OKDFP Releases Five Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online
 

As part of a new community outreach program, Oklahoma Digital Forensics Professionals is presenting free seminars to schools, teachers and parents to educate them on how to protect children when online.

Despite new regulations set forth by popular online social network MySpace, the issue of increasing cases of sexual predators on the Internet continues to be a critical topic among children.  Many of today’s Internet hot spots, including MySpace, Xanga and Facebook, initiate little control among its subscribers leaving the ultimate responsibility for safety up to the parents.

Oklahoma Digital Forensics Professionals released the following tips from their presentation:

1. Actively monitor
Rather than placing computers inside of your child’s room, position them in a public location that is easily visible.  Computers do not have sufficient content controls, and most monitoring software can be easily bypassed.

2. Communicate
Talking to your children will not only help in your monitoring process, but also help them understand how to use the Internet responsibly.  Discuss the dangers of giving out personal information and chatting with strangers.

3. Be technologically aware
Many of today’s technological devices have Internet capabilities.  Be aware of the devices your child uses and ask about things you didn’t buy, especially cell phones, MP3 players and gaming devices.

4. Know the source
Internet usage doesn’t just occur inside of your home.  Be aware of all locations your child is accessing the Internet, and understand the restrictions already set in place.

5. Be in control
If you feel your child is in danger or behaving inappropriately on the Internet, have the confidence to take control of the situation to protect your liability and your child’s safety.

Since 2003, OKDFP has worked to adhere to the highest standards of quality, confidentiality and diligence in the field of digital forensics.  The privately-owned business focuses on serving the business and legal communities by investigating, monitoring and retrieving information from computer hard drives, cell phone records, Personal Digital Assistants, file servers and e-mail servers.  OKDFP’s staff posses more than 40 years of combined experience and holds 12 certifications from a variety of institutions, including the American College of Forensic Examiners, Internet Securities Systems and the National Information Assurance Education and Training Program.

For more information about OKDFP or to schedule a presentation, call Chris Noel at 856-5337 or visit the Web site at www.okdfp.com.