Dave and Bill  

The Internet is more ubiquitous and becoming more available each day throughout the entire world. We need to make a difference in our children’s lives, not only through security technologies like managed securities, monitoring, wireless securities, informational sites (Net Family News, Connecting Safely, Responsible Cybercitizen) but, through good solid old fashion parenting.

The Cyber Hood Watch partners, Dave & Bill agree with Anne’s comment that exemplifying civil behavior, and practicing civil engagement will show our children we care about our community. And deal with the negatives like we do in an ordinary way as we would do in life.

The latter approach will serve us and our children well, especially as they muddle through the pecking order, which finds its way into adolescence and sometimes is amplified and transferred to cyberspace.

Too often child safety is dominated by judges, lawyers and law enforcement. We need to step up and bridge the generational digital divide and apply good parenting skills used for generations and apply them to the online world… It’s about the art of civility.

Read the full article here…

Privacy is relative. So, when you say you want to protect your personal information, what is it we we’re protecting ourselves from?

Larry uses the analogy of flying to Salt Lake City incognito. He wants his trip to be private. Is it really private? The airlines know, his credit card company knows, Homeland Security knows, so is he really keeping it private.

If someone wants to know they can take extraordinary methods to find out.

What we really want is to keep our personal information private from criminal activity or hackers. That can be accomplished best by using a managed security service which uses professional grade technologies coupled with professional IT security support.

However, even with the best technologies and support nothing is guaranteed. It’s possible for large corporation to be hacked who store your personal information. Even then you need to be responsible for your own Internet security, when you can, or contract it out with a service that will do it for you.

Larry talked about how the SafeTeens website addresses teens and parents on how to look at their own personal misbehavior or misjudgment on how they act online.

Another website, SafeKids teaches parents how to protect young children and keep them safe. One great tool provided is a two-way contract between the children and their parents. Another tool provided is the “search box” which acts as a pre-filter which helps eliminate surfing into inappropriate sites by accident.

The newest site, ConnectSafely is an interactive site for parents, guardians, and teens to ask questions, view videos, and to join a forum where you can ask questions about your concerns, what to do and how to do it, when dealing with Internet issues.

The world of online and offline doesn’t exist separately any longer, especially for the New Net-Generation. Your children and many young adults have integrated technology, the internet, and social networking as part of their identity. The CyberHood Watch partners, Dave & Bill, are integrated into the social network of the Internet. It’s not a full description of who we are but, it is a slice of who we are and what we represent.

If you want to connect to your children and understand a part of their new Net-Generation realize what you see on the Internet is partly a mirror reflection of their real world. Talk to your children, embrace the Internet, and have them share what they know about the Internet with you. Have them help you set up a Facebook account and talk to them about your concerns, interject the principles of civility, showing respect to one another.

Larry shared several key points when it comes to being responsible cybercitizens:

·        Critical thinking

·        Personal information is personal

·        Protect your security and passwords

·        Don’t talk about or have sexually oriented conversations

·        Avoid meeting in person those you meet online

·        Be civil

·        Use good judgment when posting videos and video cell phones

We asked about Google Chrome – you can read Larry’s recent post at: PC Answer.

We also talked about Cloud computing, which will have an enormous impact on the future of many devices, such as the mobile devices like the iPhone. However, it’s my belief with these new developments will come new challenges and one for sure will be wireless security. Wi-Fi wireless networks will play an important role in expanding the social networking among the new Net-Generation mobile community. Unfortunately, it will expand faster than expected and without preparations for its lack of security.

As Larry called it, “The thin client”, meaning the hardware and mobile devices will be less powerful and the power will be in the “Cloud”. Our concern needs to address the weak link. I see that as when data leaves your device and transmitted to another device. It’s that in between transferring that your information is vulnerable.

One tip that Larry personally uses is a category of passwords. For example, Larry uses one password for his newspapers that he reads online, a second category are passwords used his email accounts and most other sites that he visits. The final category is phrase passwords for his financial and health accounts.

Like Larry said, when it comes to the best security tips they are, “Parents need to be parents, trust your kids, be a family, sit down and have dinner together, go for a walk together, and remember it’s a two-way street.”

Be sure to visit KidsYahoo

Have you ever experienced having a conversation on a technical or complicated subject matter that you had little knowledge or understanding but, the individual explaining it, did it in such a practical manner that everything they said made complete sense? Not only did it make sense but, you could explain it to someone else.

