. However, there are ways you can help safeguard your child’s Instagram bio and enhance their online safety. Here are 5 tips to consider:

1. Approve Your Child’s Profile Picture

The first step towards protecting your child’s online identity on Instagram starts with their profile picture. This image is the face your child presents to the world, and unfortunately, it can sometimes attract unwanted attention. As such, it’s crucial that you approve your child’s profile picture. Make sure that the photo does not in any way make your child look older than their age. For instance, if your child is 13, their photos should reflect their age and not make them look 20.

Moreover, it’s important to ensure that their chosen profile picture is not suggestive or revealing. It’s worth noting that what may seem normal to your child might come off as suggestive to others. As a parent, you need to hold your ground and make the final decision on what constitutes an appropriate profile picture.

Dig Deeper: McAfee Survey: Parents Share Pictures of Their Kids Online, Despite Understanding the Risks Involved

2. Edit Bio or Omit Entirely

Another critical step to safeguarding your child’s Instagram bio is to carefully oversee its contents. While it’s tempting for your child to share personal information such as their age, hometown, school, favorite sports team, etc., these can potentially serve as breadcrumbs for predators. By piecing together these nuggets of data, it’s easy for individuals with ill intentions to form a complete picture of your child’s life. Therefore, it’s best to either completely omit these details or edit the bio in a way that it does not divulge any personal information.

Teach your child about digital privacy and the dangers of sharing too much online. Explain that while it may seem like sharing a tidbit about their favorite band or TV show is harmless when combined with other pieces of information, it can end up providing a clear window into their personal life.

Dig Deeper: Oversharing: Are You Ignoring Your Child’s Privacy When You Post Online?

3. Do not Allow Links in Bio

Often, Instagram users will add a link to their bio that directs to another social media platform, an email address, or some other online platform. While this might seem like a simple way of connecting different aspects of their online presence, it can, unfortunately, also provide potential predators with additional ways to access your child’s personal information.

Therefore, do not allow your child to include any links in their Instagram bio. By limiting the information available about your child online, you make it harder for anyone to trace or track them, thereby enhancing their online safety.

4. Turn off Geo-Tagging/Location-based Services for Instagram

The Geo-Tagging feature on Instagram allows users to add their exact location to their posts. While this might seem like a fun and harmless feature to your child, it can unfortunately put them at risk. Predators can use this feature to track your child’s routines, activities, and even their real-world location. This is why it’s crucial to turn off Geo-Tagging/Location-based services on your child’s Instagram account.

Dig Deeper: What Are the Risks of Geo-Location?

Teach your child that it’s not safe to share their location online. Make sure they understand that leaving the location feature enabled can potentially allow strangers to figure out where they live, go to school, or hang out. You can turn off this feature by going to the settings in the Instagram app and turning off the location services. Remind your child not to manually add their location to posts. If they need to share their location, they should do it privately and only with trusted friends or family.

5. Let Them See You Monitoring

One of the most effective ways to ensure your child’s online safety is to stay involved and keep a close eye on their online activity. While this might seem like an invasion of your child’s privacy, it’s crucial to remember that as a parent, your number one priority is keeping your child safe. Let them know that you’ll be checking their Instagram account regularly, and make sure they’re aware of the potential risks they face online.

Studies show that about 50% of teens would change their online behavior knowing their parents are watching. Digital safeguards are an essential part of maintaining online safety. Make it a regular habit to browse your child’s Instagram and monitor their posts, their followers, and the people they follow. This can help you to quickly pick up on anything suspicious and take necessary action.

McAfee Pro Tip: Although parental controls can play a significant role in nurturing positive online behaviors, it’s vital for these tools to work in tandem with a devoted and actively involved parent who is enthusiastic about guiding their children through the digital world. Explore how parental controls can contribute to the development of healthy habits.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring your child’s online safety requires a combination of education, open discussion, and vigilant monitoring. Profile pictures should be age-appropriate, and their bio free from personal details or links. Location services should be switched off for Instagram to avoid sharing real-world locations. Finally, a regular check of their Instagram account helps to keep a tab on their online activity. Remember, safeguarding your child’s Instagram bio is not about controlling them but rather, it’s about protecting them from potential online threats.

By taking these steps to safeguard your child’s Instagram bio, you not only protect them but also teach them the importance of online safety and the steps they can take themselves. In the age of growing digital threats, it is crucial to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting our children online.

The post 5 Ways to Safeguard Your Child’s Instagram Bio appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Why Taking Your Teen’s Phone Away Doesn’t Work Anymore

By: McAfee

If you are the parent of a tween or teen, you know the challenge of setting and following through with consequences. You’ve worked hard to establish ground rules, but human nature and the sometimes rocky road to maturity guarantees your child will push, step, and even leap outside the agreed-upon lines. If you are like many parents, your first instinct is to restrict the thing they love the most, which is communication with their peers and the dependence they have on their phones.

The Loss of Family Dynamics

There are a few problems with taking away your teen’s phone, the first of which, you know well: Taking their phone is hard on you as well because you’ve become just as dependent on instant communication via the phone as they have. Too, if your teen drives a vehicle or is away from home for the day, the phone adds a layer of safety to the family dynamic.

The Alternative Communication Grid

The second hurdle — which you may or may not realize — is that with or without their phones, most teens have created an alternative communication grid that ensures there’s barely a hiccup if anyone gets a phone taken away. To clarify: This post is not an ‘us against them’ post, or an ‘outsmart them’ strategy, it’s simply a dose of reality that may influence and inform everyday parenting decisions.

Dig Deeper: Should You Use Near-Field Communications?

A few ways kids can maintain their social life without their phones include:

Laptop or PC

Because schools now require kids to be online to get assignments via internal assignment platforms and email, your child will likely ask you to log onto his or her laptop or family PC to do homework. In doing that, they will also quietly log on to their favorite apps SnapChat, Twitter, or Instagram account, and talk to friends non-stop. Solution: Monitor homework time.

McAfee Pro Tip: Our children who have grown up in the digital age are deeply immersed in smartphone culture. Even if you desire to disconnect and return to a simpler way of life, it would be quite challenging to achieve this while ensuring that your child remains academically competitive with their peers. Get smarter about phones and homework time with our tips.

Ipad and tablets

Kids will also be asked to read or do an assignment via the iPad or tablet; you can’t cut them off from learning, right? Wrong. They can again download their favorite social apps as well as chat apps they hope you know nothing about, such as Kik Messenger. Solution: Monitor homework and TV time.

Borrowed phones and iPods

I hate to make it sound like your kids are part of the teen tech mafia, but they keep their old phones for a reason. While that old iPhone and Android may be without phone service, the social and texting apps on them can still be used—and you can bet they are. Solution: 1) If you are restricting your smartphone, you need to take away the iPod (music) as well 2) Be upfront. Ask your kids if they’ve borrowed a phone 3) Check backpacks for rogue phones. 

Dig Deeper: The Privacy Problems with Mobile Messaging Apps

Game Systems and TV

Gaming systems have chat and messaging that kids use all the time. In addition, social media and television are now overlapping, so all of the apps you get on your phone can be easily accessed via most TVs. Solution: 1) Go to the network settings on your TV and password protect it 2) Monitor media 3) Take away all media in addition to the phone.

Dig Deeper: How To Get Your Head Around Your Kids’ Online Gaming Life

Private Messaging

Everything seems quiet on the posting front. You’ve checked, and your child is not posting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and you have their phone, so Snapchat is out, right? Not so much. If your kids are logging on to their apps via any of the devices listed above, chances are they know better than to post in the public stream. What they will be doing is using the private messaging of Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (accessed via other devices) as an alternative way to text and communicate without feeling the loss of their personal smartphone.

Alternative Discipline Approaches

So what’s the alternative to taking your child’s tech as a consequence? If you know the loopholes listed above, tech restriction is still an option (even though your child will be clearly annoyed with your roadblocks). If your child is over 16 and loves the freedom of driving, that restriction is always an excellent option.

Experts agree: Strong ground rules and equally strong communication provide the best discipline. If family rules are vague or brought up only when your child messes up (i.e., grades, responsibilities, or behavior), he or she will have a tough time staying on track. Look for empowering opportunities for your child to take responsibility for his or her mistakes.

Empowering Responsibility

In truth, the only way to ensure appropriate behavior both online and offline is to teach your kids about personal responsibility. This is the key aspect of parenting that sets your child up for success in the real world. The ability to manage themselves, especially when it comes to online activities, is an invaluable life skill that they will bring with them into adulthood. The best way to teach responsibility is to model it. Show them through your actions and decisions that you are worthy of their respect, and they will follow suit.

Teens need to be taught how to behave responsibly online, how to protect their privacy, avoid scams, and how to deal with cyberbullying. They need to understand the consequences of inappropriate behavior online. One good way to teach them about cyber ethics is to have regular discussions about these topics. Create an open environment where they feel comfortable to share their experiences and concerns. Then, guide them on how to respond appropriately to these situations.

The Importance of Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship between parent and child. As a parent, it’s important to create an atmosphere of trust, openness, and respect. Regular discussions about proper digital etiquette and responsible internet behavior are key. Make time to discuss what your teen is doing online, who they are communicating with, and what type of content they are sharing. Be open about your expectations and why they are in place. If they understand why the rules exist, they will be more likely to follow them.

Consistent communication also enables you to keep up with the rapidly changing digital landscape teens navigate daily. By maintaining an open dialogue, you will be more attuned to the latest apps, games, and social media platforms your teen is using. This way, you can stay informed about developments that might affect your teens’ online safety.

Dig Deeper: 10 Easy Ways to Build Up Your Family’s Online Security

The Power of Trust

Trust is a two-way street. While it’s important that your child trusts you as a parent, it’s equally important for you to demonstrate trust in them. This means giving them some level of freedom and privacy online, while also making it clear that you expect them to act responsibly. Trusting your teens to make good decisions online shows them respect which encourages them to validate your trust.

However, trust is not about blind faith. It’s about setting boundaries and expectations and then allowing your teen to prove they can stay within those boundaries. When trust is breached, it’s important to discuss why it happened, the consequences, and how it can be rebuilt. Trust building is a process, and it takes time and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Managing your teen’s digital life can be challenging, but with open communication, respect, trust and a strong focus on personal responsibility, you can navigate this digital world together. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to control your teen’s every online interaction. Rather, it’s to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape safely and responsibly. Removing a teen’s phone may seem like an easy solution, but it’s far more effective to guide them toward responsible digital citizenship.

