by Dale Meredith | Jan 1, 2022 | Family Safety
My father taught me, “Nothing is ever free.” And that includes software, movies, or music via BitTorrents or pirated software.
A BitTorrent is a communication protocol for peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P), which enables users to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet. Yes, BitTorrent is a legitimate file transfer protocol, and using it — often called torrenting — is legal as long as the content can be downloaded or uploaded legally. However, using it to download copyrighted material, like a brand-new movie, is not lawful without the copyright owner’s permission.
The truth is, many people have been tricked into pirated software by the countless “free download” websites that exist on the Internet.
Now, for those who don’t understand the term pirating. Software piracy is the unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of copyrighted software. So downloading an illegal copy of a program, movie, or the latest song from Adelle is illegal and very dangerous.
While BitTorrent websites may be legal and, at times, a safe way to download permitted content, they are one of the main tools hackers and other cybercriminals use to gain access to or gain control of your systems.
As shared by Downloading Privacy The most common dangers of using Bittorrent and downloading torrents are:
• Malware and Viruses
• Cyber Attacks, Hacking
• Bandwidth Throttling and/or Monitoring by your ISP
• Legal Risk (as previously mentioned)
Most especially without using a VPN, your IP address, a unique identifier that points to your computer’s virtual location, is all a hacker needs to target your data. You put yourself at risk when you use BitTorrent to download files, as every “Peer” you connect to in your BitTorrent “Swarm” can see your IP address. A swarm is just a group of people who own or share a particular file, including you.
Let me try to explain this as clearly as possible: when you download a “free” version of Adobe Photoshop, the chances are high that there is malware hidden in the installer, just waiting to infiltrate your computer. Malware could show up as simple as tracking your browsing patterns, showing you additional and annoying pop-ups, but it can also install a backdoor on your computer. If it’s a more advanced version of the malware, it can even encrypt all the files stored on your hard drive until you pay for their software.
Malware is often injected into your system as soon as the movie launches.
Let’s talk about movies. Many people assume downloading a free movie off of a torrent is safe. Well, guess again. Then, while viewing the movie, malicious code is being executed in the background without you even knowing what is happening. Too many people get tempted by the concept of getting something for nothing. While you may think it’s pretty cool to download the latest Adelle song without having to pay for it, trust me, in the end, you’ll eventually pay for it.
And for the love of Pete, please don’t use a pirated version of an Antivirus product. #palmtoforehead!
Dale, here sharing what I know to help keep families safe and smart with the technology they use.
by Dale Meredith | Dec 22, 2021 | Family Safety, Trending
Email. We love it, and we hate it.
We love it because we can send a message to someone across the world within seconds. We hate it because 99% of the time, other people can read our emails too. An email has been one of the most successful communication tools in history, but they too can put you and your data at risk.
Here are five tips on how you can make sure you’re not one of the next email heists.
1. Don’t click on suspicious links
If it seems out of place or doesn’t seem like an actual legit link, don’t click! You know this! You’ve heard it many times! But, we still get socially engineered by the email header, and we click that link. And please teach your kids not to click on any link embedded in an email without checking with you first.
2. Use 2-Factor Authentication
Hackers and even just curious or snoopy people will use a “Forgot Password” option to get into someone’s account. You can avoid this by enabling 2-Factor Authentication. In geek speak, we call it 2FA. Honestly, enable 2FA with every account or service that supports it like Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, etc. 2-Facto Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your device, preventing hackers and those who shouldn’t be snooping into your business from getting into your accounts.
3. Enable a passcode or thumbprint on your devices
I know this sounds like another annoying step you have to do, but I promise it’s worth it in the end. If you have a passcode on your device, that means even if someone takes your phone, tablet, or computer and types in your password, they won’t be able to get into the Gmail account that is linked to it. If the device allows you to use a thumbprint or facial recognition, use it. My oldest daughter says all she wants to be left to her in my will is my thumb! She’s my Minnie-me and once she gains access to my accounts, believe me, she’ll know how to use the data and content to her advantage. Yes, I’ve taught her well!
4. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know but most importantly teach your kids not to.
Emails and texts that say ‘click here to see what you just won’ are tempting to kids, let alone us adults who’ve fallen for the gimmick ourselves a time or two. Unknown links are phishing attempts sent by others trying to access your account. A simple rule is to don’t click or even open an email from anyone you don’t know, and you should be good.