There’s a distinction between being very knowledgeable about complicated material in your profession but, it’s a real gift to be able to communicate those difficult concepts in layman terms to another person empowering them with that knowledge. When that happens it’s powerful and very rewarding for all parties.

Richard Pickett, The WiFi Security Guy, is that person when it comes to sharing his knowledge on the vulnerabilities of wireless security and how we are all at risk when it comes to wireless networks.

Richard has been in the IT industry for more than a couple of decades which includes a decade in International IT security.

He shares his story of how he stood before a group of business owners and ended up with egg on his face because he didn’t have the answer to one of the business owner’s question. “That’s great for business owners and corporations but, what about our families wireless security?” Thus was the catalyst for Richard to do something about wireless security for families and the small business owner.

After five years of testing, research and development, Richard provides the answer to that business man’s question for wireless security, our kids, their families, and every business and businessman/businesswoman out there. No one has to be vulnerable, or at risk of wireless identity theft – stolen personal information – stolen passwords – stolen emails – or theft because of wireless vulnerabilities.

I mentioned testing and development, well to date Richard has documented 26.5 Terabytes of encrypted data. Let’s put that in perspective, if I were to send you 500 emails a day, it would take me 7,200 years to complete 26.5 Terabytes. Richard has also blocked over 4,000,000 (million) attacks without one incident. As a CyberHood Watch partner, and an online security authority it is imperative to secure your wireless.

I asked, “If it’s so bad how come the public doesn’t know more about it?” I’m not surprised with the answer. It boils down to profits and the bottom line. We did hear about TJ Max and the two million credit cards stolen because of an inadequately secured wireless. There were a few other notable breaches (Best Western – Monster.com). However, we have you looking over here, at the big incidents, while the average consumer has no idea how their every day wireless activities are absolutely open to and at risk to any hacker out there.

This wasn’t part of the show but, I feel it will illustrate how dangerous and ingenious the criminal hacker can be. It was reported that an iPhone had been sent to the mailroom of an office building. What was discovered was the iPhone had been sent, turned on, to capture the wireless activity in the building. It is set up, so the package is returned because it is undeliverable. Ask yourself how many emails were sent and what confidential information was sent and how many personal emails do think were captured?

To understand the significance of all this you’ve got to listen to the show and better yet, get to know what the six (6) myths are regarding wireless security.

Wireless leaks a lot of information from your computer. Think of it as using walkie-talkies. Do you remember the phase not long ago when it was popular to keep in touch with kids at the mall? Here in Utah, it also included deer hunting season. No matter, the point being as you used them, you picked up other conversations. Wireless is open to the public and can be heard by anyone. And what you may not realize is, everything which is encrypted and safe, has to be unencrypted when sent out over the wireless network in order t be received at its intended destination. As soon as it is unencrypted when sent, is open to the public to grab.

As the CyberHood watch partners have said numerous times, being a responsible cybercitizen encompasses an awareness of several technologies and good old fashioned civility. And thanks to the years of programming, development and research by Richard, the WiFi Security Guy, and his following-up to a question he didn’t have the answer to, when asked by a businessman, we now have the solution to wireless security.

I predict we will see the WiFi Security Guy become a multi-million dollar company. Dave & Bill have had the pleasure to get to know Richard personally and we are excited to see his success take root and glad to have been a part of it. We’re glad to have Richard as one of our Responsible CyberCitizens.

Be sure to listen to the show, you will be enlightened.

Did you know there are White Hats – Black Hats – Grey Hats – and Kidde Scripts in the Internet security world and each one has a different motivation?

Yet the underlying reward is fame and respect from the community and their peers in finding holes in the system. Granted depending which hat you wear also determines what you will do with a discovered hole in the system. As a Black Hat some discovered holes in an operating system can be as valuable as a million dollars.

When asked if a hacker could be stopped, other than a good conscious, Olig stated, “That if it were a Black Hat hacker that had specifically target you, there would be no stopping him.” Fortunately, a Black Hat has very little interest in the individual. Their efforts are directed at large corporations and large networks. However, Black Hats provide readymade scripts for the Gray Hats and Kidde Script users. So, just when you thought you might be off the hook, it gets worse.