Take the step to safeguard your teen’s digital journey today, and empower them to thrive in the digital age, all while providing you with the control and confidence you need as a parent. Explore McAfee’s parental controls now and create a secure and nurturing digital environment for your teens.

The post Why Taking Your Teen’s Phone Away Doesn’t Work Anymore appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Keeping Virtual Play Dates, Hangouts, and Video Chats Safe for Everyone

By: McAfee

Given the climate surrounding COVID-19, many of us have had to substitute in-person social interactions with virtual communication. For parents, this includes organizing virtual playdates, hangouts, and video chats for their kids. While this provides an excellent solution for children to continue interacting with their peers, it has also opened up a new avenue for potential risks and dangers. It is imperative to ensure these virtual platforms are safe for all involved. In this article, we will provide some essential strategies for maintaining a secure and enjoyable online social environment for everyone.

The Rise of Tech and Cyber Crimes

The advent of technology has significantly transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other. However, as with any great invention, it also comes with potential risks and dangers, especially for kids who may not fully comprehend the implications of their online activities. With cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content being just a few of the digital risks, it is crucial to establish robust safety measures when kids engage in online social activities such as virtual playdates, hangouts, and video chats.

In this article, we will explore the different ways parents and caregivers can keep these activities secure and fun. By understanding the risks involved, staying informed on the latest developments in online safety, and taking actionable steps, everyone can navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

How to Keep Everyone Safe from the Dangers of Virtual Communication

Navigating the potential pitfalls of online interaction requires proactive measures and informed strategies. Let’s take a look at these tips on how to safeguard everyone from the inherent dangers of virtual communication, promoting a secure and positive digital experience for all.

Awareness and Understanding of Potential Risks

The first step in ensuring a safe online environment for children is understanding the potential risks and how they can be mitigated. Internet safety is not just about blocking and filtering inappropriate content; it’s also about educating ourselves and our children on how to behave responsibly online and understanding the potential repercussions of our digital footprint.

Online activities, especially those involving video chats, can expose children to various risks, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and exposure to inappropriate content. These risks can have devastating consequences on a child’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. As such, it is vital for parents and caregivers to have regular conversations about these potential dangers with their children. It’s also crucial to ensure that children feel comfortable expressing any concerns or reporting any uncomfortable situations they encounter online.

Dig Deeper: Messenger Rooms: New Video Chat Option is Fun But Has Risks

Choosing the Right Platforms and Tools

The market is flooded with countless communication platforms, each with its features, safety measures, and potential loopholes. As a parent, choosing the right tool for your child’s online activities can be quite overwhelming. Not all platforms are created equal, and while some prioritize user safety and provide robust parental controls, others may not provide the same level of security.

When choosing a platform for your child’s virtual playdates or hangouts, consider aspects like age restrictions, privacy settings, and whether the platform allows parental controls. Additionally, evaluate the platform’s reputation regarding safety – a quick internet search can provide insights into any security issues or breaches the platform may have had in the past. Remember, the goal is to create a safe and enjoyable online experience for children. 

Implementing Privacy Settings and Parental Controls

One of the essential ways to ensure online safety for kids is by properly setting up privacy settings and parental controls on the communication tools they use. These settings can limit what information is shared and with whom, restrict access to certain content, and even set time limits for usage. Parental controls are a fantastic way of managing and monitoring your child’s online activities without being overly intrusive.

However, it’s important to note that these controls and settings are not foolproof. They should be used in conjunction with open communication and education about online safety. It’s essential to explain to children why these measures are in place, rather than just imposing them. They are more likely to follow these guidelines if they understand their purpose. 

McAfee Pro Tip: Parental controls are effective in monitoring children, but nothing beats proactive digital parenting. Managing digital parenting doesn’t need to be daunting, especially when you approach it step by step. Know how parental controls and digital parenting can help create good habits.

Building Guidelines for Safe Online Communication

Establishing clear guidelines for online communications is another critical aspect of ensuring a secure online environment for kids. These guidelines should be age-appropriate and cover aspects like sharing personal information, accepting friend requests, and how to behave respectfully online.

It’s also important to educate kids on the permanence of their online activities. Once something is shared online, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to completely remove it. They should understand the potential impact of their online behavior on their future, such as college admissions or job opportunities. Encouraging safe and responsible online behavior can go a long way in mitigating many of the potential risks associated with online communication.

Dig Deeper: Teens’ Online Behavior Can Get Them in Trouble

Following Virtual Playdates Etiquettes

In addition to safety measures, it’s also important to establish some etiquette for virtual playdates to ensure they are enjoyable and respectful for everyone involved. These guidelines should include respecting others’ time, muting when not speaking to avoid background noise, and understanding when to use the chat feature versus when to speak up.

It’s also important to discuss how to handle disagreements or misunderstandings that may arise during these virtual gatherings. Encourage kids to express themselves respectfully and listen to others’ perspectives. Remind them that it’s okay to disagree with someone but that it should be done in a respectful and kind manner.

Monitoring Screen Time

Depending on the age of your child, you may need to monitor the amount of time they spend on virtual activities. It’s easy for kids to lose track of time when they are engrossed in a fun virtual playdate or hangout. Setting and enforcing time limits can help prevent screen addiction and ensure your child has a balanced life with ample time for physical activities, schoolwork, and offline social interactions.

To make this process easier, you can use the built-in screen time management features available on most devices or utilize third-party apps that provide more detailed monitoring and control. Talk to your child about the importance of balancing online and offline activities. Make sure they understand that these limits are set out of concern for their well-being, not as a form of punishment.

Teaching Kids to Treat Others Respectfully

Just like offline interactions, teaching kids to be respectful in their digital communications is crucial. They should understand that the same rules of kindness and respect apply, whether they’re interacting with others face-to-face or through a screen. Cyberbullying is a significant concern for many parents, and teaching children to treat others respectfully can help mitigate this risk.

Encourage your child to empathize with others by imagining how they would feel if the roles were reversed. Foster an online culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect by setting a positive example through your own online interactions. Remember, kids often emulate the behavior they see around them.

Dig Deeper: 5 Digital Family Values to Embrace to Make the Internet a Better Place

Promoting Open Communication

Open communication is the key to any successful relationship, and this holds true for your relationship with your child. Encourage them to talk to you about their online experiences, both good and bad. This can help you identify any potential problems before they escalate and provide guidance on how to handle various situations.

Ensure your child feels comfortable coming to you with any issues or concerns they may have. Make it clear that you’re there to help, not to chastise them for making mistakes. Remember, the online world can be a confusing and intimidating place for kids, and they need to know they have a trusted adult to turn to when they need help navigating it.

Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest Online Safety Tips

The online world is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest safety tips is crucial. Regularly check reliable online safety resources and learn about the latest threats, trends, and best practices. This can help you prepare for and mitigate potential risks before they impact your child.

Consider joining online communities where parents share tips and advice about online safety. These platforms can be a great source of information and support as you navigate the digital world with your child. Remember, knowledge is power, and the more informed you are, the better you can protect your child.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, ensuring online safety during virtual playdates, hangouts, and video chats involves a combination of selecting the right communication platforms, using privacy settings and parental controls, establishing guidelines for online communications, and promoting open, respectful interactions. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive in teaching our children about online safety.

However, it’s equally important to remember that our ultimate goal isn’t to eliminate all online risks but to create a balance where our kids can enjoy the benefits of the virtual world while being mindful of its potential pitfalls. By employing the strategies discussed in this article, you can provide a safe and enjoyable online environment for your child, fostering their growth and development while ensuring their safety.

The post Keeping Virtual Play Dates, Hangouts, and Video Chats Safe for Everyone appeared first on McAfee Blog.

How Extremist Groups Target Teens Online

By: McAfee
is roblox safe for kids?

With the reality of the digital age, the internet has become a vital part of our daily lives. While it offers immense benefits, the online world also has its potential risks. One such alarming issue involves extremist groups targeting impressionable teenagers online. An example of this is the Orlando nightclub massacre, where the gunman was believed to have been radicalized online. This guide aims to shed light on how these extremist groups operate and provide helpful measures for parents to protect their children.

Understanding The Online Influence of Extremist Groups

According to experts, extremist groups approach their targets subtly, often presenting their ideologies as non-threatening at first. These manipulations are not limited to only social media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter, but can be encountered in various forms like pop-up ads, hashtags, blog posts, and even videos. Extremist content is widespread online, and it has become increasingly crucial to educate your family about these threats.

Influence from these groups does not happen overnight. It often starts with behavioral changes. Common signs that a teen may be exposed to extremist ideologies include physical changes, sudden interest in fundamental values, increasingly critical towards the U.S., or constantly praising extremist violence in the news. These changes may seem minor at first, but they can lead to sinister results if left unchecked.

Strategies Employed by Extremist Groups Online

ISIS, among other extremist groups, has used the internet extensively for propaganda and recruitment. Their online presence is state-of-the-art and their recruitment methods are sophisticated. They primarily target impressionable teens and young adults who are often at the peak of their emotional turmoil and rebellion. They capitalize on the young person’s desire for acceptance, camaraderie and the urge to act out.

Extremist ideology is presented in a way that validates and glorifies this rebellion, treating it as an act of bravery. These groups lure in both males and females with promises of material rewards, eternal favor, adventure, and even heroism. All these appeal to the human desire for acceptance and significance, making it more appealing for impressionable youths.

Defending Against Online Extremism

The Family Institute for Online Safety (FOSI) released a report entitled “Violent Extremism: The New Online Safety Discussion”. It highlighted the ongoing threat of online extremism and the potential exposure of children to extremist content. The report recommends proactive measures such as awareness, education, and collaboration among government, community leaders, and social media companies to keep families safe from these threats.

Parents play a critical role in curbing this menace. They need to discuss current world events and the reliability of online content their children might encounter online. They should help their children develop critical thinking skills about the content they consume online, understand the motivations behind posted content and the potential manipulation involved.

