Part 2 of 3: Monitoring the “Human Element” of Security – 10 Predictions for 2010

Part 2: Kids and their Digital Playground

In our first installation of this three-part series, we explored how always-on technology and changes in society are impacting the “human element” of PC and Internet security.  As 2010 unfolds, SpectorSoft sees several emerging and usage trends that warrant closer monitoring and inspection.  In this segment, we’ll take a closer look at today’s digital kids and how they’re driving changes in parenting and technology approaches to help keep them safe online…

5. Kids are More Net Savvy than Parents. We are raising a “digital generation” of kids who are naturally curious and comfortable with the Internet, yet often unaware that what they do or say online can have consequences in real life.  In turn, they’re taking bigger risks when it comes to sexting, cyberbullying, file sharing, gaming, and socializing on the Web. They’re also quick to bypass parental controls and filters when they want to access something they shouldn’t.  Keeping up is not as tough as it sounds.  Parents can start by making sure they’re the only ones with “admin rights” on home computers.  Also, parents can take five minutes to install PC and Internet monitoring software to capture everything they’re saying, seeing, and doing online. Parents can become more net savvy while helping their children make smarter decisions in cyberspace.

6. Kids are KPC (Keeping Parents Clueless). Ten years ago, few of us knew what LMAO and IMHO meant. Today, do you know what GNOC, IWSN, and ASL mean?  The English language is being overhauled with new alpha-numeric expressions to abbreviate phrases and conceal digital conversations. In 2010, “Chat Lingo” will expand with even more terms and new ways to express first-generation terms.  As a result, parents will rely on resources like “A Parent’s Guide to Internet Lingo” and tools like Spector Pro 2010 with built-in translation capabilities that instantly reveal the true meaning of thousands of terms used by kids in email, instant messages, and Facebook chat.  Watch a video or test your knowledge with our lingo quiz, and download a free copy of the guide at: www.FreeLingoGuide.com.

7. The Keyboard Packs a Punch. It is easier to make rude comments or threats toward someone when you’re not standing in front of them.  Social networking sites make it virtually irresistible for kids to post opinions and spread lies, rumors, and hateful messages.  Kids are also highly impressionable, so they may lash out or attempt physical harm if they feel they’re the victim of cyberbullying or sexting gone wrong.  In 2010, it is crucial that parents know what is being said to their child or teen by other children and by strangers.  Products like Spector Pro and eBlaster are praised for their unmatched ability to record both sides of every online discussion, and at SpectorSoft we’re especially touched when receiving comments like “Your company is saving young lives – be very proud!” … thank you parents, we are!

For the last part of our three-part series, we’ll take a closer look at the intersection of security versus privacy in the workplace, and how we believe vision beats pain…