Simplifying cyber security for kids

With Get Cyber Safe, learning how to keep your data and devices secure online is simple. But explaining how to isn’t always as easy, especially to young kids. This article features some fun and simple ways you can explain cyber security to kids.

When you’re done with this blog post, make sure to check out the Get Cyber Safe Agency. It’s a great resource for kids to learn more about the topics covered here and have fun defeating cyber villain Viro at the same time!

Phishing

Phishing PhishingAn attempt by a third party to solicit confidential information from an individual, group, or organization by mimicking or spoofing, a specific, usually well-known brand, usually for financial gain.  can be an easy concept to explain to kids, because the analogy is right in the name: fishing! Like fishing for sport, cyber criminals use bait. In their case though, the bait is messages that they want you to click on to trick you into “biting”. There are clues to spot a phishing email like there are clues to spot a fake worm WormA malicious program that executes independently and self-replicates, usually through network connections, to cause damage (e.g. deleting files, sending documents via email, or taking up bandwidth). .

When kids receive emails, have them show you so you can go through them together and look for signs of phishing. Keep an eye out for things like blurry or pixelated images or requests for personal information. Other signs, like spelling and grammar errors, may be harder for kids to spot, so make sure to point them out when you see them! If the message or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Malware

Malware, short for “malicious software SoftwareA computer program that provides instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality. ”, is a type of file that can harm your device or the files on it. When explaining it to kids, explain it like the flu. If your device downloads malware MalwareMalicious software ("malware") designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Common forms of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and adware. It can: • Intimidate you with scareware, which is usually a pop-up message that tells you your computer has a security problem or other false information. • Reformat the hard drive of your computer causing you to lose all your information. • Alter or delete files. • Steal sensitive information. • Send emails on your behalf. • Take control of your computer and all the software running on it. or connects to another device that has malware, it will get “sick” and start doing things it’s not meant to, like opening programs or deleting files.

Similarly, anti-virus software is like a yearly flu shot. It prevents your device from getting infected and can help remove infected files. Regularly updating all your software and apps, including your anti-virus software Anti-virus softwareSoftware that defends against viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware. Anti-virus software uses a scanner to identify programs that are or may be malicious. Scanners can detect known viruses, previously unknown viruses and suspicious files. , is the easiest way to protect your devices and keep them safe from cyber threats.

If your devices do get malware, treating them like they’re sick is a great way to keep your other devices safe. Disconnect the internet on any infected devices to prevent the malware from spreading, and call IT support to ensure the malware is removed so your device can get better.

Ransomware

Ransomware RansomwareRansomware is a type of malware that restricts access to your computer or your files and displays a message that demands payment for the restriction to be removed. The two most common means of infection appear to be phishing emails that contain malicious attachments and website pop-up advertisements. is a specific type of malware that claims to hold your files “hostage” until you pay the ransom. This is a great way to explain it to adults, but for kids who don’t know what kidnapping is, it may go over their heads.

Instead of focusing on the “ransom” part of things, think of it like losing the key to your front door. Without it, you’ll have to get someone else (in this case, a cyber criminal) to let you in — unless you have a backup. Show the kids in your life ways they can keep their data secured by backing it up regularly either to the cloud or on external storage such as a hard drive or a USB key. Let them know that they should never pay for applications or add-ons on their devices that are not from reliable sources. If they are ever asked for money, they should tell a trusted adult immediately.

Account security

Many kids these days are pretty tech-savvy, so the idea of creating a strong password is probably not new to them. Passphrases, however, might be. A passphrase PassphraseCombination of random words you select to secure an account or device. is a type of password PasswordCombination of letters and numbers you select to secure an account or device. that is more than 15 characters long and is made of at least four random words. You can help the kids in your life come up with a few of their first passphrases by thinking up some words together. Try using the first 4 things you can find in your room. Don’t forget to create a unique passphrase for each account!

Another layer of account security kids should know about is multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authenticationA tactic that can add an additional layer of security to your devices and account. Multi-factor authentication requires additional verification (like a PIN or fingerprint) to access your devices or accounts. Two-factor authentication is a type of multi-factor authentication. (MFA). Think about those cool secret rooms in movies — they’re often locked by a password and a facial scan or fingerprint. Well, your accounts and devices are just as important. Make sure they’re secured by using a strong and unique passphrase and MFA.

Connecting to networks

“Don’t talk to strangers” is one of the first safety rules kids learn to follow. This also applies to public networks and devices! Cyber criminals create fake public Wi-Fi Wi-FiWi-Fi refers to a set of wireless communication protocols that can transmit traffic to Wi-Fi enabled devices within a local area. A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop or tablet can connect to the internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the internet. An area covered by one or more Wi-Fi access points is commonly called a hotspot. networks with names like “Coffee Shop Wi-Fi” to steal your data.

It can be tough to tell legitimate networks apart from fake ones, so kids should always ask a trusted adult for permission before connecting to a new or public network NetworkSeveral computers that are connected to one another. . Some signs of a suspicious network include an unlocked padlock icon beside the Wi-Fi name, misspelled Wi-Fi names or network names that are too similar to others in the area (for example, CoffeeShop1 and CoffeeSh0p1). You may want to warn kids to not connect to public Wi-Fi at all, or, if they need to, to avoid using personal information on it, like making purchases or logging into accounts.

As an added layer of security, you can also install a virtual private network (VPN) on kids’ devices to prevent anyone who shouldn’t from accessing their internet activity.

Conclusion

Cyber security can be tough to explain to kids. By simplifying terms and providing examples they can understand, you can help keep kids stay safe online. And once they’ve got the basics about phishing, malware and account and network security down, it’s only a matter of time before the kids in your life are the resident cyber security experts!

Make sure to check out Get Cyber Safe’s kids’ resources! It has lots of fun games kids can play to learn more about cyber security, including the topics covered in this article, and how to keep their family cyber safe.