Monitoring Your Child’s Online Activity

As a parent, it is important to observe your child’s online behavior. This does not imply invading their privacy but rather maintaining open communication about their online activities. As recommended by the FOSI report, parents should be aware of the sites their children visit and the content they consume. Encourage your child to discuss questionable content or unusual interactions they encounter online. This open communication helps build trust and promotes a safer online environment.

Teaching your children about digital footprint is also essential. Explain how their online behavior can have real-life consequences. This can range from damaging their reputation to attracting unwanted attention from malicious figures, such as those from extremist groups. Encourage them to think twice before posting or responding to content online, and remind them that nothing they do online is truly hidden or erased.

Dig Deeper: 6 Tips to Help Protect and Improve Your Child’s Online Reputation

Online Resources for Parents

There are numerous online resources available to assist parents in mitigating the influence of online extremism on their children. These include guides on dealing with tragedy and resources to help identify and address childhood depression. Utilizing these resources can equip parents with the knowledge to address difficult situations appropriately and limit the impact on their child’s mental health. Here are some sources you might want to check out: 

  • Educational Websites: Resources like those provided by the FOSI, including studies and actionable advice, can help parents stay informed about the current behaviors and trends of online extremists. Websites like Common Sense Media and NetSmartz also offer comprehensive educational materials, including articles, videos, and lesson plans, to help parents and educators address online safety and digital literacy with children. Keeping abreast of these trends enables parents to better recognize potential threats and intervene before their children are influenced by extremist propaganda.
  • Parental Control Software: McAfee’s comprehensive parental control software offers parents a multifaceted solution to ensure the online safety of their children. With these tools, parents can actively monitor and manage their child’s internet activities, enabling them to set restrictions on certain websites or content deemed inappropriate. 
  • Online Safety Workshops: Many organizations and schools host workshops and webinars on online safety and digital literacy. These can provide parents with practical strategies and expert insights.
  • Mental Health Support: Accessing online platforms like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Crisis Text Line can help parents understand and address the mental health challenges their children may face as a result of online experiences.
  • Social Media Guides: Given the central role of social media in many children’s lives, parents can also find guides from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat on how to ensure a safer and more positive online experience.

Dig Deeper: Does Your Child Have an Unhealthy Relationship with Social Media?

  • Counseling Services: If parents observe concerning changes in their child’s behavior or mental health, it’s important to connect with school counselors, therapists, or psychologists who specialize in youth mental health and digital well-being.
  • Community Support: Local parent groups or online communities dedicated to online safety and parenting can provide a sense of solidarity and practical advice from other parents who have faced similar challenges.

Final Thoughts

The digital age brings with it immense benefits and potential risks. Online extremism is a real threat, but proactive and involved parenting can help minimize its influence on our children. By staying informed about extremist tactics, maintaining open dialogue with our children about their online activities, and utilizing available resources, we can help ensure their online safety. After all, armed with knowledge and understanding, we are well-equipped to face, address, and overcome these challenges.

Improve yours and your children’s understanding of the online world with the help of McAfee. Whether it’s through educational content, parental control solutions, or security features, McAfee empowers both parents and children to make informed decisions, practice responsible online behavior, and stay safe in an ever-evolving digital landscape. 

The post How Extremist Groups Target Teens Online appeared first on McAfee Blog.

How to Look Out For Scams on Facebook Marketplace

By: McAfee

Reels of another kind rack up the views online. Stories about Facebook Marketplace scams. 

Recently, TikTok’er Michel Janse (@michel.c.janse) got well over a million views with a most unusual story about selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace—and how it led to identity theft. 

@michel.c.janse

oops dont fall for this scam like me

♬ original sound – Michel Janse

The story goes like this: 

A buyer reached out about the furniture Michel was selling, expressed interest, and then hesitated. Why the cold feet? The buyer wanted to speak to Michel on the phone to confirm that Michel was a real person. “Are you OK if I voice call you from Google?” Michel agreed, sent her number, and soon received a text with a Google Voice code. The buyer asked for the code, and as soon as Michel sent it, she got that sinking feeling. “I should have Googled before I did, because something feels really off.” 

As she found out, it was. The scammer ghosted the conversation and ran off with the verification code. 

This is a variation of the “Verification Code Scam,” where scammers ask you to send them that six-digit code you receive as part of an account login process. Here, scammers send a text message with a Google Voice verification code and ask you to send them that code. With it, they can create a Google Voice number linked to your phone number—and go on to commit other forms of identity theft in your name. 

It happens so often that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a page dedicated to the topic. Luckily, Michel got wise quickly enough. She quickly asked for another code and took back charge of that newly created Google Voice account. 

This is just one of the many scams lurking about on Facebook Marketplace. Largely, Facebook is a great place packed with lots of great deals, yet you can get stung. But if you know what to look out for, you can spot those scams and steer clear of them when you do. 

The top scams on Facebook Marketplace to look out for. 

As the saying goes, buyer beware. And seller too. Scammers weasel their way into both ends of a transaction. Per Facebook, in addition to phishing attacks, scams on Facebook Marketplace take three primary forms: 

A buyer scam is: When someone tries to buy or trade items from someone else without paying, resulting in a loss of money for the seller and a gain for the buyer. This might look like a buyer who: 

  • Reports their transaction as fraud after they receive the item(s) from you. 
  • Claims they never received the item(s) from you when they did. 
  • Doesn’t pay for an item that they received. 

An example, a scammer sends a seller a pre-paid shipping label to mail the item. Then they change the address via their tracking number and claim they never received the goods.  

A seller scam is: When someone tries to sell or trade items to someone else without delivering the items as promised, resulting in a gain of money for the seller and a loss for the buyer. This might look like a seller who: 

  • Purposely sends you something significantly different than what you paid for. Example: someone sells you a used item that they listed as “new” on Facebook Marketplace. 
  • Claims they shipped the item(s) to you when they didn’t. 
  • Asks you to send them money as a deposit for a high-value item without letting you confirm it’s real first. 

An example, a scammer offers up a game console—one that doesn’t work when you take it home and plug it in. 

A listing scam is: When a listing appears to be dishonest, fake, or lures buyers to complete transactions outside Facebook Marketplace. This might look like a listing: 

  • Of a product with a suspiciously low price on Facebook Marketplace. This can be a sign that it’s a fake item or listing. 
  • With a description encouraging buyers to reach out to the seller outside Marketplace. 

An example, you see a great price on a commuter bike, yet the seller wants to complete the transaction over text. And using a payment form not covered by Facebook’s purchase protection policies, such as Venmo or Zelle. 

Shopping safely and scam-free on Facebook Marketplace. 

Like any transaction you make through social media, a few extra steps and a dose of buyer or seller beware can help you make a great purchase or sale. One that’s safe. 

  • Check out the person’s profile: Michel mentioned getting a “vibe check” from her buyer by looking at their profile. Take it a step further and investigate closely. While not foolproof, it can help you spot an obvious fake account. Look for an account that’s only recently been created or that has next to no other activity. Those might be red flags. Also, try a reverse-image search of the person’s profile picture. Some scammers pull stock photos and other pictures off the internet to round out their bogus Facebook profiles. 
  • Consider doing your deals locally: Many of the scams listed above rely on items that are shipped. By shopping locally, you can inspect the item you’d like to purchase and get a sense if it’s a deal or not. For example, you could ask the seller to show that the game console you want to buy actually works. Likewise, you can avoid all manner of shipping-based scams on Facebook by conducting your transaction in person. 
  • Deal in public or with a pal: When selling or making a purchase, do it somewhere safe—one that’s well-lit and has some people around, if at all possible. Also, bring a friend and let others know where you’re going and what you’re doing. 
  • Stick with Facebook Marketplace: If you choose to purchase an item that’s shipped, conduct your transaction on Facebook. By using its approved payment methods, you can gain the purchase protections mentioned above. Don’t use online payment methods like Zelle or Venmo, which aren’t protected by Facebook currently. 
  • Document the transaction: Save any communications with your buyer or the seller in the event there is an issue. Keeping communications on Facebook provides an excellent record of your interactions in the event you end up getting scammed. 

Ugh! I got scammed on Facebook! Now what? 

You can take three big steps to help set things straight. 

  1. The first step involves filing a police report. That in itself might not resolve the issue, yet it’ll get you a case number that you can reference in your claims moving forward. It provides law enforcement with knowledge that a crime has taken place, along with important data and info that they can use moving forward. 
  2. Also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. Likewise, this provides the FTC with vital info that helps them track trends and that it can share with its law enforcement partners. For example, scammers often run in rings. Data can help identify and shut them down. 
  3. Next, report your scam to Facebook. Make your claim, provide your records, and see about getting a refund. Also notify Facebook of the scammer’s account so that they can take action against it as needed. Whether it’s a seller, buyer, or listing you want to report, Facebook has full instructions for reporting scams on its site. 

Stay safer still from scammers online. 

Whether shopping on Facebook Marketplace or off, a combination of online protection software and smart habits can help you avoid getting scammed. Further, online protection can provide you with yet more ways of preventing and recovering from identity theft. 

  • Use two-form authentication—and never share your number with anyone. Two-factor authentication makes it tougher to hack into an online account by using a six-digit code as part of the login process. Hackers know this and will try and hoodwink you into providing it. Just as Michel found out. Keep that number to yourself. Always. 
  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card for purchases. When fraud occurs with a debit card, you fight to get your money back—it’s gone straight out of your account. With a credit card, the issuer fights to get their money back. They’re the ones who take the financial hit. Additionally, in the U.S., the Fair Credit Billing Act gives citizens the power to dispute charges over $50 for goods and services that were never delivered or otherwise billed incorrectly. Note that many credit card companies have their own policies that improve upon the Fair Credit Billing Act as well.  
  • Monitor your credit, transactions, and personal info online. That was once quite the task. Now, comprehensive online protection software like ours can do all that for you. And then some. It can prevent identity theft by cleaning up your personal info and old accounts online. It can notify you when unusual activity occurs in bank, credit, retirement, and other online accounts. If your info winds up on the dark web, it can alert you of that too, and offer next steps for action. And if you do end up as a victim of identity theft, a licensed restoration pro can help you recover—plus provide covers that can help recover your losses.  

Scams are crimes. And you can prevent them. 

We’d like to thank Michel and all the others who have shared their stories. Getting scammed stings. That’s why people often fail to report it, let alone share that it happened to them. Yet scams are crimes. Without question, act and report on a scam for the crime that it is. Get the proper platforms and authorities involved. 

Keep in mind the larger picture as well. Scams aren’t always one-offs. Organized crime gets in on scams as well, sometimes on a large scale. By acting and reporting on scams, you provide those platforms and authorities mentioned above with vital info that can help them shut it down. 

Your best defenses are your nose and your online protection software. As Michel said, something felt off in her interaction. So, if something doesn’t pass the sniff test, pay attention to that instinct. Shut down that purchase or sale on Facebook Marketplace—and report it if you think it’s a scam. You might save someone else some heartache down the road. 

The post How to Look Out For Scams on Facebook Marketplace appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Digital Strategies to Safeguard Your Child from Upsetting and Violent Content Online

Amidst the recent heartbreaking events in the Middle East, parents now face the challenge of protecting children from the overwhelming amount of violent and disturbing content so easily accessible to children online 

Reports of unimaginable acts, including graphic photos and videos, have emerged on popular social networks, leading child advocates to call for heightened monitoring and, in some cases, the removal of these apps from children’s devices. According to a recent investigation by The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, the team adopted the personas of 13-year-olds to establish accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. During a 48-hour period spanning from October 14 to 16, the researchers unearthed over 300 problematic posts. Surprisingly, a significant majority of these problematic posts, approximately 78%, were discovered on Instagram, with Snapchat hosting about 5% of them. 

In today’s digital age, the consensus is clear: keeping older children informed about global events is important. However, given the abundance of real-time, violent content, the urgency to protect them from distressing material that could harm their mental well-being has become even more imperative. 

In such times, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, but we can provide valuable tips to help you monitor and minimize your child’s exposure to violent content. 

10 Ways to Limit Your Family’s Exposure to Online Violence 

  1. Safeguard Screen Time: It’s natural if you are anxious about your child’s exposure to online content right now. Listen to that inner voice and be proactive with all screen time including television. A practical approach is to limit device access. For younger children, consider using a family device instead of a personal one to manage screen time more effectively. Know where the remote is and explain why you are making changes. 
  2. Get Serious about Parental Controls: Technology can be your ally during times of global crisis. Parental control features enable you to not only block inappropriate content but also regulate screen time. Consider apps that have built-in parental controls that can be customized to the age of your child and give you the added protection and peace of mind needed right now. 
  3. Talk Openly and Honestly. Don’t be shy about engaging your child in open and honest conversations about what’s going on in the world right now. Chances are, they’re already getting the information anyway, or absorbing the stress anyway. Depending on age, explain the basics of the conflict and why it’s dominating the news and online conversations. Encourage your children to ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns.
  4. Monitor Their Digital Circles: Keep a watchful eye on your child’s online activities, especially during sensitive times when it’s unclear what kind of content they may see online. This includes online gaming platforms and messaging apps. Installing parental control software is important but so is listening to what and how your child (and his or her peers) posts, comments on, and shares.
  5. Zero in on Media Literacy: Propaganda and misinformation is rampant, especially in connection with a geopolitical conflict. Teach your children the art of critical thinking and challenge them to level up their media literacy. Help them discern the difference between reliable sources and disinformation campaigns. Teach them to how to question the information and opinions they encounter online.
  6. 6. Implement a Digital Detox: During periods of particularly distressing news coverage, urge your child to take breaks from the news and model that decision as well. Engage with them in alternative activities and hobbies that foster relaxation and well-being, balancing their online exposure.
  7. Family News Time: If age-appropriate, make watching the news a family affair. This practice allows you to explain and discuss what’s happening and address any questions or concerns your child may have in real-time.
  8. Empathy and Compassion: Foster discussions about the importance of empathy and compassion for those suffering due to conflicts. Encourage your child to engage in activities that promote understanding and kindness.
  9. Review Reporting Channels: If your child is online be sure they know how to report disturbing or inappropriate content on their favorite apps, games, or social sites. Most platforms have mechanisms for flagging or reporting such content, which empowers children to be active participants in online safety.
  10. Seek Professional Support if Needed: What’s happening in the world is distressing and can ignite confusion, fear, and anxiety in a child. Every child is unique so if you notice signs of distress, anxiety, or trauma due to exposure to violent online content, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Their expertise can be invaluable in times of need.

To wrap up, don’t lose sight of mental and physical well-being by implementing the strategies mentioned here. By setting a strong example of a balanced digital life and open communication about real-life crises, your children will naturally pick up on how to navigate the online world. Your actions speak volumes, and they will follow your lead.

The post Digital Strategies to Safeguard Your Child from Upsetting and Violent Content Online appeared first on McAfee Blog.

A Detailed Guide on Cyberbullying

By: McAfee

Unfortunately, cyberbullying has become a prevalent and emerging threat in our digital age. This type of bullying, carried out through computers and similar technologies, including cell phones, often involves harmful or intimidating comments and public posts created with malevolent intent to humiliate the victim. It’s a phenomenon that doesn’t only affect adults but is incredibly common among young people. As a result, it’s crucial to understand how to help your children navigate and mitigate this pervasive, especially now that they can leave digital footprints anywhere and encounter people with bad intentions.

The Uniqueness of Cyberbullying

One of the distinguishing factors of cyberbullying is that, unlike traditional in-person bullying, it doesn’t simply end when the bully is out of sight. Today, bullies can virtually pursue their victims everywhere through technology. This implies that bullying can transpire without the victim’s immediate consciousness, and due to the extensive reach of social media, the bullying can be witnessed by a significantly larger audience than the conventional school playground. 

Bearing in mind the challenges in getting a cyberbully to cease their harmful behavior, the most effective strategy is to educate your children about safe online habits to prevent such situations from arising in the first place. 

Dig Deeper: More Dangers of Cyberbullying Emerge—Our Latest Connected Family Report

Types of Cyberbullies

Evolved from the classic schoolyard bullies of old, these cyberbullies can take various forms depending on their attack vector and intent. In fact, there are said to be four types of cyberbullies: the Vengeful Angel, the Power Hungry Cyberbully, Revenge of the Nerds/Inadvertent Cyberbully, and Mean Girls. The Vengeful Angel bullies in order to protect the weak/other victims and often takes action to protect a loved one or friend. The Power Hungry archetype, however, is just a nasty, unkind person who wants to display dominance and control over others. Then there’s the Inadvertent Cyberbully, who are usually the ones getting bullied online or in real life and are typically trying to enact some form of justice or revenge anonymously from the web. Mean Girls are the opposite – and take their online actions in order to impress a group of friends or gain social status.

Cyberbullying Methods

Not only is there a variety in the kinds of bullies across the web, but also many types of cyberbullying techniques these meanies use to bother their victims. First and foremost, there’s harassment, which involves repeated, offensive messages sent to a victim by a bully on some type of online medium. These messages can be rude, personal, and even threatening, with one recent example emerging between two wives of professional hockey players. Similar to harassment is Flaming – an online fight conducted via emails, social media messages, chat rooms, you name it.

Then there are very targeted attacks, named Exclusion and Outing. With Exclusion, cyberbullies select one individual to single out. Exclusion is a popular method, with examples everywhere, from high students in Iowa to well-known celebrities. With Outing, these harassers share private information, photos, and videos of a single person to humiliate them online. There’s also the anonymous angle, AKA Masquerading, where a cyberbully creates a fake online identity to belittle, harass, and degrade their victim – which a nurse in New Zealand was a victim of for a whopping five years.

Cyberbullying Prevention Tips

Parents should inform their children that their online activities will be monitored using parental control software. Explaining how this software works and how it can protect them is essential. This policy should be well established before your child gets their phone or computer. 

Furthermore, parents should discuss cyberbullying with their children and help them understand how it happens. This discussion should take place before your child gets their devices. Before a child gets their own digital devices, they must disclose their passwords to their parents. Parents can reassure them that these passwords will only be used during emergencies. 

Setting Conditions for Device Ownership

A condition set before children get their own digital devices is that they should consent to instructions on smart online habits. Importantly, they must understand that once something is posted online, it stays there forever. 

Another essential guideline for owning a device is that children should be cautious about their personal information. They should be advised not to publicly share their cell phone number and email address and should never disclose their passwords, even to close friends. 

Dig Deeper: 8 Signs It May Be Time for Parental Controls

Role-Playing for Cyberbullying

Once your child obtains their digital devices, engaging in role-playing exercises with them is suggested. This allows parents to simulate scenarios where the child might encounter a cyberbully, teaching them appropriate responses. This exercise can also provide a safe space for your child to practice dealing with cyberbullying tactics and learn to act assertively without resorting to aggression or submission. 

In this role-playing activity, parents should encourage their children to report any bullying incidents, even if it is simulated or perceived as insignificant. This activity not only cultivates resilience but also reassures children that they won’t be blamed or punished for being a victim of cyberbullying. 

Maintaining Awareness of Online Activities

Parents must maintain vigilance regarding their child’s internet activities despite all preventive measures. Regular check-ins and encouraging open communication about their online experiences can create a strong bond of trust between parents and children. Assure them they can approach you without fear if they are bullied online. Encourage them to share any suspicious interactions and reassure them that they won’t be in trouble for reporting cyberbullying incidents.

If possible, try to familiarise yourself with the social media platforms that your children are using. Understanding these platforms can provide insight into their online experience and potential risks. Such knowledge can be valuable when initiating discussions about cyberbullying, providing tangible examples and relatable scenarios.

McAfee Pro Tip: Get McAfee’s parental control to safeguard your children against online threats and cyberbullying. With its features, you can actively supervise your kids’ online interactions, establish usage time restrictions, and prevent exposure to inappropriate content. This reassures you that your children can explore the online realm while enjoying a layer of protection. 

Importance of Staying Updated & Educated

Cyberbullying is a complex issue that evolves with the rapid advancements of technology and social media platforms. Therefore, parents must stay updated about the latest forms of cyberbullying and the newest safety settings available on various platforms. Parents should also regularly educate themselves about digital safety and responsible internet usage and share this information with their children to boost their awareness and readiness.

Parents and children can attend webinars, workshops, and seminars about cyberbullying and online safety. Learning together provides a good bonding exercise and ensures that both parties are on the same page. Schools and local community centers often offer resources and programs for cyberbullying awareness and prevention.