5. Avoid malicious bots by changing your password regularly on email
Bots are computer programs that operate repetitive activities or tasks over the internet. They are quickly becoming the main source of internet traffic. I read a report recently that estimated more than half of the web traffic is originating from bots. Bots are more sophisticated today than they were just yesterday and will be more sophisticated tomorrow than they are today. Of course, not all bots are bad, but we’ll discuss that another time.
Harmful bots are out there maliciously trying to use different passwords to access each website you go to, and spambots are out there posting spam all over the internet to include detrimental emails.
Dale here, or am I? Dale or a bot? You decide.
by Dale Meredith | Jul 21, 2020 | Family Safety
Truthfully, I thought email would be long retired before my grandkid’s time. But with so many kids homeschooled during the COVID Pandameic shut-down, email became necessary for kids of all ages, to stay connected to their teachers. So I have come up with 5 Things All Kids Need to Know About Emails
Even legitimate email sites like Google Mail and Yahoo opens up another weak link in the chain of digital protection for our young kids.
If you haven’t yet had ‘the talk’ with your kids about e-mail now is the time. Here are a few key points to kick-off the conversation with your kids:
- Treat everyone on the internet as strangers, even those who sound friendly.
- Never give out personal information or send a picture of you one email without permission from a parent.
- Always tell a parent or teacher if someone you don’t know reaches out to you by email.
- Always ask a parent before opening an attachment.
- Never click on a link that’s embedded in your email. Even if it says you won money or a trip.
For continued advice and learnings on how to help your family stay safe and smart with the technology you use, follow
Dale Dumbs IT Down on Instagram
Dale Dumbs IT Down on Youtube
Learn more about the why behind my journey of helping families stay safe and smart with the technology they use at https://www.daledumbsitdown.com/
by Dale Meredith | Jul 21, 2020 | Family Safety
Today I am going to go over what is a Child Account on Windows and How to create a Child Account in Windows 10
There are many tools and resources parents have available to help monitor their kid’s accounts. Did you know Windows 10 allows you to create a child account? Yes, another great tool to help you monitor and manage underage kids’ online accounts.
There are a couple of options, I’ll compare both and share step by step directions to set up a child account in windows 10:
Method 1 to set up a Child Account on Windows 10
• Click on the Windows symbol located at the bottom left corner.
• Now, head to Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Click on Family & other users.
• Below Other Users, click on +Add someone else to this PC.
• When a window pops up, you will be asked to add an e-mail address. You can ignore this by clicking below in the same window I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
• Again, skip the step to create a Microsoft account by clicking on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Finally, add the person’s name when a new window pops up, showing you Create an account for this PC. You can skip entering the password for this user if you wish.
Method 2 to set up a Child Account on Windows 10
• Click on the Windows symbol located at the bottom left corner.
• Now, head to Settings.
• Select Accounts.
• Click on Family & other users.
• If you’re already signed in with your Microsoft account, you will see an option +Add a family member; otherwise, you will see an option to sign-in with a Microsoft account.
• If you don’t have an account, create a new one for yourself first.
• Select Add a child.
• Create a Microsoft account for your child.
• When they ask you for the phone number, add your phone number, not the kid’s (if the child has any).
• Now, uncheck the boxes when a new window pops up with the title See what’s most relevant to them.
• Finally, Microsoft will ask you if you want to let your kid fly on the Internet. And that’s your decision. If you want to allow your child to play games online or do some other educational stuff, click Yes; otherwise, click No.
Difference between the two methods:
• Method 1 lets you create a new separate account on your PC but doesn’t allow you to check their activities.
• Method 2 will give you an option to block your kid’s account because you are signed into your computer with your Microsoft account.
• Method 1 still gives you the same privilege or headache of reminding your kids their laptop usage is up.
• Method 2 will help you to set screen time for your kid. To do so, you will have to log in to Microsoft account online at account.microsoft.com, using the kid’s email address. The best thing is that you can choose various screen time for daily use; for example, Monday, 30 minutes, 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM; Tuesday, 2 hours, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and so on.
As always, my reminder to parents is that It’s OK to set boundaries with when and how their kids use their tech devices.
Of course, this doesn’t replace having many conversations with our kids about internet safety and these settings won’t always block all inappropriate sites, but using parental controls and child settings is a good place to start.
For continued advice and learnings on how to help your family stay safe and smart with the technology you use, follow
Dale Dumbs IT Down on Instagram
Dale Dumbs IT Down on Youtube
Learn more about the why behind my journey of helping families stay safe and smart with the technology they use at https://www.daledumbsitdown.com/
by Dale Meredith | Jul 10, 2020 | Family Safety
Educate, Engage, and Prepare. Everywhere you look, you see kids glued to their devices. Whether it’s a cellphone, tablet, or even a laptop, they are mesmerized. And, yes even our own kids are just as guilty.
