CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Americans are working, studying and communicating online more than ever before, which means more screen time for family members of all ages. Staying safe online starts with openly discussing the potential hazards that come with using the internet and modeling healthy browsing behavior.

“Technology progresses pretty quickly,” said Jeff Ferrin, director of support operations for InfoWest. “There are always new scams and tactics to watch out for.”

The “Internet People” at InfoWest have kept Southern Utah connected and protected since 1994. With that in mind, they’re offering some recommendations for every member of the household to have a safer internet experience.

InfoWest keeps customers on the cutting edge

InfoWest customers have access to the Connect Plus app, which simplifies network management and helps keep kids safer while surfing. Along with controls for screen time, the app enables parents to block access to inappropriate websites, view browsing activity reports and receive notifications when a child’s internet usage doesn’t meet their rules. When paired with an InfoWest managed router, Connect Plus creates a whole-home security experience.

“Our managed router service gives us tools that we can use to find the problems plaguing people’s connections,” Ferrin said. “We also make sure you have the most up-to-date firmware and security so your information isn’t at risk.”

InfoWest helps customers keep up with the fast-paced digital lifestyle by offering reliable internet plans for all your devices. Their residential internet service is faster than ever before, with no data caps, no bandwidth metering and speeds up to 1 gigabit per second through fiber and FiberWave.

Tips for keeping kids safe 

Having a healthy relationship with technology is key to navigating today’s world, and it’s essential for parents and kids to talk about the risks that come with using the internet. Especially at a younger age, children are more likely to visit an unsafe website or share sensitive data with people they don’t know.

Help your kids understand the importance of not giving out personal information like names, addresses, phone numbers and passwords. Encourage them to use privacy settings on social media platforms, and make sure they’re only “friends” with people they know in real life.

Talk about predators and explain the dangers of communicating with strangers. Whether they’re encountering cyberbullying, sexting or someone asking them to meet, they should feel empowered to say “no” to any online activity that makes them uncomfortable.

Tips for keeping yourself safe

Parents should also model responsible behavior with their own online activity, Ferrin said. When it comes to staying safe on the internet, a healthy dose of skepticism goes a long way. Don’t take financial risks by making a purchase through a potentially unreliable website. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When setting up any account online, make sure to use a strong and unique password. Strong passwords have a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols and aren’t easy to guess, like a family member’s name or date of birth. Don’t reuse the same password for multiple websites. Updating your passwords once a month is a great way to keep your email, bank and other important accounts secure.

Keep the operating system and software on all your devices up to date. New devices usually include security and privacy features to help users stay safe online, but people often neglect to set them up. Take the time to enable, configure and continually use these tools.

Don’t fall victim to phishing

Phishing scams are on the rise worldwide. Millions of people have been duped by emails, phone calls and text messages telling them that they need to update their account password, they won a gift card or their bank information has been compromised. Scammers use various tactics to obtain login information and financial data, or even to install malware on their victims’ devices.

The best way to avoid phishing scams is by knowing how to spot them, Ferrin said. Review all communications thoroughly, and don’t open suspicious emails. Phishing emails often have poor grammar, spelling errors and unexpected attachments. It’s also a good idea to hover over links and see if they lead to websites you recognize.

Never share your credit card details, banking information or social security number if you’re contacted via phone, text or email. If you think you’re being targeted by a phishing scam, a call to InfoWest can help you determine whether or not it’s legitimate.

Learn more about InfoWest’s products, services and community outreach on their website.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T • 

Resources

• InfoWest | Telephone: 866-463-6937 | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 435 E. Tabernacle St.
  • Cedar City: 360 W. 200 North.
  • Cedar City: 755 S. Main St., Suite 5.

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