The holidays are here, and that means lots of exciting new tech will be unwrapped! A new gaming console, a smartphone, or a smart device is a fantastic gift, but every internet-connected device is a new doorway into your family's home and data.

At West Valley School District, we want your family to enjoy every minute of the break safely. Just as you childproof a home for a new toddler, you need to "cyber-proof" a new device before it connects to your home network.

Here is a quick, actionable checklist for parents to secure new devices before they are used:

1. The Pre-Launch Checkup: Secure It Before You Play

Before letting kids connect the device to your Wi-Fi or download the first app, follow these two essential steps:

• Update Everything (Immediately): Devices often sit in a warehouse for months, meaning their operating systems and built-in apps are outdated. Security patches are released weekly to fix vulnerabilities. Plug the device in, connect it, and download every available system update before creating a user profile.

• Change the Default Password: If the device has a generic manufacturer password (for the parental control app, a smart speaker, or a camera), change it immediately. Never leave the default password in place—it's the first thing hackers try.

2. Lock It Down: Essential Privacy Settings

The "out-of-the-box" settings are often designed for convenience, not privacy. You need to adjust them to protect your family.

• Activate Parental Controls: Whether it’s an Xbox, an iPad, or a smart TV, find the built-in parental controls and set limits on screen time, spending, and content access. This is your primary tool for managing digital boundaries. See our previous blog post for additional tools available to you. 

• Review App Permissions: When downloading a new app, check the permissions it requests. Does a flashlight app really need access to your microphone or contacts? If it sounds excessive, deny the permission or delete the app.

• Disable Location Sharing: Many smart toys and apps automatically share your location. Turn off location tracking in the settings for anything that doesn't absolutely need it (like maps or emergency services).

3. Fortify Your Network: The Home Perimeter

Every new device connects to your home Wi-Fi, making your network the gateway to your personal information.

• Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Password: If your home network still uses the password printed on the router box, change it now! Use a strong, unique passphrase that is difficult to guess.

• The Power of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is the single strongest defense. If the new device requires a sign-in (for gaming networks, app stores, etc.), enable MFA. This means a code must be sent to your phone before anyone can log in, even if they have the password.

4. Talk About Digital Citizenship

The greatest gift you can give your child alongside their new tech is the knowledge of how to use it safely and responsibly.

• Define Boundaries Early: Use the new device as an opportunity to establish rules for screen time, social media conduct, and communicating with strangers online.

• Model Good Behavior: Talk to your kids about the scams you see—show them phishing emails or explain why you use a password manager. Seeing you practice good habits is the most effective lesson.

Enjoy the holidays! By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your new devices bring joy and learning without compromising your family’s digital safety.

 

Stay safe, stay vigilant!

Jeremy Cox

IT Director

West Valley School District