Dig Deeper: Cyberbullying’s Impact on Both Society and Security

Next Steps for Both Parents and Kids

Typically, cyberbullying is common among teens navigating the trials and tribulations of middle and high school. But that doesn’t mean it’s exclusive to teens, and that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps parents and kids alike can do to stop cyberbullying in its tracks.

If you’re the subject of cyberbullying, the first thing you need to do is block the bully. Then, make sure you collect evidence – take screenshots, print the proof, and do whatever you can to have material to back up your claim. It depends on the type of cyberbullying at work, but you can also use the internet to your advantage and look up relevant resources to aid with your issue.

If you’re a parent, the most important thing is communication. Make yourself available as a resource and remind your kids that they can tell you anything happening in their online world. Beyond that, continuously weave cybersecurity into your family discussions. Remind kids of the simple steps to be safe online, and ensure they know when to flag a cyberbully or online scheme.

There are also technical avenues you can take to protect your kid online. Look into solutions that will help you monitor your family’s online interactions, such as McAfee Safe Family. This solution, for instance, can help you set rules and time limits for apps and websites and see what your kids are up to at a glance. Of course, these solutions are not the be-all and end-all for stopping cyberbullying, but they can help.

Now, there’s still a lot more research that has to be done to understand the cyberbullying problem society is faced with fully. So, as this problem continues to evolve, so must the research, solutions, and regulations that will be created to combat the issue. With the right proactive action, people everywhere can stand up to cyberbullies.

Dig Deeper: Cyberbullying – How Parents Can Minimize Impact On Kids

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cyberbullying is a pressing issue that requires continuous attention and education. By teaching your children what it is and how it happens, setting up rules for responsible device usage, conducting role-play exercises together, and staying informed about their online activities, you can better equip them to navigate the digital world safely. Remember, the ultimate goal is not to control your child’s online activities but to empower them with the tools and understanding necessary to protect themselves online.

The post A Detailed Guide on Cyberbullying appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Could Your Kids Spot an Online Predator?

By: McAfee

Despite the extensive media coverage and awareness campaigns, it’s harrowing to admit that children, particularly vulnerable teenagers, are still targeted by online predators. This is not a matter exclusive to the “other” kids – it affects everyone, and young individuals’ innocent and accepting nature often leads them into the dangerous trap of these predators.

As parents, caregivers, and mentors, it’s our responsibility to educate and guide our children about the virtual perils that lurk within their screens. An essential part of this is continuous communication, ensuring they understand the gravity of the situation and can recognize the deceptive tactics employed by these predators.

The Tragic Tale of Nicole Lovell

A heartbreaking example of how these predators operate is the story of Nicole Lovell, a 13-year-old girl who made headlines not long ago. Nicole met David Eisenhauer, an engineering student from Virginia Tech, through the messaging app Kik. Their relations initially seemed harmless, characterized by playful flirtations and shared stories. However, their friendship took a horrific turn when they decided to meet in person, leading to Nicole’s tragic demise. Her body was found shortly after their encounter.

David exhibited no signs of having a ‘dark side,’ an aspect that made their meeting seem all the more innocent. This incident is a stark reminder that anyone can fall prey to such predators, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is why discussing and dissecting such incidents with our children is crucial to teaching them the harsh realities of the digital world.

Recognizing the Traits of Online Predators

Identifying an online predator’s markers is a critical aspect of child safety education. More often than not, these individuals are cunning and mentally unbalanced and spend a significant amount of their time seeking and ‘grooming’ their prospective victims online. The ultimate goal of these predators is to exploit children, either by convincing them to send inappropriate photos or by meeting them in person.

Initiating a continuous dialogue with your children about these predators is crucial. Make them aware of the tactics these individuals employ, such as appearing overly friendly or empathetic. Let them know that predators will go to any length to appear younger and more relatable.

Dig Deeper: Reports of Online Predators on the Rise. How to Keep Your Kids Safe

Starting the Conversation with Kids

Addressing such a sensitive issue with your children can be challenging but necessary. Start by discussing cases like Nicole’s, focusing not only on the tragic outcome but also on the lead-up events and why she may have developed such a strong online connection. Discussing how innocent online friendships can spiral into dangerous situations can be an excellent eye-opener for your kids.

It’s crucial to teach your kids to look out for strangers who are “too friendly” or excessively understanding. Tell them that predators keep themselves updated with the latest movies, music, and trends to seem younger and easily start conversations with children. Remember, predators will say anything to appear more youthful than they actually are.

Red Flags and Warning Signs 

You don’t always know what your children are doing online. Their digital footprints could be anywhere. That’s why it is imperative to understand the red flags and warning signs that may signal a hazardous online interaction, especially when they already encounter a predator, and you’re still in the shadow. 

  • Identifying Suspicious Behavior in Online Contacts: Your children should be cautious if someone they’re communicating with online excessively flatters them, evades questions about their identity, provides inconsistent information, or repeatedly pushes boundaries. Isolation attempts, where the contact discourages your child from discussing the interaction with others or emphasizes secrecy, should raise concerns. 
  • Recognizing Signs of Manipulation and Coercion: Online predators often employ manipulative tactics to gain control over their targets. Your child should be aware of emotional manipulation, blackmail, and threats, all signs of coercion. Predators may work to build false trust by pretending to be the only one who cares about or understands the child. If the contact insists on secrecy, isolates your child from real-world activities, or uses emotional manipulation, it’s crucial for your child to recognize these tactics and take them seriously. And you, as a parent, should acknowledge your child’s behavior when they’re being emotionally manipulated. 
  • Understanding When to Seek Help or Report Concerning Interactions: Open communication is crucial to your child’s safety. Encourage them to talk to you about any concerns regarding their online interactions. Help your child trust their instincts; if something doesn’t feel right or makes them uncomfortable, they should share those feelings with a trusted adult. Ensure they know how to report concerning interactions on the platforms they use and don’t hesitate to involve law enforcement if you suspect contact with an online predator. In some cases, seeking professional help may also be necessary to support your child’s recovery from a traumatic online experience. Building a foundation of trust and proactive communication is essential for online safety.

Teaching Kids to Guard their Online Presence

Reinforcing the importance of online privacy is a crucial step in protecting your kids from virtual predators. Teach your children that personal information such as their full name, address, school, and phone number should never be shared online. They must also understand that specific images and details about their life can also reveal too much to an online predator. Remind them to limit geotagged photos as this can expose their location, and also to strictly control who is able to view their social media accounts.

Dig Deeper: Why You Should Think Before Geotagging that Selfie

Explain to your kids the dangers of accepting friend requests or communicating with strangers online. Make them aware that individuals posing as children or teenagers could be adults with malicious intent. Reinforce that anyone who asks them to keep a conversation secret or requests for personal information or inappropriate content is a potential danger, and they should inform you immediately if this occurs.

Dig Deeper: Making Online Safety a Priority for Our Tech-Savvy Children

Implementing Online Safety Measures

As parents, we must stay informed about our children’s online activities, which goes far beyond just asking them about it. This can involve regularly reviewing their social media profiles and friends lists and ensuring they only interact with people they know personally. Familiarize yourself with the platforms and apps your children use to comprehend their functionalities and potential risks better. 

Creating house rules regarding internet use can be an effective measure to ensure online safety. This could involve having specific periods when the internet can be used, limiting the time spent online, and setting out where internet-access devices can be used. For instance, allowing internet use only in common areas instead of bedrooms can be a good practice. It is essential to have ongoing dialogues about these rules and their reasons so your children can understand and appreciate their importance.

Final Thoughts

In an age where the online world is a significant part of our children’s lives, online safety education is essential. It’s crucial that, as parents, caregivers, and mentors, we take proactive steps to protect our children from the pervasive threat of online predators. This means having open and ongoing conversations about the real dangers that can lurk behind a screen, teaching kids to guard their online presence, and implementing online safety measures. Together, we can ensure the internet becomes safer for our children to learn, explore, and connect with others. Protect your whole family with McAfee+ Family plans.

The post Could Your Kids Spot an Online Predator? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Handling Social Media Stress for Teens

By: McAfee

Handling Social Media Stress for Teens

In today’s world, most communication happens through the internet, facilitated by numerous applications. The web is a lively center filled with various activities such as news, videos, education, blogs, gaming, activism, and entertainment. Notably, social media apps have morphed into the digital meeting points for netizens. Our society is undeniably superbly interconnected, and our digital persona is greatly treasured.

However, this isn’t always beneficial, especially for teenagers who may be overwhelmed by the deluge of information, leading to stress. Stress is a common part of our daily lives, emerging from our education, employment, relationships, and surroundings. A similar situation transpires online. In fact, we tend to cope with stress by expressing our frustrations, confronting problems directly, or evading the issue altogether. Yet, the ways to cope with stress in the virtual world differ. Online stress can arise from unique triggers, and its repercussions can rapidly escalate and proliferate at an alarming rate.

Causes of Social Media Stress in Children

The rise of social media has brought a concerning phenomenon – social media stress in children. As these young individuals navigate the complex virtual world, they often encounter a range of stressors that can significantly impact their emotional and psychological well-being. Understanding these underlying causes is a crucial step in addressing and mitigating the adverse effects of social media on our younger generations. Let’s delve into the causes of social media stress in children and shed light on the various factors that contribute to this growing issue:

  • Peer pressure: The most important reason children are online is to connect with friends. To keep this friendship alive and kicking, they often blindly copy the group leaders, even if they are uncomfortable with their actions.
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Teens, especially girls, have a competitive spirit when it comes to online presence and don’t want to be ‘the last to know’ so, they end up spending a lot of time online.
  • Keeping up with the Jones’: The same competitive spirit leads kids to spend hours posing and selecting the perfect pics to share online or seek approval from strangers. This is risky, as negative comments online can harm self-confidence.

Other Triggers of Social Media Stress

Besides the more obvious and well-documented sources of social media stress in children, there exist several other significant triggers that contribute to the overall stress levels experienced by young individuals in the digital age, and these may include:

  • Excessive sharing: When kids share a lot of their private information on social media, they leave themselves vulnerable to hacking and open themselves up to contact from inappropriate individuals online.

