5 Vital Cybersecurity Strategies

PROTECTING CHILDREN ONLINE. IT IS ALWAYS A PRIORITY

There are 5 cybersecurity strategies every institution needs to protect children after all protecting children online should always be a priority. A cybersecurity strategy should always be the first consideration in the care of children with online access. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Final Report Dec 2017) had much to reveal. The inadequate cybersecurity measures in institutions contribute to the failure to protect children from abuse and exploitation. Cyber intrusions and attacks can compromise sensitive information, enabling predators to exploit vulnerable children. Institutions need to prioritize cybersecurity to avoid tragic events and implement effective strategies against cyber threats. Here are five cybersecurity strategies highlighted by The Royal Commission that every institution must adopt to protect children:

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Implement Access Controls

Access controls limit the number of people who have access to sensitive information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Institutions should use access controls to limit access to sensitive information, and only authorized individuals should have access to the data. Access controls include password-protected user accounts, multi-factor authentication, and access permission management.

Regularly Patch and Update Software

Regularly patching and updating software can prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. Institutions must ensure that all software and systems are up-to-date and patched regularly to reduce the risk of cyber intrusions.

Prioritize User Education and Awareness Training

Institutions must prioritize user education and awareness training to help their employees and volunteers recognize and respond to potential cyber threats. The training should cover topics such as password protection, phishing emails, and reporting suspicious activity.

Back up Data

Institutions must regularly back up their data to prevent data loss and ensure that sensitive information can be recovered in case of a cyber incident. Regular backups can help institutions recover quickly from a cyber attack.

Develop an Incident Response Plan

Institutions must have an incident response plan in place to respond effectively to a cyber attack. The plan should outline the steps that the institution will take in case of a cyber incident, including who will be involved, how to isolate the affected systems, and how to communicate with affected parties.

By implementing these cybersecurity strategies, institutions can prevent cyber threats and protect sensitive information, ultimately ensuring the safety and security of children. With effective cybersecurity measures in place, institutions can create a safe and secure environment for children to learn, play, and grow. It would also pay to read more widely on this important subject. I suggest you look at the following document and article: Damned Good Advice On Cyber Safety and Fraud Prevention published by Our Community Pty Ltd. I recommend this for sobering statistics on Children and online Risks Globally The Smith Family was also cyber attacked, as this article in Probono Australia describes Cyberattack hits not-for-profit sector.

* FINAL REPORT Making institutions child safe

REFERENCE

1. Federal Trade Commission. (2017). Protecting Children’s Privacy Under COPPA: A Guide for Businesses. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-six-step-compliance

2. Identity Theft Resource Center. (2017). Child Identity Theft: What Every Business Needs to Know. Retrieved from https://www.idtheftcenter.org/child-id-theft/

3. Guernsey, L., & Levine, M. H. (2014). Privacy and Security in the Digital Age: Protecting Children in a Changing Media Landscape. Santa Monica, CA: The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop.

Peter Riley

Peter Riley is an experienced writer, thespian, educator, businessman, and photographer. His writing is known for its clarity, wit, insights and humour. He loves the theatre. His driving passion is to help others understand. Photography is his outlet which slows down the world to one considered frame at a time. He welcomes the new world of Ai assistants and the help they’ll provide in letting him get on with his Peter powers. He always wanted his very own Robin, Batman has one.