Here’s a jaw dropper, Olig stated, “That 60% of all computers in the U.S. don’t belong to the people who own them.” When asked to clarify, Olig explained that all those scripts in the hands of the Gray Hats and Kidde Scripts are on auto pilot surfing the web looking for unsecure ports and taking control of all susceptible computers.

Unless you have an IT security tech, chances are you won’t have any idea your computer has become a “Zombie” computer. That just means your computer is under the control of a Gray or Kidde hacker.

Olig has spent a great deal of his life as an IT security professional and as a professional understand the importance for children, individuals, and small business owners to empower themselves on how to be safe on the Internet.

Olig understands it is cost prohibitive for the small business owner and others to maintain a team of IT security specialists to protect their servers and computers for suspicious activities. So, Olig provides the how to for anyone wanting to identify security holes and the instructions on how to secure them.

You can become self sufficient and knowledgeable enough to secure yourself from those looking to steal your personal information, your clients personal information, your financial holdings, or the use of your computer to use in an illegal manner. The latter you are held responsible and accountable for.

Want to know more on how to get started taking care of your own security then go to Online Business Protection and get enrolled in Olig’s training.  Or check out Olig’s site which provides safety for children and elder members on the Internet; Online World Security. Be sure to grab Olig’s free book on protecting your family from scams.

We didn’t stop here; we went on to talk about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and a few solid tips on how to increase your presence on the Internet. One suggestion is the use of social networking site and how to use them.

We look forward to having Olig back to talk more about keeping us all safe on the Internet and how best to embrace the good things the Internet has to offer.

Welcome back Nancy McBride. It wasn’t long ago the CyberHood Watch partners got to be a small part in the launch of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s National program, Take 25. And we are glad to report that the program is doing well, be sure to check out the above link. Remember that May 25th is recognized nationally as the to acknowledge the missing and murdered children.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) mission is to help prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; help find missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them.  We are the national clearinghouse providing the resources, focus and information needed to find missing children, prevent crimes against them and help bring perpetrators to justice.

This time Nancy wanted to share with our listeners and our future worldwide listener’s information on their NetSmartz and NSTeens; two exciting sites.

NetSmartz is introducing a back to school campaign with awareness for parents and children which point out that most abduction occur traveling to and from school. This is a time children need to understand they don’t need to be polite.

Here is NetSmartz Workshop Guide to Halloween Safety. Check out the tips for a safe Halloween.

Parents need to make it clear to their children that if they are online they have a responsibility to do the right things. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their children understand proper etiquette and what the rules are on how to conduct themselves online.

As always, we like to ask our guest, “What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, Responsible CyberCitizen”? Nancy responded that it is someone who acts in a way they would like others to act to them – part of the Golden Rule. It’s important for children to understand the future consequences of what they do online. What you do today online can affect your college acceptance, your career choices, etc. You will be evaluated by your online behavior not just your postings. Parents need to communicate with their children the importance of what their children do online will affect their future.

Explain to your children how it relates to them and how it relates to their friends, they really do want to know. And while you’re at it talk to them about cyberbullying. Ask your child if he knows anyone that has been bullied online or has he/she been bullied, or have they ever bullied someone. Let your child know they don’t have to react to it alone, get someone else to help – tell a trusted friend.

Be sure to visit NetSmartz and follow first hand Julie’s Journey a true story – you get the benefit of her mistakes and what happened to her so you can become a little wiser and not make the same mistakes. I know your Moms and Dads would be asking themselves; Why – Why – Why! By knowing Julie’s story you get to ask, “What could have been done differently”?

Here’s the benefit, if you engage your children in open conversation, and ask them what they think, you’ll have a chance to listen to their experiences – the more they are engaged in conversation with you the less risky their behavior.

Your concerns are not strangers, “Stranger Danger” has proven to be a distraction. Unfortunately, it's usually someone who is benign and non-aggressive who also cons the adults thinking they have the best interest in their child. Parents and guardians should be fully aware of what adults have access to your children – one of the better places to start.

Be aware of an adult who is overly interested in your child – gifts and attentions towards your child.

When given the CyberHood Watch’s magic wand to make that one change, Nancy replied she would like to see, “Safety as a National priority”. If your kids are safe, nothing else matters.

Given the fact that there are 600,000 registered sex offenders and 100,000 are missing, should be a concern for parents. Be sure you and your kids should visit NetSmartz and set them on the right path to learn and become Responsible CyberCitizens.