Dig Deeper: The Ultimate Guide to Safe Sharing Online

  • Cyberbullying: Most kids have witnessed or experienced some form of cyberbullying and often end up as either perpetrators or victims, or mute spectators. In all cases, this is a disturbing occurrence.

Dig Deeper: More Dangers of Cyberbullying Emerge—Our Latest Connected Family Report

  • Lack of screen time limits and lack of empathy: Lack of digital balance can have psychological effects, so digital usage rules are necessary. Similarly, when children are not taught to respect others and their traditions, they do not develop empathy and may bully those with differing views and lifestyles.

Dig Deeper: 5 Screen Time Principles to Establish When Your Kids are Still Babies

The Role of Parenting

Parenting plays a major role in helping children learn how to tackle social media stress. As parents, you know your children the best. Yes, even teens. Observe them, and if you note any change in their social media habits or general behavior, talk to them. The earlier you start having frank one-to-one conversations, the easier it will be for you later. But before that, you may need to modify your response to stress and learn to control your reactions. That way, you will teach them a very important lesson without using a single word.

Helping Kids Fight Social Media Stress

Children can learn to manage social media stress by developing a healthy online etiquette and creating boundaries for their online activities. Encourage them to accept differences and realize that people have varied opinions. Remind them not to make judgments based on someone’s online bio and pictures and to understand that life isn’t a bed of roses for anyone. Another important step is to help them understand how important it is to respond tactfully when things get heated online. It’s essential that they understand the power of choosing not to engage in online altercations. Being silent doesn’t mean they’re weak but smart enough not to get provoked. If any online situation becomes too intense, they should be encouraged to report and block the perpetrator immediately.

McAfee Pro Tip: Since each child’s level of maturity and cognitive capacity to manage online challenges varies, a one-site-fits-all approach to balancing social media and mental health won’t work for everyone. Find tips on how to find the best method for your child.

Practicing Digital Balance and Awareness

One of the keys to managing stress caused by social media is ensuring that kids practice digital balance. Set screen time limits and encourage them to make and maintain friendships in the real world. In-person interactions promote emotional growth and provide a well-rounded social experience. Moreover, it’s crucial to instill the idea that maturity is about staying true to their values and wisdom lies in identifying the negatives and avoiding them. Just as they would in the physical world, they should be aware that the digital world comprises both good and bad elements. This awareness can help them navigate online spaces safely. Let them know the importance of applying their real-life values in the digital world and the mantra of STOP, THINK, CONNECT, should always be in their mind before posting anything online.

Dig Deeper: 6 Steps to Help Your Family Restore Digital Balance in Stressful Times

Conclusion

In conclusion, parents play a crucial role in helping their children tackle social media stress. By observing their kids’ behavioral changes, having open conversations, and setting appropriate boundaries for their online activities, parents can help their kids navigate the digital world safely. Encouraging children to accept differences, practice tact, maintain digital balance, and be aware of the good and bad online can help alleviate the stress caused by social media. Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthier and happier online space for children, free from unnecessary stress.

Improve your digital parenting with McAfee’s Parental Controls. This security tool allows parents to monitor device usage, set limits on screen time, and even keep tabs on kids’ whereabouts.​

The post Handling Social Media Stress for Teens appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Help Kids Steer Clear of Cyberbullies During Summer Break

By: McAfee

As we all look forward to the sunshine and freedom of summer, it’s important to remember that not all elements of the school year disappear with the ringing of the final bell. In our increasingly digital age, cyberbullying has become a pervasive issue that can affect kids even during their summer break. This guide will help parents understand the issue, recognize the signs, and provide practical strategies to protect their kids from cyberbullies.

The Reality of Summer Cyberbullying

Summer break should be a time of fun-filled days, exploration, relaxation, and a break from the rigors of the school year. However, with the increase in leisure time comes a corresponding increase in screen time, and, unfortunately, this often results in an uptick in instances of cyberbullying. As the McAfee survey in 2014 revealed, 87% of teenagers reported witnessing cyberbullying, a significant increase from the previous year. The reasons for being targeted varied, with appearance, race, religion, and sexual orientation all cited as factors. Given this reality, parents must remain vigilant during the summer months. Keeping an eye on your child’s online activities, encouraging open communication, and intervening when necessary can make the difference between a summer of fun and one of fear and isolation. → Dig Deeper: More Dangers of Cyberbullying Emerge—Our Latest Connected Family Report

Things Not to Do

When confronted with bullying, our instinctive reactions aren’t always the best. Here are three things you should avoid doing when addressing cyberbullying:

  • Telling your child to ignore the bullying. The nature of social media can amplify the impact of bullying, making it impossible to overlook simply.
  • Blaming the child for being bullied. Even if your child made poor decisions or inadvertently instigated the situation, nobody deserves to be bullied.
  • Encouraging physical retaliation. Fighting back can escalate the situation and put your child in physical or legal danger.

3 Ways to Avoid Bullying Online

Prevention is the best cure, and there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of your child being cyberbullied:

  • Make profiles and photos private. Insist on privacy settings for all social profiles. This confines your child’s online circles to known friends, reducing the likelihood of cyberbullying.

Dig Deeper: Protecting Your Privacy on Social Media

  • Avoid risky apps. Certain apps, like ask.fm, Kik Messenger, and Yik Yak, are associated with higher rates of cyberbullying due to their allowance of anonymous interaction. Ensure these are off-limits for your child.

Dig Deeper: Beware of Malicious Mobile Apps

  • Don’t invite criticism. The online culture often encourages kids to seek approval through “likes” or “ranks” of their photos. Discuss the risks involved in this behavior and remind your child of their worth outside these superficial metrics.

3 Things to Do if Bullied Online

Despite taking precautions, there may be instances where cyberbullying can’t be immediately prevented. In such situations, it is crucial to know what steps to take to mitigate the impact and bring the bullying to an end:

  • Tell someone. It’s important for the child to confide in a trusted adult, somebody who can help manage the situation appropriately. Encourage open communication from the start. Many times, kids withhold information about bullying, allowing it to escalate unchecked. Monitor your child’s online behavior discreetly, paying attention to the tone and content of their interactions. It’s also crucial to provide emotional support and reassurance to children who are being targeted, as they may be suffering from fear, embarrassment, or feelings of isolation.
  • Save the evidence. Make sure to keep a record of bullying incidents – texts, emails, social media posts, or screenshot conversations. These might provide valuable information to address the situation and serve as evidence if the need to report to authorities arises.
  • Report serious incidents to the police. If cyberbullying escalates to the point where it includes threats, intimidation, or any form of sexual exploitation, it’s time to involve the authorities. Report the situation to the police and specific social networks where bullying occurs. Websites such as StopBullying.gov provide comprehensive resources to understand your rights better and get the help you need.

Supporting Your Child

Addressing the issue of cyberbullying can be a complex task. The emotional wounds inflicted by this abuse can be deep and long-lasting. Therefore, it’s indispensable that your child feels supported and understood. Maintain an open line of communication with your child, creating a secure and trusting environment where they can comfortably express their feelings and fears. It might also be beneficial to seek professional help when dealing with cases of severe bullying. Therapy or counseling can provide your child with effective coping strategies, helping them regain their confidence and self-esteem. McAfee Pro Tip: While numerous aspects of the digital world remain beyond our control, one aspect where we wield significant influence is our commitment to protecting the well-being of our family members in both the digital and mental realms. Mental health always matters. Find ways to support your child online and offline.

Teaching Empathy and Respect Online

Preventing cyberbullying starts at home. By teaching our children the values of empathy and respect, we can contribute to a more positive online culture. Incorporate digital citizenship lessons into your everyday conversations, emphasizing the importance of treating others kindly offline and online. Teach your children to think before they post and remind them that behind every screen, there’s a real person who can be hurt by their words. Building respect and empathy can discourage cyberbullying and inspire children to stand against it. → Dig Deeper: Cyberbullying’s Impact on Both Society and Security

Conclusion

Parenting in the digital age brings with it new challenges and responsibilities. Cyberbullying is a significant issue that requires our attention and vigilance, especially during the summer when screen time increases. Equip your child with the right tools to protect themselves online, foster open communication at all times, and support them in the face of adversity. Remember, the goal is for our children to enjoy their digital interactions and have a safe, enjoyable summer free from the threat of cyberbullying. Improve your family’s digital habits, privacy, and safety with McAfee’s Parental Controls. This security tool allows parents to oversee device usage, establish screen time restrictions, and even track the locations of their children.

The post Help Kids Steer Clear of Cyberbullies During Summer Break appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Online Job Scams – TikTokers Tell Their Stories, with a Warning

We reported earlier this year, a fresh rash of online job scams continue to rope in plenty of victims. Now, those victims are taking to TikTok with a warning. 

https://www.tiktok.com.mcas.ms/@thenamesamber/video/7188616142062275886

Source, thenamesamber on TikTok 

Take the story thenamesamber told on TikTok. It starts out like many. Amber wanted a job that allowed remote work, and luckily enough, a recruiter reached out to her through an online recruiting site with an opportunity. 

From there, the recruiter directed Amber to download a messaging app, which the company would use for the interview process. The interview went just fine, Amber got a job offer, and then the company asked Amber for a home address. 

Here’s where the catch comes in.  

Amber goes on to say that the company sent her a check by overnight mail, a check she should use to buy equipment. A check for nearly $5,000. For days, the check didn’t post. The company repeatedly asked for update. Had it posted yet? Had it posted yet?  

At this point, Amber said she got suspicious. She contacted her bank. The check had a hold placed on it, and according to Amber, she was charged a fee and her account frozen for days. In speaking with her bank, Amber was told that the check was bad and that she was the victim of a scam. The bank has seen a lot of it lately, said Amber. 

Yet based on what we’ve seen, Amber got lucky. 

What do online job scams look like? 

Victims and banks sometimes fail to spot the scam as it unfolds. In those cases, the check gets posted and the scammers tell the victim to forward the money to another person who’ll purchase equipment for them. Usually by way of an online payment app.  

Days later, the check bounces for insufficient funds. Meanwhile, victims get burdened with the fraud reporting process — with their bank and with the payment app they used. Depending on the means and terms of payment, some or all of that money might be gone for good. And as a result, the scammers get a few thousand dollars richer.   

