Parents nowadays are making more of an effort to keep track of their child's movements and locations. They buy smart watches for their children so they can watch them more easily.
cyber security establishment #ESET, underlined that it is absolutely necessary to be selective about the product to be purchased, and shared their suggestions.
📢Why is cyber security important?
Smart watches connect to servers. If not properly protected, it can be the easiest way for hackers to break into the device, gaining access to information about your child, from location and name to phone numbers and conversations. Moreover, due to some security #vulnerabilities, #cybercriminals can even communicate with the child.
📢Get as much information as possible
If you want to make sure that the device is reliable, user reviews can be very helpful. #Google the brand name or even the model name along with “vulnerability” or similar phrases.
🚨See how the manufacturer perceives cybersecurity🚨
📢Look for security vulnerabilities
Has there been any data breach regarding the product or company? Has the brand encountered security vulnerabilities? If so, how did the manufacturer behave, have these problems been resolved? And how fast did it solve it? If the company has acted appropriately and has been transparent about the issues, there is no need to panic. Vulnerabilities are relatively common, but it's important to make sure the manufacturer is ready to respond immediately. Also, check if the software can be updated and if it does, if the manufacturer does it regularly. Otherwise? Choose another product or brand instead.
📢Pay attention to the brand
Avoid buying unbranded devices unless you can verify how they protect your data or where they upload it. Saving on the cost of purchasing a device can create problems that can lead to higher costs, such as theft of your data.
📢Don't forget to do the updates yourself
Not only the manufacturer, but also you as a parent should regularly update the firmware to the latest possible version. When patches are released, install them immediately as they are generally intended to make your device more secure. If you don't, #hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to your devices; which is something you can actually avoid if you have installed a patch to fix these vulnerabilities.
📢Consider what functions you need
Do you just want to communicate with the smart watch or do you want to make video or phone calls with your child? Look for a device with a built-in camera, speaker or microphone. Or could a simple #SOS feature adequately contact someone from a predefined contact list in case of emergency?
📢Explore Parental Control solutions
Before you invest in a smartwatch, consider how much control you want to have. There are even models that allow you to listen to your children's conversations and surrounding sounds. Such functions can be useful if your child interacts with a stranger. Some hours even include games and challenges. In any case, the more functions the smartwatch has, the faster the battery will run out. Some models need to be charged almost every day, others may even last for weeks.
No matter how feature-packed a device you decide to buy, always remember that the more functions the device offers, the more potential touchpoints for hackers. If you choose a smartwatch packed with advanced technology, make sure it's properly secured. In general, smartwatches can be very useful when chosen correctly. The more time you spend researching, the more likely smartwatches will be your and your kids' best friend, if you don't settle for the cheapest product.