4 Signs Your Kids Might Be in Danger Online

The internet can be an amazing opportunity for children and young adults to explore, connect, and learn. It can also harbor a world of stranger danger, viruses, and information that is inappropriate for little eyes. While you may think you're sitting safe with your existing Internet security software and a little "over the shoulder" guidance, there are additional things you can do to keep web surfing safe. Check out our list of 4 red flags for Internet safety, and how you can protect against them.

Warning Sign #1: Your child is old enough to know how to restart (or even hack) a computer.

If you kids has reached an age of computer savvy that's on par with an adult (for many this is as early as seven years old), beware of attempts to work around your existing security software. For many kids, it may be as simple as pressing the power button and logging in as a guest. For others, it may take a more sophisticated method of using a bootable "Live CD" with Linux or even Windows operating system: Insert the CD, press the reset button, and they're online with no security. Because the PC's normal operating system is not active, this method (which exploits "console vulnerability") leaves no trace on the PC.

The Fix:
You can prevent future "hacks" in two steps, according to David Witkowski of OKU Solutions, a Silicon Valley consulting group. "You need to implement domain-name service (DNS) blocking in the network router, which keeps sites from ever reaching your PC." Do this by visiting www.OpenDNS.org and signing up for a free FamilyShield account. OpenDNS will then allow you to select what types of sites you want to block, and will provide instructions for modifying your network router's settings. (You can also shop for a router that offers built-in DNS blocking). You must also prevent the block from being removed through a "factory default reset" (pressing that little red button on the router, itself). This can only be done by physically securing the network router in a locked cabinet or room.

Warning Sign #2: Your child is younger than 13, and has friends that are using networks like Facebook and MySpace (or has an account themselves.)

It's becoming fairly common to hear of kids with their own social networking accounts, but that are too young to use them legally under the terms of the COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act). In response, many children (often with their parent's permission) are getting accounts by fibbing on their birth date during the registration process.

The Fix:
Read and understand the terms of COPPA, as well as for each site frequented, and explain them to your child. If a site requires that you child be of age to obtain a membership, carefully weigh whether they need one before the legal age and understand there may be consequences. (Facebook, for example, specifically prohibits anyone under the age of 13 from accessing the site, and provides a report link to notify them of such activity.) Let your child know that their private info should never be displayed online. 

Check out this debate on the dangers of social networks for kids between Jim Gamble of Child Exploitation and Online Protection Center (CEOP) and Richard Allan of Facebook:

Warning Sign #3: You find files and bookmarks missing or changed after your child has used the Internet. 

While most instances of an altered desktop is not-intentional, even a well-meaning 5-year-old can accidentally delete or hide an important file with just a few mouse clicks. To keep everything in its place, a two-fold strategy of regular computer backups and a kid-safe browser are advised.

The Fix:
Look into installing one of several free and reliable child-safe internet browsers. While they won't solve all of your security woes, they can prevent a younger child from causing damage to your important files by requiring an adult's password to close it out or access other parts of the computer. You should also invest in a back-up service or product to ensure that your computer's files are saved every night. That way, even if the worst happens, you're covered!

Warning Sign #4: You have no idea when your antivirus software was last updated (or if you even have any installed.) 

We're all guilty of falling behind on our PC maintenance, but this is one area where being lazy can really cost you! In addition to the dangers of viruses that can cause irreparable damage to your system and documents, there is the danger of your child inadvertently accessing sites that can steal your personal info. While education is key, it's always wise to have a second layer of protection in a dependable anti-virus and firewall combo.

The Fix: If you don't already have these two protections, get it right now! Brendan Ziolo of Kindsight also suggests these tactics for the bare minimum in safeguards:

• Virus protection software should be updated regularly and patches for your operating system and other software programs should be installed to protect your computers from keyloggers, viruses and other attacks.
• Browsers and browser plug-ins should be updated regularly.
• Do not open files or emails sent to you by strangers, or click on hyperlinks or download programs from people you don't know.
• You should also have an additional layer of protection against identity theft that works when your anti-virus and other security programs do not. A good security practice is to apply the security solution in layers so that if one element fails, you are still protected.

The simplest and most affordable way to be sure your child is protected against the perils lurking online is to communicate. While it may be tricky at first, it's necessary to knowing how your child interacts and what they may not know about staying safe. Take a moment to sit with your child and set your expectations for their activity. It's essential to building the foundation for a lifetime of healthy computer habits!

[Headline photo: iStockphoto]

Do you have concerns about your child's online safety? What other red flags can you share with the community?

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Linsey Knerl is the Community Manager for Wise Bread, a community dedicated to helping folks live large on a small budget. She loves savvy tech solutions that help her share the world with her children.