On the occasion of Safer Internet Day on February 6, Corey Nachreiner, Chief Technology Officer of WatchGuard Technologies, emphasized the importance of promoting a safer internet environment for children and youth. We advocate this annual event’s role in raising awareness of online risks and drawing attention to the risks of AI technologies. The company implements important tips on improving children’s online safety and cybersecurity.
“While every day is a good day to reflect on what we are doing to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations online, Safer Internet Day is a great day to reflect on what we can and should do more to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations online. It’s a great opportunity to think and discuss things,” says Naharreiner.
He also highlighted potential privacy issues with AI tools and applications. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and ChatGPT use users’ personal data, sometimes without their explicit consent, raising concerns about online safety. “If the service you’re using is ‘free,’ there’s a good chance that you and your data are the product,” Naharreiner warns.
Naharreiner emphasized the importance of the human factor in online safety, noting that security and privacy breaches often result from “common mistakes and simple human error.” Therefore, cybersecurity practices should equally focus on increasing people’s vigilance and caution when using the web.
Naharreiner also offers helpful tips for children, parents, and educators to improve their online safety. Take your online privacy seriously, never post anything you don’t want others to see, understand that it’s easy to pretend to be someone else online, and protect your online identity. And she teaches kids general online safety tips.
“We often interact and share things about ourselves online, so it’s natural to want to share. But threat actors are more likely to learn small, seemingly basic things about you. “When engaging online, you should always establish verified trust with strangers before sharing personal information,” he explains.
People, including children and young people, should use caution when posting digital content, understand the ease with which their identities can be manipulated online, and protect their online identities by employing strong passwords and authentication methods. Naharreiner said adults should share online hygiene tips, such as asking parents for permission before going online, limiting online activity to safe platforms, and avoiding sharing personal information. he added.
Naharreiner emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious. He advises: “If the details don’t match up, or if something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to be on the safe side… by staying vigilant and using extreme caution, we can better protect ourselves and the web’s youngest generation.” We can better protect our users from falling victim to sneaky attacks and ensure a safer internet experience.”
