Moms know just about better than anyone what’s important and what’s not important to the family.

In many homes, getting on the Internet is a daily occurrence.

With that being the case, it is vital that families have online security in place, lessening the chances of becoming victims of cyber-criminals and/or online predators.

But how do you know which line of security best suits your online needs?

No matter which brand you select, the goal is to always keep your family computers from having a target on them.

Get Secure and Be Smart

In order to best secure you and your family, two main goals must be met.

First, never take the importance of Internet security for granted.

Whether you are hunting to find antivirus software for a mac or need protection for your mobile devices, never assume you or your family members won’t be targeted by online criminals.

Secondly, learn to safe guard your family’s personal information like never before.

With today’s tech-driven world meaning much of an individual’s personal life revolves around the Internet, you can see why criminals find the worldwide web so appealing in hatching their plots.

Online education should always be a priority in your household, especially when it comes to your children and their Internet interactions.

For example, does your younger son or daughter have the ability to simply sign-on to the family computer (they might even have their own in their rooms) without your permission? While you would hope any teenagers you have understand the ins-and-outs of online safety, your younger children may not.

So that you can keep both young and old in the house safe from online criminals, remember these tidbits:

1. Assume you might be watched – While it is an unnerving feeling for many, use the Internet as if you feel someone might be watching your activities. Even though that is not the case most of the time, you are likely to have more heightened awareness and be more cautious. Yes, millions of consumers buy goods and services online, do their banking etc. That said it has been documented time and time again where identity theft thieves have gotten their hands on people’s personal information. If you proceed with the mentality that you need to be as careful as possible online, you’re less likely to slip up and give out personal data;
2. Monitor your kids’ Internet activities – Even though you should not be running around like a traffic cop, moms (and dads for that matter) should be cognizant of what their children are doing each and every time they get online. In doing so, there are fewer opportunities for online criminals (notably predators) to gain the attention of children or worse. It is also perfectly fine (in fact encouraged) that you spend time on the Internet educating your children about the do’s and don’ts of online behavior. Finally, be sure to do family things on the Internet from time to time. Whether it is doing research together for a school project or watching TV or music videos as a group, together time online is beneficial in a number of ways;
3. Watch what you and your kids’ download – Finally, both adults and kids using the Internet must be wary of downloading any emails, apps etc. that seem suspicious. Online criminals are hoping that someone slips up just that one time, allowing them to gain access to other people’s computers. Kids may particularly susceptible to such intrusions; mistakenly downloading an email or other piece of online material that in fact contains malicious malware. Make sure your online virus protection is always up to date. If it isn’t (even for just a short period of time), online criminals have the perfect opportunity to strike.

The health and well-being of families prove to be both physical and mental.

When it comes to the mental side of things, an online privacy invasion can prove very damaging, something especially troubling for children.

Do your part as head of the household (both moms and dads) to alleviate the potential stress of being online often.

Keep your anti-virus solutions updated, along with being smart about what you do and say online.