Why do most Teenagers know about Data Protection and Security more than Adults?

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:28 am

While the internet became popular among teenagers almost a decade ago, it is in today’s time that it has become quite compulsory for almost everything they do. So, it’s not surprising to see teens spending most of their time on the internet and knowing quite a lot about data protection and securing one’s privacy while using the internet. Also, they are more tech-savvy as they are growing around technology. Hence, they have more information with regards to the ill effects of technology too.

Working adults on the other hand usually use the internet for specific purposes only. They surely know about cybersecurity to some extent but are not as aware since they only made use of technology when it is extremely needed.

However, even with all that knowledge about data protection and cybersecurity, teenagers fall under the most vulnerable category as they use the internet the most. It is always the little things that we do online that exposes us to possible hackers around. 

They are always on the outlook of an opportunity to steal information from people online. This makes it important to ensure that you don’t ignore the small but important details to ensure your safety while surfing the internet. Here are some tips you should use to stay safe online.

1. Password safety

Passwords play an important role now when our life has become so digital. It is the way to access one’s accounts and therefore it’s necessary to have an extremely secure setup to ensure that the only person who can access your account is you. While choosing a password make it complex yet easy to remember so that you don’t have to write it anywhere. Use a combination of different letters, numbers, and symbols.

Also, use two-factor authentication. These are the one-time passwords that google uses when a person signs in from a new device. The passwords are sent to the user’s mobile number or email address which ensures that it is indeed the user trying to log in from another device.

Apart from these things, make sure that you don’t give your password to anyone. While you might trust them, you never know who might get petty and impersonate you online. Also, always log out while using an unknown device and never save passwords when the browser asks.

2. Mobile safety

Smartphones are mini-computers that we use all the time. So, it is important to protect your smartphone from online threats. The first thing to do is setting a password on it so no one can use it without your permission.

Next is to maintain security while using the internet. That place is full of apps that look inviting and quite interesting but might not be the best choice for your phone. They may carry some form of virus or could let a hacker in. so, always download apps on your phone that are trustworthy. 

You should also use a good antivirus. As most of our time is spent online, it’s important to use a good antivirus app to add an extra layer of security. Such coupons help you save on data security. Most antivirus provides features like a password manager, virtual private network, and parental controls.

Keep your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi off when you are not using it. New vulnerabilities to gain access to phones are coming slowly, so it’s best to maintain maximum security. Try to use a virtual private network when using public WiFi, A VPN will encrypt everything that is transmitted by your device.

3. Computer safety

While there are various antivirus programs to secure your computer, always tie the loose ends too. One of them is a webcam. Always cover it when you are not using it as if hackers attack your system, they will be able to see what you do in your room.

Never open any emails that remotely look like a scam or from someone you don’t know. Even if the email looks familiar, don’t download any attachments sent along with it, no matter how tempting it looks. Some people send viruses to hack people’s systems in the form of tempting offers.

Never click on a link you don’t understand anything about. Always make sure it is a legitimate site and not something that will harm your system. Also, don’t download anything illegal on your system. Most of the attacks come from those sites as they aren’t monitored.

4. Gaming safety

Video games are loved quite a lot not only by teenagers but also adults. However, they also bring about lots of security threats, therefore it is important to tread carefully while playing them.

Always set a strong password so that other gamers can’t access it easily. Download the stuff from sites you know to be real, safe, and secure. Don’t open links because they seem to offer premium skins free of cost. 

Also, if a person is trying to be too friendly while you are playing a game together, always verify whether they are real or just impersonating someone else. That is one of the easiest ways people fall prey to scams.

Never give out your personal information to them if you are unsure of them. Sometimes people can become petty in games and might want to take revenge on you.

5. Social media safety

Social media is for connecting with like-minded people. However, caution should always be maintained if you are approached by someone unknown for the first time. The best way to ensure that is by not immediately befriending anyone who has just approached you on social media. Strangers are more likely to be predators, so always stay safe and away from them.

Also, try to minimize your digital footprints by not sharing everything about you on social media such as location, places you have checked in to, etc. these are the ways people can stalk you and find where you are which is how online stalkers stalk people.

Always beware of cyberbullies. Sometimes arguments on social media can get heated and people might take it personally which leads to threatening or abusing the other person. It is best to lock your online profile so that strangers can’t see your online activity.

Conclusion

The Internet is a helpful yet dangerous place to be. It has all the information you could need but also everything that you would rather stay away from. So, it is important to be cautious and use the internet wisely.