When I was a child I was always told not to take candy from strangers. When Daniela gets old enough I will do the same and make sure I teach her the same lessons my parents and other family members taught me.
When I Grew Up & Brought a New Item Home
I remember when I arrived at my house with an item that my parents had not bought me I would get interrogated. On most occasions they where gifts given to us at school. I really don’t remember bringing anything that was not authorized by my parents in the house. Years ago the possibility of a kid receiving something from a stranger was a bit harder than now.
The connectivity the internet provides us is a great tool if used correctly. But it opens our families (including adults) to receive what I call Cyber Candy.
Taking the Candy
Working as an IT Security consultant has put me in front of many scenarios where Cyber Candy was handed to adults and they took it. These situations led them into becoming victims of fraud and identity theft. They either fell for a phishing scam or left a good trace of clues that led them into handing sensitive information to the wrong people. Many of the situations were pretty sad because the impact it had in their lives would last for a long time.
With connectivity happening so quickly, our kids are handed Cyber Candy by these criminals and is done by asking for their information in pieces. The kid might reveal sensitive information that might put him at risk in return for playing a game online or getting something free.
Even adults fall for these scams. Individuals who try to get free iPads, are offered to click on links or to see the rest of a tragic headline end up infecting their computer and giving out confidential information.
I see so many scenarios periodically that I wanted to create a series called Cyber Candy and how that can become your family’s Kryptonite.
Are there any subjects you would like us to cover where you have concerns?
Any experiences you would like to learn on how to protect your family better online and offline?
If anyone wants to write a post for the series feel free to reach out!
photo credit by kevinspencer