Internet usage is up, with over 5.16 billion users as of January 2023. This represents 64.4% of the global population.
There are numerous ways you can use the internet. For instance, find information, manage your finances, communicate with people worldwide, and watch videos.
However, some risks come with internet usage. This includes identity theft, invasion of privacy, and cyberbullying. Therefore, it’s essential to keep safe while using the internet. But how can you keep safe on these online streets? Read on for some device control tips.
Cybersecurity and Online Safety
Cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and processes used to secure online data from misuse or unauthorized access. And with the growing number of cyber-attacks worldwide, it’s important to understand and implement cybersecurity.
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new innovative ways to expose security risks. Therefore, it’s always challenging to stay protected from cyberattacks. Luckily, there are various tips to help you minimize, if not prevent, cyber attacks.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Do you know why software companies issue updates? They are meant to upgrade security, add new features, and fix known bugs.
Therefore, you should always update your software to protect yourself from new and existing security vulnerabilities. Ensure you turn on automatic system updates for your devices. Also, keep your web browser plugins, like Java, updated.
Don’t Log in to an Unsecured Network
You might be tempted to use public Wifi because it’s free. However, unsecured public WiFi networks are an easy target for hackers. So, you should never trust public WiFi security.
Additionally, you should protect your WiFi networks with strong passwords.
Device Control Systems
Device control is a protection measure that restricts user access to devices. Device control systems allow you to open or block access to devices like data storage media (removable devices, CDs/DVDs) and data transfer devices (modems, printers, and connection buses). Most device control limits access to devices by access rules.
Device control is an essential component of data protection strategies. You can have it as a stand-alone solution or as part of a broader data protection solution.
High-quality device control solutions offer media encryption, data loss and theft prevention, malware protection, and detailed monitoring and forensics.
Additionally, the solution provides visibility into the person trying to access information or data online as well as the devices they are using and from which endpoints.
Device Control Apps
In this digital era, even kids have access to the internet. However, it is your duty as a parent to control internet usage for your children. Luckily, several apps let you control and monitor what your child does on the internet.
A good example is OurPact—an app that allows you to control usage and screen times. This app allows you to monitor and control how much time your children spend online and the type of content and apps they use.
OurPact has many online management supervisory tools and features, including app blocking and website filtering, to keep your kids safe from harmful and intrusive content. Some essential features of this app include;
- App blocker: allows parents to block apps, including games and social media
- Time: allows parents to schedule screen time throughout the day. You can block the internet and apps during particular times.
- Internet blocker: the app allows you to block internet browsers like chrome and Safari.
- Family Locator: this feature allows you to locate family members or devices, set geofences, and receive instant alerts. This feature can find a lost device or coordinate a pickup.
Qustodio is another popular app with similar features to OurPact. However, it extends to other devices like laptops, Macs, Windows, and Chromebooks. The app helps keep kids’ digital activity balanced and risk-free.
Final Thoughts
The internet can be good and harmful at the same time. Therefore, it’s always essential to keep safe while using the internet. And as a parent, you also need to protect your children from the internet. You can use apps like OurPact and Qustodio to control your child’s internet activity.
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