If you spend some time on social media, you’ll stumble across plenty of videos that tell this exact story in one form or another. And with each story, you’ll find dozens of people sharing that the same thing happened, or almost happened, to them. 

We’re glad people are taking to TikTok to share their stories, even as sharing those stories can get painful. You can avoid these scams. Part of it involves awareness. They’re still going strong. The next part counts on you and your sharp eye to spot sketchy behavior when you see it.  

We’ll show you how, and that begins with a look at where these scams take place. 

Online job scams — what’s going on out there? 

Employment figures continue to surge. It’s a hot job market out there, and when things get hot, you’ll find scammers looking to turn a buck. It’s much like tax season and gift-giving holidays. Scammers will take advantage of trends and seasonal events where people go online and there’s money involved. Job scams are no different. 

Where do these scams crop up? 

As we reported earlier this year and as TikTok videos have shared, many appear to originate from trusted online recruiting platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Scammers will either set up a bogus company or pose as a representative of a legitimate company. In other cases, job scams take root on social media. Here, scammers play the same game—set up a bogus company or impersonate a legitimate one. 

From there, stories like Amber’s unfold. 

Without question, recruiting and social media platforms know what’s going on and take steps to quash scam accounts. 

For example, LinkedIn’s latest community report cited the removal of more than 21 million fake accounts in the first half of 2022:  

  • Stopped at registration – 16.4 million accounts. 
  • Restricted proactively before members reported – 5.4 million accounts. 
  • Restricted after members reported – 190 thousand accounts.  

Likewise, Facebook took action on 426 million fake accounts in Q1 of 2023 alone, with nearly 99% of them acted on before users reported them.  

In its guidelines for a safe job search, Indeed mentions the global teams “dedicated to the safety and authenticity of the jobs posted on our platform.” 

Still, some scammers make their way through to these platforms and others like them. 

Online job scams — here’s what to look out for: 

Our earlier advice on the topic still holds true. You can spot scams several ways, particularly when you know that scammers want your money and personal information as quickly as possible. The moment any so-called job offer asks for any of those, a red flag should immediately go up.  

It’s possibly a scam if:  

They ask for your Social Security or tax ID number.  

In the hands of a scammer, your SSN or tax ID is the key to your identity. With it, they can open up bank cards, lines of credit, apply for insurance benefits, collect benefits and tax returns, or even commit crimes, all in your name. Needless to say, scammers will ask for it, perhaps under the guise of a background check or for payroll purposes. The only time you should provide your SSN or tax ID is when you know that you have accepted a legitimate job with a legitimate company. Only sent it through a secure document signing service, never via email, text, or over the phone.  

They want your banking information.  

Another trick scammers rely on is asking for bank account information so that they can wire a payment to you. As with the SSN above, closely guard this information and treat it in exactly the same way. Don’t give it out unless you have a legitimate job with a legitimate company.  

They want you to pay before you get paid.  

Some scammers will take a different route. They’ll promise employment, but first you’ll need to pay them for training, onboarding, or equipment before you can start work. Legitimate companies won’t make these kinds of requests. Amber’s check story provides a good example of this. 

They tell you to download a specific messaging app to communicate with them. 

Victims report that the scammers require a specific app to chat and, sometimes, to conduct the interview itself. Apps like Signal and Wire get mentioned, yet rest assured that these apps themselves are legitimate. The scammers are the problem, not the apps. Consider it a warning sign if someone asks you to largely communicate this way.  

Other signs of a job scam — more red flags to look for:  

Aside from the types of information they ask for, the way they ask for your information offers other clues that you might find yourself mixed up in a scam. Look out for the following as well:  

1) The offer is big on promises but short on details.  

You can sniff out many online scams with the “too good to be true” test. Scammers often make big promises during the holidays with low-priced offers for hard-to-get holiday gifts and then don’t deliver. It’s the same with job scams. The high pay, the low hours, and even the offer of things like a laptop and other perks, these are signs that a job offer might be a scam. Moreover, when pressed for details about this seemingly fantastic job opportunity, scammers might balk. Or they might come back with incomplete or inconsistent replies because the job doesn’t exist at all.  

2) They communicate only through email or chat.  

Job scammers hide behind their screens. They use the anonymity of the internet to their advantage. Job scammers likewise create phony profiles on networking and social media websites, which means they won’t agree to a video chat or call, which are commonly used in legitimate recruiting today. If your job offer doesn’t involve some sort of face-to-face communication, that indicates it might be a scam.  

3) And the communications seem a little …off.  

Scammers now have an additional tool to reel in their victims — AI chatbots like Chat GPT, which can generate email correspondence, chats, LinkedIn profiles, and other content in seconds so they can bilk victims on a huge scale. However, AI has its limits. Right now, it tends to use shorter sentences in a way that seems like it’s spitting out information. There’s little story or substance to the content it creates. That might be a sign of a scam. Likewise, even without AI, you might spot a recruiter using technical or job-related terms in unusual ways, as if they’re unfamiliar with the work they’re hiring for. That’s another potential sign.  

4) Things move too quickly.  

Scammers love quick conversion. Yet job seekers today know that interview processes are typically long and involved, often relying on several rounds of interviews and loops. If a job offer comes along without the usual rigor and the recruiter is asking for personal information practically right away, that’s another near-certain sign of a scam.  

5) You get job offers on Facebook or other social media sites not associated with job searches.  

This is another red flag. Legitimate businesses stick to platforms associated with networking for business purposes, typically not networking for families, friends, and interests. Why do scammers use sites like Facebook anyway? They’re a gold mine of information. By trolling public profiles, they have access to years of posts and armloads of personal information on thousands of people, which they can use to target their attacks. This is another good reason to set your social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and other friend-oriented sites to private so that scammers of all kinds, not just job scammers, can’t use your information against you.  

Further ways you can protect yourself from job scams.  

As a job hunter you know that getting the right job requires some research. You look up the company, dig into their history—the work they do, how long they’ve been at it, where their locations are, and maybe even read some reviews provided by current or former employees. When it comes to job offers that come out of the blue, it calls for taking that research a step further.   

After all, is that business really a business, or is it really a scam?  

In the U.S., you have several resources that can help you answer that question. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers a searchable listing of businesses in the U.S., along with a brief profile, a rating, and even a list of complaints (and company responses) waged against them. Spending some time here can quickly shed light on the legitimacy of a company.   

Also in the U.S., you can visit the website of your state’s Secretary of State and search for the business in question, where you can find when it was founded, if it’s still active, or if it exists at all. For businesses based in a state other than your own, you can visit that state’s Secretary of State website for information. For a state-by-state list of Secretaries of State, you can visit the Secretary of State Corporate Search page here.  

For a listing of businesses with international locations, organizations like S&P Global Ratings and the Dun and Bradstreet Corporation can provide background information, which might require signing up for an account.  

Lastly, protect yourself and your devices.   

Given the way we rely so heavily on the internet to get things done and enjoy our day, comprehensive online protection software that looks out for your identity, privacy, and devices is a must. Specific to job scams, it can help you in several ways, these being just a few:  

  • Scammers still use links to malicious sites to trick people into providing their personal information. Web protection, included in our plans, can steer you clear of those links.   
  • Moreover, scammers gather your contact information and other details so they can target you through data broker sites, fueled by thousands of data points on billions of people. McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites, shows you which ones are selling your personal info, and, depending on your plan, can help you remove it.  
  • Scammers might use any of your personal info that’s already out there on the dark web. McAfee’s Identity Monitoring scans the dark web for your personal info, including email, government IDs, credit card and bank account info, and more. It helps keep your personal info safe, with early alerts if your data is found on the dark web, an average of 10 months ahead of similar services.​

You have what it takes to avoid job search scams.  

Amber’s story, and stories like hers have racked up nearly a quarter-billion dollars in reported losses in the first half of this year here in the U.S. The median loss, somewhere around $2,000 per victim. 

Job scams persist. In fact, they’ve increased by nearly 25% this year compared to this time last year. It’s no surprise that scam stories on TikTok keep racking up. Yet as you’ve seen, awareness and a sharp eye can help you avoid them. 

Editor’s Note: 

Job scams are a crime. If you think that you or someone you know has fallen victim to one, report it to your authorities and appropriate government agencies. In the case of identity theft or loss of personal information, our knowledge base article on identity theft offers suggestions for the specific steps you can take in specific countries, along with helpful links for local authorities that you can turn to for reporting and assistance. 

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How to Protect Your Social Media Passwords from Hacks and Attacks

What does a hacker want with your social media account? Plenty. 

Hackers hijack social media accounts for several reasons. They’ll dupe the victim’s friends and followers with scams. They’ll flood feeds with misinformation. And they’ll steal all kinds of personal information—not to mention photos and chats in DMs. In all, a stolen social media account could lead to fraud, blackmail, and other crimes. 

Yet you have a strong line of defense that can prevent it from happening to you: multi-factor authentication (MFA). 

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)? 

MFA goes by other names, such as two-factor authentication and two-step verification. Yet they all boost your account security in much the same way. They add an extra step or steps to the login process. Extra evidence to prove that you are, in fact, you. It’s in addition to the usual username/password combination, thus the “multi-factor” in multi-factor authentication.  

Examples of MFA include: 

  • Sending a one-time code via a text or phone call, often seen when logging into bank and credit card accounts. 
  • Sending a one-time code to an authentication app, such as when logging into a gaming service. 
  • Asking for the answer to a security question, like the name of your elementary school or the model of your first car. 
  • Biometric information, like a fingerprint or facial scan. 

With MFA, a hacker needs more than just your username and password to weasel their way into your account. They need that extra piece of evidence required by the login process, which is something only you should have. 

This stands as a good reminder that you should never give out the information you use in your security questions—and to never share your one-time security codes with anyone. In fact, scammers cobble up all kinds of phishing scams to steal that information. 

How to set up MFA on your social media accounts. 

Major social media platforms offer MFA, although they might call it by other names. As you’ll see, several platforms call it “two-factor authentication.”  

Given the way that interfaces and menus can vary and get updated over time, your best bet for setting up MFA on your social media accounts is to go right to the source. Social media platforms provide the latest step-by-step instructions in their help pages. A simple search for “multi-factor authentication” and the name of your social media platform should readily turn up results. 

