Tag: internet safety tips

  • Children and online safety, how the issue with Roblox highlights the need for more oversight into online services aimed at kids

    Children and online safety, how the issue with Roblox highlights the need for more oversight into online services aimed at kids

    With over a billion registered users (and 380 million active users as of 2024), Roblox propelled itself into the internet zeitgeist in 2006. Its blocky figures and endless options when it came to users customizing games and worlds to fit their imagination was particularly enticing to its core user base which is mostly comprised of children and teens.

    The game has faced controversy in the past, particularly with it’s paid-for currency system “Robux” with a class action lawsuit settled for $10 million in the form of refunds for users that felt ripped off by the online purchases made in the game and many instances of parents noticing their children had made purchases without their consent. Which to be clear is not the fault of the company but highlights the “pay to play” nature of some online platforms even those with a younger user base.

    However, they’ve been in the news recently for much darker allegations. It’s come to light that there are issues with the online platforms moderation when it comes to conversations being had with underaged users and the adults that also frequent the platform.

    Multiple lawsuits have been filed in multiple states alleging Roblox did not go far enough when it comes to protecting its underaged users from predators, with many instances coming to light of an adult engaging with a child online and luring that child to a real-life location where they were harmed.

    Concerned parents want to know what steps are being taken to ensure their children are not being “groomed” in a game that they believed was a safe space and child centric. The company has responded by denying the allegations but also announcing several new features aimed at combating “child endangerment conversations”. This includes using AI to verify conversations for malfeasance and doing more to verify users ages and separate or restrict conversations between adult and underage users.

    It is a mistake, in our opinion, to believe that any online space does not require a parent’s consistent oversight. YouTube’s platform for kids dubbed appropriately “YouTube Kids” made news for the creepy videos that proliferated channels hidden amongst benign children’s programming such as streams of Peppa Pig.

    TikTok, SnapChat and Facebook have also faced lawsuits over not protecting children from predators or having “addictive designs” that kept teens in particular looped into negative cycles involving self-harm or extreme content.

    We don’t believe there’s any online platform where a child should be left unattended, but there are steps you can take to make the internet safer for your children (after all, in today’s digital world avoiding it is difficult to impossible).

    Here are four practical steps parents can take to help protect their children online:

    1. Set Clear Rules and Expectations
      Establish age-appropriate guidelines for internet use. This can include setting screen time limits, deciding which apps and websites are allowed, and agreeing on times when devices must be put away (e.g., during meals or bedtime). Having open conversations about why these rules exist makes kids more likely to follow them.
    1. Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
      Take advantage of built-in parental controls on devices, browsers, and apps. These can help block inappropriate content, set time limits, and monitor activity. Make sure your child’s social media accounts are set to private, and review app permissions so personal information isn’t overshared.
    1. Teach Safe Online Behavior
      Educate children about not sharing personal details (like home address, school name, or phone number), being cautious about online friendships, and never meeting strangers in person. Encourage them to think critically about what they post, remind them that once something is online, it’s hard to fully remove.
    1. Stay Involved and Encourage Communication
      Keep an open line of communication so your child feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter something suspicious, scary, or uncomfortable online. Show interest in the games, apps, or websites they use, and when possible, spend time exploring the digital world together.

    At Valley Techlogic we believe in making the online world a safer place, including for the businesses we support and our clients. We will be posting free Back-To-School online safety tips on our Facebook and LinkedIn profiles for the month of September.

    If you’re California local and looking for IT support for your business, you can also learn more about our services through a free consultation today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • As you’re doing your holiday shopping online this year be aware of “malvertising”

    As you’re doing your holiday shopping online this year be aware of “malvertising”

    Malicious online ads or “malvertising” is on the rise, and no time is more ripe for online scamming then the busiest shopping season of the year.

    Malvertising is a cyberattack that involves bad actors injecting malicious code into online ads. These ads will appear from a Google search to be a genuine website, but when users click on the ad they are falling into the attackers trap.

    There are several variations on the scam, with some only intending to steal your payment information and others go so far as to try where others get you to download a malicious program and infect your entire computer. They can then use your device to scam people you know or add it to an online botnet user list to carry out other nefarious attacks.

    It can be difficult to defend against this type of attack because these attackers go to great pains to set up a legitimate looking storefront and credible looking ad. These types of ads are even found on major search engines such as Google.

    There are a few ways you can protect yourself though, here are our five recommendations:

    1. Use a Trusted Ad Blocker
    • Install a reputable ad blocker, such as uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus, to block potentially harmful ads. Ad blockers prevent many ads from being displayed, reducing exposure to malicious ones.
    1. Enable Browser Security Features
    • Keep Your Browser Updated: Ensure your web browser is updated to the latest version, as updates often patch vulnerabilities.
    • Enable Pop-Up Blocking: Most modern browsers have built-in pop-up blockers to prevent intrusive ads.
    • Turn On Safe Browsing: Enable security settings like Google Chrome’s Safe Browsing to get warnings about dangerous sites.
    1. Use Security Software
    • Install and maintain robust antivirus or anti-malware software that includes web protection. Programs like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender can detect and block threats from malvertising.
    1. Be Wary of Suspicious Ads
    • Avoid clicking on ads, especially those offering deals that seem too good to be true, free prizes, or urgent requests to “update” software. Even legitimate-looking ads can redirect you to malicious sites.
    1. Browse Securely
    • Use HTTPS: Stick to websites with HTTPS encryption. These are generally more secure and less likely to host malicious ads.
    • Sandbox or Virtual Environment: For extra protection, use a sandboxed browser session (like in a virtual machine) for risky browsing activities.

    Cyber security protections are a key piece of the services provided by Valley Techlogic under our technology support plans, at no additional cost. For the holidays we’re also offering a free device for new customers, take advantage of great service and a great holiday offer, partner with Valley Techlogic today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.