For most students, online learning has become the cornerstone of attending personalized classes and receiving helpful knowledge. From preschool and beyond, kids of all ages can learn subjects remotely at their own pace. However, as with everything else in life, some downsides of online learning must be considered before letting your kids consume educational content. Let’s discuss it more.

Online Education & Potential Issues 

Online classes have become the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic and are continuing to shape the way we learn. It makes complete sense why this happens. Online classes are flexible, affordable, and resourceful, making the lives of parents and kids much easier.

However, this rapid development has brought some cybersecurity issues. When joining a class online, kids are often required to create personal accounts and complete verification. Full names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers are shared online, and in the event of a data breach or careless actions, this information can easily fall into hackers’ hands. How so?

Turns out that the education sector has experienced one of the highest numbers of cyberattacks in 2024, and the reason for this is simple. Most educational institutions and learning platforms lack the resources to secure their systems properly. As a result, cyberattacks like phishing, malware, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and even inappropriate content are commonly encountered in online learning spaces.

This is why, as a parent, you should prioritize your kids’ online security. Here’s what you can do to protect it as much as possible:

Set Strong Passwords

A tried-and-true way of securing online accounts is by using strong passwords that are difficult to crack. This will help minimize the risk of your kid’s account being hacked or accessed without authorization.

When creating strong passwords, make sure they are long, complex, and include numbers and special characters. Ensure that each of your kid’s accounts has unique credentials and is not repeated on any other platform. Also, avoid using details related to family members, such as names or birthdays, as these are easy for hackers to guess.

If this task seems too troublesome or time-consuming, consider using a password manager. These tools generate strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely on remote servers. With a password manager, your kid only needs to remember the master password, as the tool will autofill the rest. Additionally, you can use a password manager for nearly any of your kid’s or your own accounts to ensure convenience and enhanced security.

Choosing the best password manager for your needs might take some time and research, but it will be all worth it in the end.

Enable Two-factor Authentication

2FA, or two-factor authentication, is an additional layer of account security that helps protect accounts against hacking. Since 2FA requires you to verify your identity using methods like a code sent to your phone, your kid can quickly recognize if someone is trying to break into their account and decline the login attempt. This can be a great way to monitor whether some cybercriminals are trying to hack your kid’s account.

If the learning platform your kid is using doesn’t offer integrated 2FA, use the 2FA option that’s often included with password managers. Once enabled, your kid will always have to complete the identification process before accessing their account—either by entering a unique code sent to the registered device or by providing biometrics. So, if the password of your kid’s account gets ever compromised, the account will remain secure, thanks to 2FA.

Turn On VPNs

A virtual private network, or a VPN, is another safety net for preventing your kid’s online safety from cybercrime. This tool ensures a safe internet connection by encrypting your network through VPN servers. This way, everything you share and receive online, such as login credentials, sensitive data, and various files, is completely safe and cannot be obtained by hackers.

So, when your kid watches education videos or joins online classes, their IP address and personal information will be automatically hidden thanks to the VPN running in the background.

Make Sure All Software Is Up-to-Date

All programs you and your kids use on the computer, including security software, should be updated frequently. This essential step helps secure your device and network from hackers and malware, as updates often include security patches that address common vulnerabilities. This is a great way to change your approach from reactive to proactive in terms of security.

Teach Your Kids Cybersecurity Lessons

Recognizing potential malware and phishing attempts is just as important as using preventive software. It’s a valuable skill, so learn it yourself and teach your kids how to distinguish a genuine product or message from a malicious one.

To start, show them examples of phishing emails or messages, pointing out common red flags like suspicious links, urgent language, or unexpected attachments. Explain that reputable companies, including online learning and gaming platforms, don’t send random emails asking clients to click links or take immediate action. Lastly, encourage your kids to ask for help if they encounter a similar message, reinforcing the importance of caution online.

Employ Parental Controls

The internet is full of harmful and inappropriate content—even websites designed for kids. Parental controls can help keep your kid safe by implementing several features, including: 

• no access to webpages and social media pages such as adult services;
• limited time spent online;
• content filter that censors sexual images, violence, racism, drugs, and other offensive media;
• blocked apps and functions on the device, such as camera, app store, and messengers;
• monitoring of your kid’s activity while they are using the gadgets.

These functions should be enabled on all devices your kid uses for online education. However, remember that they are most effective when combined with adult supervision and open communication.

Keep Your Kids Safe

Online learning has transformed the way we view education. Yet, it has added cybercrime into the equation. You can protect your kid’s online security by establishing security rules and adopting helpful software.

Stay open and mindful when your kids approach you with cybersecurity questions. Show them examples of good habits, such as setting good passwords, using a VPN, updating your software, and so on. Set clear boundaries of what your kids can and can’t access, and utilize parental controls on all devices they use for online education.