For quick reference, you can find the appropriate help pages for some of the most popular platforms here: 

  • Facebook two-factor authentication help page 
  • Instagram two-factor authentication help page 
  • Twitter two-factor authentication help page 
  • TikTok two-factor authentication help page 
  • Snapchat two-factor authentication help page 

Another important reminder is to check the URL of the site you’re on to ensure it’s legitimate. Scammers set up all kinds of phony login and account pages to steal your info. Phishing scams like those are a topic all on their own. A great way you can learn to spot them is by giving our Phishing Scam Protection Guide a quick read. It’s part of our McAfee Safety Series, which covers a broad range of topics, from romance scams and digital privacy to online credit protection and ransomware.  

MFA – a good call for your social media accounts, and other accounts too. 

In many ways, your social media account is an extension of yourself. It reflects your friendships, interests, likes, and conversations. Only you should have access to that. Putting MFA in place can help keep it that way. 

More broadly, enabling MFA across every account that offers it is a smart security move as well. It places a major barrier in the way of would-be hackers who, somehow, in some way, have ended up with your username and password. 

On the topic, ensure your social media accounts have strong, unique passwords in place. The one-two punch of strong, unique passwords and MFA will make hacking your account tougher still. Wondering what a strong, unique password looks like? Here’s a hint: a password with eight characters is less secure than you might think. With a quick read, you can create strong, unique passwords that are tough to crack. 

Lastly, consider using comprehensive online protection software if you aren’t already. In addition to securing your devices from hacks and attacks, it can help protect your privacy and identity across your travels online—both on social media and off.   

The post How to Protect Your Social Media Passwords from Hacks and Attacks appeared first on McAfee Blog.

10 Back-to-School Tech Tips for Kids, Teens and College Students

Farewell, summer. Hello, back-to-school season! While the chill may not be in the air yet, parents may be feeling the slight shiver of unease as their kids, tweens, teens, and young adults return to school and become re-entangled with the technology they use for their education and budding social lives. 

Before they hop on the bus or zoom off to college, alert your children to the following 10 online cybersecurity best practices to ensure a safe school year online. 

1. Keep Track of Mobile Devices

It sounds obvious but impart the importance to your kids of keeping their eyes on their devices at all times. Lost cellphones and laptops are not only expensive to replace but you lose control of the valuable personally identifiable information (PII) they contain. Protect all devices with unique, hard-to-guess passwords. Even better, enable biometric passwords, such as fingerprint or face ID. These are the hardest passwords to crack and can keep the information inside lost or stolen devices safe. 

2. Don’t Share Passwords

Streaming services host the most buzzworthy shows. All their friends may be raving about the latest episodes of a zombie thriller or sci-fi visual masterpiece, but alas: Your family doesn’t have a subscription to the streaming service. Cash-conscious college students especially may attempt to save money on streaming by sharing passwords to various platforms. Alert your children to the dangers of doing so. Sharing a password with a trusted best friend might not seem like a cyberthreat, but if they share it with a friend who then shares it with someone else who may not be so trustworthy, you just handed the keys to a criminal to walk right in and help themselves to your PII stored on the streaming service’s dashboard.     

Once the cybercriminal has your streaming service password, they may then attempt to use it to break into other sensitive online accounts. Criminals bank on people reusing the same passwords across various accounts. So, make sure that your children always keep their passwords to themselves and have unique passwords for every account. If they’re having a difficult time remembering dozens of passwords, sign them up for a password manager that can store passwords securely. 

3. Keep Some Details a Mystery on Social Media

Walk down any city or suburban street, and you’re likely to see at least one Gen Zer filming themselves doing the latest dance trend or taking carefully posed pictures with their friends to share on social media. According to one survey, 76% of Gen Zers use Instagram and 71% are on social media for three hours or more every day.1 And while they’re on social media, your children are likely posting details about their day. Some details – like what they ate for breakfast – are innocent. But when kids start posting pictures or details about where they go to school, where they practice sports, and geotagging their home addresses, this opens them up to identity fraud or stalking.  

Encourage your children to keep some personal details to themselves, especially their full names, full birthdates, addresses, and where they go to school. For their social media handles, suggest they go by a nickname and omit their birth year. Also, it’s best practice to keep social media accounts set to private. If they have aspirations to become the internet’s next biggest influencer or video star, they can create a public account that’s sparse on personal details. 

4. Say No to Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a major concern for school-age children and their parents. According to McAfee’s “Life Behind the Screens of Parents, Tweens, and Teens,” 57% of parents worry about cyberbullying and 47% of children are similarly uneasy about it. Globally, children as young as 10 years old have experienced cyberbullying.  

Remind your children that they should report any online interaction that makes them uncomfortable to an adult, whether that’s a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a family member. Breaks from social media platforms are healthy, so consider having the whole family join in on a family-wide social media vacation. Instead of everyone scrolling on their phones on a weeknight, replace that time with a game night instead. 

5. Learning and Failing Is Always Better Than Cheating

ChatGPT is all the rage, and procrastinators are rejoicing. Now, instead of spending hours writing essays, students can ask artificial intelligence to compose them for them. ChatGPT is just the latest tool corner-cutters are adding to their toolbelt. Now that most kids, tweens, and teens have cell phones in their pockets, that means they also basically have cheating devices under their desks. 

To deter cheating, parents should consider lessening the pressure upon their kids to receive a good grade at any cost. School is all about learning, and the more a student cheats, the less they learn. Lessons often build off previous units, so if a student cheats on one test, future learning is built upon a shaky foundation of previous knowledge. Also, students should be careful about using AI as a background research tool, as it isn’t always accurate. 

6. Phishing

Phishing happens to just about everyone with an email address, social media account, or mobile phone. Cybercriminals impersonate businesses, authority figures, or people in dire straits to gain financially from unsuspecting targets. In contrast, an adult who carefully reads their online correspondences can often pick out a phisher from a legitimate sender, tweens and teens who rush through messages and don’t notice the tell-tale signs could fall for a phisher and give up their valuable PII.  

Pass these rules on to your students to help them avoid falling for phishing scams: 

  • Never share your passwords with anyone. 
  • Never write down your Social Security Number or routing number or share it via email. 
  • Be careful of electronic correspondences that inspire strong feelings like excitement, anger, stress, or sadness and require “urgent” responses.  
  • Beware of messages with typos, grammar mistakes, or choppy writing (which is characteristic of AI-written messages). 

7. Social Engineering

Social engineering is similar to phishing in that it is a scheme where a cybercriminal ekes valuable PII from people on social media and uses it to impersonate them elsewhere or gain financially. Social engineers peruse public profiles and create scams targeted specifically to their target’s interests and background. For instance, if they see a person loves their dog, the criminal may fabricate a dog rescue fundraiser to steal their credit card information. 

It’s important to alert your children (and remind your college-age young adults) to be on the lookout for people online who do not have pure intentions. It’s safest to deal with any stranger online with a hefty dose of skepticism. If their heartstrings are truly tugged by a story they see online, they should consider researching and donating their money or time to a well-known organization that does similar work. 

8. Fake News

With an election on the horizon, there will probably be an uptick in false new reports. Fake news spreaders are likely to employ AI art, deepfake, and ChatGPT-written “news” articles to support their sensationalist claims. Alert your students – especially teens and young adults who may be interested in politics – to be on the lookout for fake news. Impart the importance of not sharing fake news with their online followers, even if they’re poking fun at how ridiculous the report is. All it takes is for one person to believe it, spread it to their network, and the fake news proponents slowly gather their own following. Fake news turns dangerous when it incites a mob mentality. 

To identify fake news, first, read the report. Does it sound completely outlandish? Are the accompanying images hard to believe? Then, see if any other news outlet has reported a similar story. Genuine news is rarely isolated to one outlet.   

Parents with students who have a budding interest in current events should share a few vetted online news sources that are well-established and revered for their trustworthiness. 

9. Browse Safely

In a quest for free shows, movies, video games, and knockoff software, students are likely to land on at least one risky website. Downloading free media onto a device from a risky site can turn costly very quickly, as malware often lurks on files. Once the malware infects a device, it can hijack the device’s computing power for the cybercriminal’s other endeavors, or the malware could log keystrokes and steal passwords and other sensitive information. 

With the threat of malware swirling, it’s key to share safe downloading best practices with your student. A safe browsing extension, like McAfee Web Advisor, alerts you when you’re entering a risky site where malware and other shifty online schemes may be hiding. 

10. Stay Secure on Unsecure Public Wi-Fi

Dorms, university libraries, campus cafes, and class buildings all likely have their own Wi-Fi networks. While school networks may include some protection from outside cybercriminals, networks that you share with hundreds or thousands of people are susceptible to digital eavesdropping.   

To protect connected devices and the important information they house, connect to a virtual private network (VPN) whenever you’re not 100% certain of a Wi-Fi’s safety. VPNs are quick and easy to connect to, and they don’t slow down your device.  

Create a Family Device Agreement  

Dealing with technology is an issue that parents have always faced. While it used to be as simple as limiting TV time, they now deal with monitoring many forms of technology. From eyes glued to smartphones all day to hours spent playing video games, kids are immersed in technology.

Safe technology use doesn’t come as second nature — it needs to be taught. As a parent, the issues of when to get your child a phone, too much screen time, and online harassment are top of mind. To address these concerns, it’s important to set boundaries and teach safe technology use. One way to do this is by creating a family media agreement or contract.

Family device agreements help teach proper technology use and set expectations. They allow you to start an open conversation with your kids and encourage them to be part of the decision-making. By creating a family device agreement, your kids will know their boundaries and have concrete consequences for breaking them.

In today’s parenting, you may want to consider creating a McAfee Family Device Agreement. The most important thing is to have an agreement that is suitable for your kids’ ages and maturity and one that works for your family’s schedule. There’s no point making your kids sign an agreement that limits their time on Instagram when they’re probably quite happy visiting only the online sites that you have ‘bookmarked’ for them. 

Gear Up for a Safe School Year 

While diligence and good cyber habits can lessen the impact of many of these 10 threats, a cybersecurity protection service gives parents and their students valuable peace of mind that their devices and online privacy are safe. McAfee+ is the all-in-one device, privacy, and identity protection service that allows the whole family to live confidently online.  

1Morning Consult, “Gen Z Is Extremely Online”  

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