Cyber Security and COVID-19 Understanding cyber predators and vulnerabilities for teenagers

Abstract

An increasing number of teenagers are now using the internet through their computers, phones, ipads, ipods, laptops, tablets, etc. In the era of COVID-19, where School kids do home schooling using the internet, the number of teenagers using the web will be higher and their presence online will increase. The internet can be a major channel for their education, creativity, and self-expression. However, it also carries a spectrum of cyber risks to which teenagers are more vulnerable than adults. This paper focuses on online risks for teenagers under COVID-19 era and how to protect them from cyber predators. It examines direct and indirect precautionary measures available to these innocent teenagers and their parents to help mitigate online vulnerabilities. The paper believes that, to enhance the policy to protect teenagers online, governments and School Districts should enhance the coherence of their policy measures and tools in collaboration with parents, caregivers, educators, businesses, and civil societies.