Independent Thinking^®

Cybersecurity for Travelers and Parents

Editor’s note: Evercore produces a monthly cybersecurity newsletter for the firm’s employees. This is an extract from two recent articles; on staying safe while traveling and on protecting children from cybercrime.
 
Staying Safe While Traveling
 
It’s best to not use open Wi-Fi networks to conduct any personal business, shop online or bank. These open Wi-Fi networks offer attackers the opportunity to intercept sensitive information.
 
Turn off Bluetooth when it’s not in use. Bluetooth is a useful tool when it comes to wireless headphones, but make sure to turn off the setting when the device is not being used. Attackers can easily pair with the phone’s Bluetooth and steal personal information.
 
Don’t fall for phishing scams. Do not follow a link if the information, such as a shopping deal, seems too good to be true or appears to be suspicious in any way. To check the link, just scroll your cursor over it to see where it is actually going to direct you.
 
Protecting Children From Cybercrime
 
A survey by National Cyber Security Alliance, or NCSA, found that 34% of Internet users between 13 and 17 years old have experienced mean or cruel behavior online. The majority of those teens have never discussed their encounter, with anyone, much less with parents. The survey also showed that 57% of teens have one or more online accounts of which their parents are unaware.
 
Here are some tips from the alliance and the FBI.

• Be involved: Sit with your children and look at the YouTube videos, funny memes or any other content that they enjoy. This will give you a sense of what your child is doing and an opportunity to teach healthy online behaviors in a fun, meaningful way.
• Monitor activity: Keep computers and other electronic devices in open areas. If children know that you or others may walk by at any moment, it can help them resist the urge to explore the web in potentially harmful ways. Setting parental controls is also key.
• Set rules: Rules need to be clearly established but also attainable. Parents should have access to their children’s devices at any time, including passwords.