Maintaining Security and Privacy

These resources are here to assist you in completing your Action Plan for Step 6 - Maintaining Security and Privacy. If you want additional information on this topic, please let us know in the Digital Parenting Community.

On this page, we will be addressing the following items:

• Reviewing the downloadable resources that accompany this step
• Implementing the Security & Privacy Practices

Downloadable Resources

We are currently working on the Downloadable Tracker Worksheet mentioned in the book. We expect to have this ready soon.

Expected March 2024

Security and Privacy Practices

In the reading for this week, we introduced the DigitalParenting.com Security & Privacy Practices. These seven principles are listed below. Some of these elements have additional online resources to assist you with implementation.

• Don't Overshare
  • Keep private information private.
  • Disable location data for most applications.
• Limit Your Audience
  • Ensure privacy settings are properly configured.
• Keep Accounts Secure
  • Use unique passwords stored in a password manager.
  • Use multi-factor authentication.
  • Don't share login information.
  • Don't use easily guessable security questions.
• Secure Your Devices
  • Always limit access to your devices.
  • Use anti-malware protection.
  • Never give a friend access to your devices.
  • Only install applications from trusted sources.
  • Encrypt your device.
• Protect Your Finances
  • Avoid unknown online vendors.
  • Use modern payment methods whenever possible.
  • Only transact with secure sites.
• Defend Your Data
  • Backup what is important to you.
  • Be careful who you give your information to.
  • Don't use public devices or networks without protection.
• Verify Everything
  • Check with the source.
  • Always check the domain.

Disabling Location Data

Many applications on your phone will request access to your location data, but few applications truly need that information. If you use an app like Google Maps for directions, that app will need to know where you are. Other applications, including social media applications, will also request this information. It is unwise to give them access to your child's location.

You can follow the instructions below to limit which apps can access this data on mobile devices.

iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches

You can configure what applications can access your location data when using an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. This setting is under the privacy settings for your device. Review the link below for how to configure this setting.

Location Privacy on Apple Devices

Android Devices

You can configure per-app permissions to access the device's location data on an Android device. Follow the link below to configure this setting on your Android device.

Location Privacy on Android Devices

Configuring Your Privacy Settings

Anytime your child has an account on social media, they need to know who can see what they post. As adults, this is just as true for us. We have included links below for some of the most popular platforms. These links tell you how to configure the privacy settings of each platform. We recommend walking through these settings with your child if they are using any of these platforms.

Facebook

Facebook allows you to configure who can see and interact with the content you post on their platform. Read their instructions via the link below,

Facebook Privacy Settings

Instagram

Instagram allows you to configure whether your account is public or private. If you choose to have a private account, only people you have accepted can view your content.

Instagram Privacy Settings

Snapchat

Snapchat lets you change who can contact you and who can see your content. Click the button below for instructions on changing these settings.

Snapchat Privacy Settings

TikTok

TikTok provides some specific privacy settings for teens. These settings enable you to configure whether you have a public or private account and who can interact with the content you post.

Snapchat Privacy Settings

Password Managers

To secure your accounts, you need to leverage a password manager. A password manager will enable you to use a different automatically generated password for each online account you have. There are both free and paid solutions that you can leverage, and we have listed our recommendations for each below.

1Password

1Password is a paid service for managing your passwords. It provides apps for all popular platforms and browser extensions for the most common browsers. The service also provides options for family password sharing and advanced features for those with more complex needs. The family plan currently supports up to five individuals.

1Password

Google Password Manager

Google has created a free password manager that works with your existing Google account. It does require that you use Google Chrome as your primary browser. It supports mobile devices through native apps for both Android and iOS.

Google Password Manager

Backing up Important Data

We all have some data that we don't want to lose. This data could include family photos, tax records, or digital artwork. Everyone needs to have a strategy for how this information gets backed up. Fortunately, many users already have access to a cloud-based backup service through an existing account. This service could be Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud.

Microsoft OneDrive

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription for home or work, you also have access to a large amount of storage to backup your data. For most people, this data allowance will be enough.

Get Started with Microsoft OneDrive

Google Drive

If you have a Google account, you have some storage in Google Drive. You can access additional storage by purchasing it from Google.

Backing up Data to Google Drive

iCloud (Apple)

Apple's iCloud service can both backup your mobile devices and backup files on your computer. All Apple IDs have a limited amount of storage, and additional storage is available from Apple.

Backing Up Your iPhone to iCloud

Additional Services

Sometimes, using a third-party service solely focused on data backup makes sense. We recommend a few services that fall into this category.

• IDrive Personal
• Backblaze

Using a VPN

Companies can spy on your internet activity. This truth can present some dangerous situations when using public wifi networks. One tool to prevent others from spying on your activity is a VPN (virtual private network).

Cloudflare Warp is a VPN (virtual private network) that protects your privacy. While you can certainly use this at home, it is an essential tool if you use public wifi networks. When this app is enabled, it prevents anyone from snooping on your internet activity.

Get Cloudflare Warp