Be careful about sharing baby pictures on the internet

A few years ago a famous star of our country shared her baby girl's picture on social media. He may have simply posted the picture to share his joy with others. But then the ugly, offensive comments and arguments started. There was so much chatter and debate about the issue on Facebook that eventually the heat spilled over into the pages of the newspaper.

We often hear celebrities getting trolled for posting pictures of their babies on social media. These incidents are happening not only in Bangladesh but all over the world. Sadly, we are still not aware. I often post touching pictures of children on social media. Since the birth of children, we are constantly making such mistakes.

The arrival of a new baby in the family is undoubtedly a matter of joy. To make the moment memorable, family members are doing many things like taking pictures, talking about the baby, having fun, sharing pictures of the newborn on social media, etc.

Loved ones take photos of newborns after birth to post on social media. But do you know what kind of destruction the child is doing through this? Flash light used during photography can damage the eyes of newborns. In fact, the delicate eyes of the newborn are not yet ready to tolerate bright light. In this case, your little mistake can suffer the child for the rest of his life.

You might be posting baby pictures on social media hoping to inform others or just get likes. Or want to share the joy with everyone by posting pictures of every memorable event of the child on social media. Sharing pictures or videos of children on social media is called 'Sharenting'. But do we know, as a result of sharing pictures in this way, the child's life may be at risk in the future, how terrible the negative consequences or reactions may be? Maybe the child will have to carry the negative effects of this picture for the rest of his life.

The real truth is, no image shared on the internet is lost, it remains in the database. Even if the picture is deleted shortly after posting. Whenever a picture of a child is posted on the Internet, it is no longer private, it becomes public in an instant. Later, you can see and use these images as you like.

The constant sharing of pictures creates digital footprints of the child in the online world. Search tools are constantly improving and becoming more powerful. In the future anyone will be able to see your baby's name, date of birth, geotag location and facial recognition. These images of children may also be used in product advertisements without your knowledge.

Fear is not here. The main fear is how these pictures will be used in the future. In fact, there are dangers in using social media. A little carelessness on your part can destroy the child's future. The unbridled proliferation of artificial intelligence and defecating technology is now a tangible threat. Your child can also be a victim of it. If this child is famous or a celebrity in the future, he may be embarrassed or disrespected for this photo.

Parents post sensitive pictures of children without understanding; Especially the naked pictures of children are the most dangerous. So no matter how small the child is, do not share pictures of the child undressed or changing clothes on the internet. Don't post shower moments or bare-knuckle videos on social media. Don't post breastfeeding pictures on social media. Both you and your child may suffer irony in the future for such pictures.

Because these images can be distorted if they fall into the hands of bad people. Porn videos can be created using current AI technology with naked body videos. Cybercriminals are making porn films and selling them on pornography sites with these images.

Many people post pictures of sick children. Naturally these pictures are of the dirty, pale, emaciated type; That is, it does not look so good. But later classmates or friends may mock or make fun of him for this photo.

If the child has any behavioral or mental or physical problem, do not share it on social media and seek solutions from others. This can lead to child shaming or bullying. Best to take it to a specialist.

Don't post videos of children crying or having tantrums. Do not share such things on social media if the child cries or is upset because of poor test results. Because the child may be traumatized if the emotional state is revealed to others. When the child is small, we have to remember that he also has a sense of value-respect-humiliation.

Never post child's birthday, birth certificate, passport, medical report, home address etc. on social media. Because using the child's name-identity and picture, he can give false information about his child elsewhere. Criminals will be able to identify your location if you share the information about which school you go to, which teacher you go to, when you go where you go, how you do it etc. in the media. Professional kidnappers can use this information.

Do not share photos of your child's classmates or friends on social media. Because it is wrong to post pictures of other children without their parents' permission. You can say, I left out the other child's picture, but why would there be any objection that I will post my child's picture? It is not the fact that you have a child because you have a child. Posting pictures of children on social media has been banned in France. already their legs.

What is cyber threats ? How to protect email accounts or online accounts from cyber threats ?

 Cyber threats refer to malicious activities or attacks perpetrated through digital channels, targeting computer systems, networks, and data. These threats aim to steal, disrupt, or damage information or operations. Common cyber threats include malware, phishing, ransomware, data breaches, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and more.

To protect email accounts or online accounts from cyber threats, follow these best practices:

1. Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts. Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or common phrases.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.

3. Be Cautious of Phishing: Watch out for phishing emails or messages that attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Be skeptical of unexpected emails, especially those asking for login credentials or financial information.

4. Verify Sender Identities: Before clicking on any links or attachments in emails, verify the sender's identity. Check the sender's email address carefully for any inconsistencies or suspicious elements.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities: Refrain from accessing your email or sensitive accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection when accessing these accounts on public networks.

6. Regularly Update Software: Keep your email client, web browser, and operating system up to date with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you're protected against known vulnerabilities.

7. Use Spam Filters: Enable spam filters provided by your email service provider to automatically detect and filter out suspicious or unwanted emails. Regularly review your spam folder to ensure legitimate emails aren't accidentally marked as spam.

8. Secure Your Devices: Use security features like screen locks, biometric authentication, and encryption on your devices to prevent unauthorized access. Keep your devices protected with reputable antivirus and antimalware software.

9. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review your email and online account activity for any unauthorized access or suspicious behavior. Set up alerts for unusual login attempts or changes to your account settings.

10. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting your email and online accounts. Be proactive in learning how to recognize and respond to potential threats effectively.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of your email and online accounts falling victim to cyber threats and enhance your overall security posture.

What is cyber threats ? How to protect personal information from cyber threats ?

 Cyber threats are malicious activities or attacks targeting computer systems, networks, and digital devices, aimed at stealing, disrupting, or damaging data or operations. These threats can take various forms, including malware infections, phishing attempts, ransomware attacks, data breaches, and more. Here's how to protect your personal information from cyber threats:

1. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and devices. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and consider using a passphrase or password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA or MFA to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This requires an additional form of verification beyond just a password, such as a one-time code sent to your phone.

3. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution when clicking on links or providing personal information online, especially in unsolicited emails or messages. Be vigilant for signs of phishing attempts, such as urgent requests for sensitive information or suspicious email addresses.

4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against exploits. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you're always protected against the latest threats.

5. Use Secure Connections: When accessing sensitive information online, make sure you're using a secure and encrypted connection. Look for HTTPS in the URL and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions.

6. Encrypt Your Data: Encrypt sensitive data stored on your devices and in the cloud to protect it from unauthorized access. Many operating systems and cloud services offer built-in encryption features that you can enable in the settings.

7. Secure Your Devices: Use security features like device lock screens, biometric authentication, and remote wipe capabilities to protect your devices from unauthorized access in case they are lost or stolen.

8. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important files and data to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or both. This ensures that you can recover your information in case of data loss or a ransomware attack.

9. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your account activity and statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution or service provider immediately.

10. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting your personal information online. Be proactive in learning how to recognize and avoid common scams and attacks.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your personal information falling victim to cyber threats and enhance your overall cybersecurity posture.

How to protect the devices and online accounts from cyber threats ?

Protecting both your devices and online accounts from cyber threats requires a multi-layered approach that combines security practices for both hardware and software. Here are some comprehensive steps to safeguard your devices and online accounts:

Protecting Devices:

1. Use Strong Authentication: Implement strong passwords, PINs, or biometric authentication methods to secure access to your devices. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and change them regularly.

2. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device's operating system, applications, and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against exploits.

3. Enable Device Encryption: Encrypt the data stored on your devices to prevent unauthorized access in case they are lost or stolen.

4. Install Security Software: Use reputable antivirus, antimalware, and firewall software to detect and prevent malicious threats from infecting your devices.

5. Be Cautious of Downloads: Only download applications and files from trusted sources, such as official app stores or verified websites. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from potential interception by hackers.

7. Enable Remote Wipe and Device Tracking: Enable remote wipe and tracking features on your devices to remotely erase data or locate them in case they are lost or stolen.

8. Secure Physical Access: Keep your devices physically secure by storing them in safe locations and avoiding leaving them unattended in public places.

Protecting Online Accounts:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA or MFA to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

3. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution when clicking on links or providing personal information online, especially in unsolicited emails or messages. Be vigilant for signs of phishing attempts and verify the legitimacy of requests.

4. Regularly Review Account Activity: Monitor your account activity regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Many online services offer features to review recent login attempts and activity history.

5. Secure Email Accounts: Your email account is often the gateway to other online accounts. Ensure its security by using a strong password, enabling 2FA, and being cautious of phishing emails.

6. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update the privacy settings of your online accounts to control what information is shared and who can access it.

7. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting your devices and online accounts. Regularly update your knowledge and be proactive in implementing security measures.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can significantly enhance the protection of both your devices and online accounts from cyber threats. 

How to secure the Devices ?

 Securing your devices is essential for protecting your personal data and preventing unauthorized access. Here are some steps you can take to enhance the security of your devices:

1. Use Strong Passwords or Biometric Authentication: Set up strong passwords, PINs, or use biometric authentication methods (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to lock your devices. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and ensure that you don't share them with others.

2. Enable Device Encryption: Encrypt the data on your devices to prevent unauthorized access to your files and personal information. Most modern operating systems offer built-in encryption features that you can enable in the settings.

3. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device's operating system, apps, and firmware to ensure that you have the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.

4. Use Antivirus and Antimalware Software: Install reputable antivirus and antimalware software on your devices to detect and remove malicious software. Keep the software updated and run regular scans to detect any threats.

5. Be Cautious of Downloads and Links: Avoid downloading apps, files, or clicking on links from unknown or untrusted sources. Malicious software and phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate downloads or links.

6. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from potential eavesdropping or interception by hackers.

7. Enable Remote Wipe and Find My Device Features: Enable remote wipe and tracking features on your devices. This allows you to remotely erase data or locate your device in case it's lost or stolen.

8. Secure Physical Access: Keep your devices physically secure by storing them in safe locations when not in use. Avoid leaving them unattended in public places where they could be easily stolen.

9. Backup Your Data Regularly: Create regular backups of your important files and data to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or both. In case your device is compromised or lost, you can restore your data from backups.

10. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common security threats and best practices for device security. Regularly update your knowledge about cybersecurity to stay proactive in protecting your devices.

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your devices and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats.