SecWise International

07/08/2024

🌟 **Introducing Kids and Teens to Technology: Tips for Parents** 🌟

Studies are clear: the later you give your child their own device, the better. But when the time comes, it's important to introduce technology in a thoughtful and responsible way. 📱💻

It's hard to talk to our teens about tech, but this guide will help.

Check out this helpful resource that outlines basic steps for parents to ensure a positive experience for their children as they navigate the digital world:

[Google Digital Wellbeing Family Guide](https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/digitalwellbeingfamilyguide.pdf)

Let's equip our kids with the right tools and knowledge to stay safe and make the most of technology! 🚀

07/08/2024

🌟 **Introducing Kids and Teens to Technology: Tips for Parents** 🌟

Studies are clear: the later you give your child their own device, the better. But when the time comes, it's important to introduce technology in a thoughtful and responsible way. 📱💻

Check out this helpful resource that outlines basic steps for parents to ensure a positive experience for their children as they navigate the digital world:

[Google Safety Center: Tips for Parents](https://kstatic.googleusercontent.com/files/1d04bc88ed1317d158f346e2d83b4bc70b817a5214c9c9614e69681dab3e2515dcf53d82f96e54a1d157b6190dc965dcab6285eb05fc1e0bc27139085368fdd6)

Let's equip our kids with the right tools and knowledge to stay safe and make the most of technology! 🚀

11/06/2024

We are thrilled to announce a massive update to our SecWise Cyber Security training seminars, set to launch over the next six weeks. This will be our most comprehensive training course ever, featuring over 200 beginner to advanced settings to enhance the privacy and security of your devices. Whether you use an Android phone, Apple iPhone, MacBook, or Windows laptop, our new content will provide you with the tools and knowledge to create a more secure digital environment.

In addition to these updates, we're expanding our offerings to include specialised, highly secure devices. For those looking to transition away from mainstream operating systems, we will soon introduce Graphene OS phones and hardened Linux laptops. These devices are designed to offer unparalleled security, privacy and functionality, providing an excellent alternative to traditional tech options.

We are incredibly excited about these upcoming enhancements and believe they will significantly benefit our participants. Stay tuned for more details and prepare for the ultimate upgrade in cyber security training!

We are a team of experienced, well-traveled professionals passionate about cybersecurity and dedicated to delivering top-tier training programs.

25/04/2024

Using social media while travelling for business or leisure has its pros and cons, especially if the host nation has different values and ways of life than you are accustomed to. Many countries routinely request/demand to unlock and inspect your personal devices and will usually look for social media apps to investigate what you have been sharing during your time there.

Here are 8 tips for using social media when travelling to difficult/sensitive nations:

1. **Be discreet**: Avoid openly sharing about your activities or business/travel affiliation. Opt for subtle or generic posts that don't draw attention to your work/leisure activities.

2. **Respect local customs**: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid posting anything that could be considered disrespectful or offensive.

3. **Protect your identity**: Refrain from sharing personal information or specific details about your location that could jeopardise your safety or the safety of others.

4. **Use private messaging**: Communicate with your fellow workers that are not in the country through private messages rather than public posts (don’t chat in the comments section of a post).

5. **Focus on positive stories**: Share uplifting stories and experiences that highlight the good work you're doing without attracting negative attention.

6. **Use secure communication channels**: If possible, use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive communications to ensure privacy and security.

7. **Be aware of surveillance**: Assume that your online activities may be monitored, and be cautious about what you post and share.

8. **Consult local contacts**: Seek advice from local contacts or business leaders on what is safe and appropriate to share on social media.

17/04/2024

How long have you been looking at your device today? Studies show that teens spend anywhere between 4-8 hours per day looking at screens. This could be a combination of phone, school computer and gaming PCs/consoles. This is unprecedented and we as parents need to be aware and make sure we create a safe space to discuss what is acceptable to view and how to use the devices in a positive way. Screen Time (Apple) and Digital Wellbeing (Android) are a great way for the whole family, yes you too parents :) to check how long you and your children are on devices and which apps.

Apple iPhone:
>Settings
>Screen Time
> Tap App & Website Activity, then turn on App & Website Activity.

Once you have done this you can create a screen time widget on your home screen.

* Long press an empty area on your phone's home screen and tap Widgets.
* Scroll the widget list until you see the Screen TIme widget.
Drag the (Large) widget to an empty area on your home screen.

Android:
>Settings
>Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
>Turn on

To add the widget to your home screen on Android:

* Long press an empty area on your phone's home screen and tap Widgets.
* Scroll the widget list until you see the Digital Wellbeing widget.
* Drag the widget to an empty area on your home screen.

Check back in a few days to get an idea of your screen and app usage.

This is a big first step in taking back control of your screen time, keeping check of your children's screen usage and making sure to maximise the benefits of our devices as a tool, without them becoming an addictive and destructive weapon.

For advice in navigating this area with parents and children/teens we would love to chat. Email [email protected]

Stay safe and secure.

13/04/2024

What is a VPN? Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like ProtonVPN offers several benefits for both home networks and small businesses. In simple terms, it's an app for your phone and laptop. You click connect and boom, you just increased your privacy and security significantly. Imagine creating an encrypted secure tunnel and sending all your data and internet traffic through it while you are connected to the internet.

Here are the top reasons to use a VPN:

Encryption: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring that sensitive data (such as login credentials, financial transactions, and personal information) remains confidential. This is crucial for protecting your privacy.

Ad blocker: Some VPNs like ProtonVPN use a DNS filtering feature that protects you from malware, blocks ads, and prevents website trackers from following you as you surf the web.

Mitigating Risks: ProtonVPN provides advanced anti-censorship, and man-in-the-middle attack protections. Keep your browsing data safe, even over public or untrusted internet connections like cafes, airports or during international business or holidays.

Want to know more about how simple and powerful it is to get a VPN setup for home or office, email - [email protected]

12/04/2024

There are several reasons why we should be concerned about apps collecting personal data from our phones and why we should prioritise keeping our devices private and secure:

Privacy Protection: Personal data such as location, contacts, browsing history, and even biometric information are valuable assets. They can be misused if they fall into the wrong hands. Maintaining privacy helps prevent identity theft, fraud, and other forms of exploitation.

Data Security: Apps collecting personal data might not always have robust security measures in place. This leaves our data vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and leaks. Once compromised, this information can be used for various malicious purposes.

Surveillance and Tracking: Some apps collect data for the purpose of surveillance and tracking. This can lead to the creation of detailed profiles about individuals, which can then be used for targeted advertising, behavioural manipulation, or even government surveillance.

Informed Consent: Many users are unaware of the extent to which their data is being collected and how it's being used. Without transparency and informed consent, users cannot make fully informed decisions about sharing their personal information.

Potential Discrimination: Personal data collected by apps can be used to discriminate against individuals based on factors like race, gender, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status. For example, algorithms fuelled by personal data might create biases in decision-making processes such as hiring people for jobs.

Psychological Impact: Constant surveillance and the knowledge that our personal data is being collected can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and a loss of autonomy. Protecting our privacy helps preserve our psychological well-being and sense of control over our own lives.

In summary, prioritising privacy and security on our devices is crucial for safeguarding our personal information, maintaining autonomy, and protecting against various forms of exploitation and discrimination.

It is easier than you think to protect your personal data and we can help - We have various training programs that cover topics such as this that are available online. Or we can come to you for one-on-one consultation and get yourself and your devices more private and secure.

Contact us today via email: [email protected]

12/04/2024

That home router your internet service provider sent you for free when you signed up, well it has issues.
1. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) has the ability to remotely connect to that router at any time.
2. These ISP routers may have been provided 2 or 3 or even 4 years ago, making them potentially "out of date", not using the latest security protocols and may even have vulnerabilities.
3. ISP routers often lack true coverage of your home, leaving many "dead" or slow internet speed zones.

