Computer Security Day is Today

Today’s the day to make sure your computer is as safe as can be—virus-free, password-protected, and all that jazz. But at parents, we have even more things to worry about with a computer in the house, don’t we?

For Computer Security Day, you may want to take these measures if you have children in your home.

Secure Your Wires

The last thing you want is a little one pulling your laptop or desktop becoming a kidtop—falling on top of your child, that is! Keep all of your wires, plugs, accessories and surge protectors out of reach and secure.

Watch That Edge

If you can, make sure your computer isn’t on the edge of a desk or table where it can be easily knocked onto a passing little one. If you can butt your desk against the wall to help prevent this, all the better.

Protect Your Kids and Teens

The Internet brings predators right into your home, unfortunately. Talk to your children often about how to protect themselves while online and set strong rules to be followed while using the computer. If your kids keep a blog, make sure they don’t reveal personal information, and have them keep all of their passwords safe.

Always stay in the room while young children are online. If your preschooler wants to play a Blue’s Clues game, you can sit and play, too. You have every right to look over your child’s shoulder periodically, to know who he or she is talking to online (it’s a good idea to know his or her friend’s email handles, IM identities, etc.), and whoever is in his or her email address book.

Of course, it’s always good to ask him or her to share this information with you rather than going snooping to maintain trust—but if he or she refuses, you are the parent and it’s your job to keep your child safe. Make no interaction with strangers a rule that must be followed at all times. You may also want to consider a child filter with passwords to use to help protect your children.

Help Your Kids Protect Your Computer (While Protecting Themselves)

Many of the social networks that kids use have viruses or malware within their quizzes or various applications. Advise them to not use these components, and make sure they don’t give out their full names, address, birth date, or phone number to anyone. It’s also a good idea to make sure that they only “friend” people that they already know, and keep their profiles private.