Kids on devices have become the norm as gone are the days when someone judges you because your 3-year-old is playing a game on your phone while at the grocery store. Playing that game is better than the alternative, especially if it’s nap time.
The older kids get the more we as parents need to worry. Let’s say age 7 on up, as they become more adept at finding their way around online we as parents need to engage more in what our kids are watching or searching for. Now don’t get me wrong, I know there are a lot of kids out there just playing your typical games kids that age play. Right?
But what about the ones that aren’t? The ones bored with the games they have loaded. The ones who are just innocently curious as to what else can they watch or who else can they connect with.
I hear from parents almost daily asking for help on how to be more aware of what’s going on as so many slips right by. Parents with kids who made new friends online, but who the new friends are unknown. One parent, completely unaware, found online gambling with a fake profile had been taking up her son’s time. Another son had set up an adult profile to connect with older women. What starts out as curiosity and boredom can quickly turn to high concern situations that invite potential harm to our kids’ lives.
As parents, we all want to trust that our kids are making the right choices when we aren’t watching. But trusting our kids to ‘always “do the right thing” online is like putting a giant ice cream sundae right in front of them and telling them not to eat it; then leaving the room.
How many of us can honestly say our child wouldn’t touch it? Heck, I doubt I could avoid eating it.
Technology is at most all kids’ fingertips and there is a wide world of predators, scammers, hackers, adult content sites, and clickbait ads just waiting to grab a child’s attention.
My mantra is and always will be Educate, Engage, and Prepare. As parents we are responsible to EDUCATE ourselves on the latest and greatest apps, games, and websites our children use and visit, we must ENGAGE in how our kids are using their devices and we must talk to our kids to PREPARE them at young ages what the dangers are and how to best avoid sites that are harmful to their young minds.
We must talk to our kids about internet safety. It is OK to remove the temptation. Have a cut-off time for devices and do not allow your child access overnight. Limit your child’s screen time and set clear rules and boundaries. Install antivirus software and set parental controls. Review your child’s browser history and let them know you will be monitoring everything.
Having access to the internet can be great when used responsibly. But sometimes it’s a little too much, too soon for our younger children.
For continued advice and learnings on how to help your family stay safe and smart with the technology you use, follow
by Dale Meredith | Jun 22, 2020 | Family Safety
Funky Town – Anyone old enough to remember this fun upbeat song from the 80’s. If not, google it and give it a good listen to. Pay attention to the words ‘Talk about it, Talk about it, Talk about it, Talk about, Talk about…
Are you talking about what you should with your kids? And yes, I’m referring to that crazy awesome thing called the internet, that we all use daily. A great place to find information, share stories, photos or catch up with old friends.
But what about all the dangers that come along with internet use? Especially for our kids. As adults, we can usually spot a scam and move on. But our kids just don’t have the knowledge or experience to understand what is happening online until it’s too late.
So, what do you do as a parent to keep your child safe on the internet?
First and foremost, talk to your kids. Have that dreaded conversation and get ready for the eye rolls and a little bit of attitude. Because it will happen. Trust me.
Explain to your kids, that while the internet is a wonderful tool, it can also be a dangerous place and you have to make good choices. Be honest.
We tell our kids not to talk to strangers at the grocery store, the mall or anytime they are out without us. Why should the internet be any different?
Build a little trust with your child. Remind them that if they come across something questionable, it’s ok to come to you with it. How many times have you searched for something and ended up on a sketchy website? It happens. Praise your kid for telling you.
You are the parent. Remember that you are the parent. It’s your job to keep your child safe. That means that it is OK to say no. No to the internet, no to a device and no to being on that device all hours of the night.
It’s OK to set limits. The coolest feature on most devices today is Parental Controls. Oh yes, this has to be one of the best features of these devices. You can literally shut down devices after a certain time, block inappropriate content and set age restrictions to certain sites. Do it.
Of course, this doesn’t replace having a conversation with your kid about internet safety. And it certainly won’t block all inappropriate sites, but it’s a good start.
Today’s kids have information at their fingertips, but it’s not always good information. The internet won’t tell your kids not to talk to strangers online. It certainly won’t tell them about scams, cyberbullying, or predators. That’s your job.
If you don’t talk to your kid about the potential dangers on the internet, how do they know these even exist? Think about that for a minute.
So, TALK ABOUT IT! TALK ABOUT IT! TALK ABOUT IT!
Talk to your kids. And if they don’t listen, you have parental controls on your side. Use them 🙂