To create a safe and secure home environment it is best to purchase a router that uses the latest security protocols (like WPA3) and has advanced built in features that you won't find in ISP provided routers. Then we can be configure the router to protect your home wifi.

I can help - contact me for a free consultation and assessment of your home internet security and I can recommend the best options to get you a private and secure router that has the latest features for maximum protection. This is your gateway to the internet and you definitely want to get yourself, your home business/work from home and your family locked down! I can provide the best router option for you, install and configure it for maximum protection and fast speeds.

Facebook message or email: [email protected]

09/04/2024

the 1st Seminar starts THIS Thursday! Still time and space for you to jump on this awesome training via Zoom. Details below:
Get ready to grab a tea or coffee and relax in the comfort of your home. I'm gearing up to host a series of security training seminars online via Zoom. I'm personally inviting you to join us for Phase 1 (Mobile Device Security) training seminar, this is updated for 2024 and is happening on the following dates:
Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Morning Session: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Evening Session: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, April 12th, 2024
Early Morning Session: 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Each session lasts for 3 hours, and you can choose 1 time slot that suits you best. We will be getting our devices out and going through some settings together. Here's a glimpse of what we'll cover:
* Understanding Online Tracking: How Devices Are Tracked
* The Impact of Data Collection: What It Means for You
* Exploring Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, and Apple: Which is the Safest?
* Keeping Your Phone Private: A Guide to Privacy, Permissions, and Network Settings
* Protecting Your Browsing: Tips for Web Browser Security and Tracking Prevention
* Secure Email and Messaging: Best Practices
* Ensuring Mobile Security: Tips for Phones and Cellular Networks
* Using VPNs: What They Are and When to Use Them
* Securing Your Location and Data: Optimal Settings for Encryption and Location Services
* Mastering Password Management: Effective Techniques
* Staying Safe While Traveling: Cross-Cultural Travel Safety Tips
You could be a beginner user or advanced device ninja, you will gain some valuable keys and tools for life from this training seminar.
I believe this seminar could greatly benefit you personally if you live in Australia full time and also teams working, travelling and communicating overseas. If you're interested in attending, just shoot me an email ([email protected]) and I'll reserve a spot for you. Please note, we have limited availability, with only 15 seats per seminar.The cost for the seminar is $80 AUD. Looking forward to potentially having you on board, getting your devices and digital life more private and secure and sharing valuable insights with you!
Blessings
Scott

02/04/2024

Who remembers plugging your phone into the computer to "back it up" in iTunes or somewhere in the mess of your windows computer? Now we can backup our most precious photos, our years of business documents and tax returns to the cloud - or at least we should be! It is astounding how many people have not yet grasped the crucial discipline of having a safe and secure backup of all the most important digital assets. You don't want years of family pics or business critical documents to be gone for ever in an unfortunate phone break, laptop crash or theft. I can help get all your valuable digital stuff backed up safe, secure and accessible when you need it. Contact me to lock in an appointment asap!

02/04/2024

I used to spend hours searching for files, drowning in digital clutter and trying to work out where on earth those photos from that event 4 years ago were. After much trial and error, I found that it is possible to get my digital life organised, simplified and working for me. This truly changed my life. It doesn't matter if you use Windows or Mac, iPhone or Android - if your digital life is a mess I can help you bring order to your chaos, so you can focus on what truly matters. Personal, home or small business - Contact me to book a time to get it done.

02/04/2024

"Welcome to SecWise International! 🛡️ Your go-to destination for all things cyber security and IT. Our mission is to empower individuals and small businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to secure their devices, laptops and digital life for optimal privacy and security. From comprehensive training seminars to personalised consultations, we're here to help you navigate the digital landscape safely and securely. Additionally, we specialise in organising your data, documents, photos and more to streamline your life and enhance productivity. Join us on the journey to a safer, more efficient digital world! 💻🔒 "