The Gift of Security this Season: Keeping a Child’s Online Identity Safe

Sad but true, children of all ages are a growing demographic of identity theft. From the moment that parents apply for their child’s Social Security Number (SSN), it’s on. From SSN’s to shopping for gifts this season, some gifts may be risking their identity. It‘s a thought likely far removed from shopping for electronic gifts for the children in your life. A present that may light up their eyes should also light up a security light bulb for gifting adults and especially parents. Tablets, smart phones and gaming devices are just a few of the gifts that could put a child’s online identity in peril. It’s the last thought on your mind making that purchase, now it’s time for it to be your first thought before purchasing.

It’s a fact that children using electronic devices are just as vulnerable to identity theft as adults are. Take heart, even if gift givers to your kids may be blissfully unaware what lies beneath, parents have ways to fight back.

• All computers and other electronic devices in the home need anti-virus and firewall protection. Always keep those protections updated. Cyber thieves are always trying to one-up what’s standing in their way of success.

• Take the time to educate your children about online risks. It’s never too early to learn and it also sets up solid security practices to follow for the duration of their lives.

• Point out the particulars like how to verify a secure website (secure lock icon in address bar, website address begins with “https,” for example), use challenging passwords and never send secure information over unsecured or public wireless hot spots.

• Be careful of the information you share about your children online. Avoid posting birthday pictures and birthdates, even the birth place city is risky. It’s the same with any school information, pictures, and videos that identify your child’s school. Cyber thieves count on social media for information they can use against you and your family.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission (https://www.ftc.gov) and Identity Theft Resource Center (http://www.idtheftcenter.org) for more great information about keeping you and your child’s identity safe this gift-giving season.