October is Cyber Security Month

Did you know that October is Cyber Security Month? Hopefully you did, if not, it’s totally okay because now is just as good of a time as any to start learning about cyber security and how you can protect your family!

With the start of school this year many districts are going with a virtual option. This leaves kids on devices almost all day and night. So making sure they are cyber aware is a very important part of using the internet and all of these different apps.

If you need help, consider using the FBI Safe Online Surfing program. It’s a free cyber safety educational game for students in third through eighth grade. Learn more at: https://sos.fbi.gov.

You can also check out NetSmartz.org for videos, activities and more from @MissingKids This content empowers youth of all ages to make safer choices on and offline.

There are even more resources than just these two, but let’s not overwhelm everyone with so many options that you don’t even know where to start. If you want to dive deeper into cyber security resources, check out this post I did a few years ago. It is filled with lots of resources.

As we continue through this month I will be posting more resources to highlight some of my favorites. So be sure to check back and follow along as we work together in protecting our kids and ourselves with online safety!

9 Tech Gifts to Avoid

Sometimes, gift-giving can cause you as much anxiety as good cheer. For the most part, the anxiety manifests when it’s time to give out all of the gifts — after all, everyone likes to receive something, and most people like to give. But how do you know if you should give what you can afford, and if it will be good enough to convey good wishes?

When it comes to tech, for example, can you afford to get multiple people a game console? Are digital photo frames still en vogue? Although it’s the thought that counts, we think it’s still better to avoid certain gifts that might have been marketed elsewhere as good. Without further ado, here are almost two handfuls of tech gifts that you should pan.

1. Computers with Just the Basics

We felt the need to put this one first, because of the sheer popularity of computer deals that crop up once the holidays roll around. Obviously, you know just how essential a computer is in the modern environment, so this prohibition might at first seem curious to you. The problem is not with the computers, themselves, it’s the starting level that’s advertised as a steal. Computers with basic specs are all but useless for anyone who wants more than a word processor; 4GB of RAM limits the number of tabs you can have opened and still expect to work without lag. Always opt for at least one level above the entry specs when buying a computer for someone.

2. Virtual Reality Headsets for a Smartphone

This is a no-no; the cheap VR sets are the perfect example of the old adage “you get what you pay for.” If you want VR, then opt for the high-end ones such as Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive, or the Playstation VR. The cheap brands are simply taking advantage of the novelty of VR — don’t get caught in their snare.

3. Generic Smart Home Devices

This isn’t merely a quality issue — it’s also a safety issue. You do not want to risk the shoddy internet security of generic smart home devices; hackers have little trouble getting on those networks. You also want to go with a highly-regarded company in the event of power outages, so that you can recover your information easily on their robust servers and their customer support. Basically, then, avoid the startups and go with Google, Amazon, Nest, or Wink.

4. Headphones By Celebrities

Although these may not lack quality, make no mistake — it is you the consumer who is footing the bill for the celebrity to add her name to the product. You can ALWAYS get a better deal with headphones that work as well or better. Go with the tech company that is well-known for this kind of thing. Beats by Dre from Apple is an exception — but it’s just about the only one.

5. Digital Frames for Pictures

These sound like a good idea for a gift — until you realize that they come with almost no storage and bad software. Like with celebrity-endorsed headphones, go with brand name smart home devices such as Google’s Home Hub, a Lenovo Smart Display, or an Echo Snow.

6. Premium Cables

This refers to those gold-tinged HDMI cables with name brands; they are worth the marked-up price. Go with value brands instead — cables don’t have to have Amazon or SONY on them to perform their straightforward functions.

7. Electric Scooters and Skateboards

For these gifts, always go with the time-tested, popular brand. You cannot risk a battery failure with a substandard brand on a toy like this; many of them have been known to catch fire mid-ride. Go with Segway, Boosted Boards, or Acton because they go the extra mile in order to compete. This is why the price point is higher.

8. Cameras With Point-and-Shoot Options

First of all, in the days of multiple-megapixel smartphones and tablets, does any amateur actually need a camera at all? Especially if you have a late generation iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S9 series or Google Pixel — these blow those little $100 point and shoot cameras right out of the water. Simply put, cameras all by themselves are a thing of the past. These days, it only makes sense for professional photographers to invest in one.

9. Drones

This is a popular gift for teenagers and adults; but they suffer seriously restrictions within city limits. You cannot just fly one willy-nilly. Even so, most of the drones on the market are pretty bad when it comes to battery life, range and shoddy Wi-Fi connection. You have to go with a brand name here — such as the Mavic Pro or DJI — if you even want a sniff at a capable, intelligent drone. Even so, it will cost you. Generally, avoid drones as a gift.

Hours Of Fun! Smart Ways Dads Can Keep Themselves Entertained With A Phone

If you’re a dad, you probably know all too well that parenting can involve a lot of waiting around. Whether you’re ferrying the kids from one friend’s house to another or you’re waiting on them to finish after-school clubs or soccer practice, it pays to have a few fallback options to keep yourself entertained. Thanks to smartphones, you can now access all kinds of entertainment options at the touch of a button. If you often find yourself looking for ways to kill time, here are some of the best ways to take full advantage of your time off and your phone’s capabilities.

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Online gaming

You may not consider yourself a gamer, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t delve into the world of online gaming while you’ve got an hour to while away. There’s a vast array of online games available, and you can choose options and titles that appeal to your interests. You can see what all the fuss is about and discover the games your kids are raving about, or you can indulge a passion for sport, music, history or science fiction. Many games are free to play, you don’t have to have an account to join in, and you can pick up and drop games as you please. For example, you can download Blackout Bingo on iOS and Android to enjoy the social aspect of Bingo games. Blackout Bingo’s games take about two minutes to play, so you can play whenever you have some free time. The game allows you to brush up on your Bingo skills in elementary one card play, after which you can win some real-world rewards and cash prizes where available. Also, you can use the Blackout Bingo promo code LW3HE to get up to $50 in bonuses based on how much you deposit for Skillz games. You can challenge other people, or you can find information about getting involved in live markets, for example, if you enjoy football or racing. Gaming is a fun, accessible, affordable way of filling your time, and it can also enable you to meet new people and gain a better understanding of what your children do in their spare time if they enjoy gaming at home.

Reading and researching

If you’ve got a phone and you’ve got Internet access, you can host a giant pool of informative, insightful resources. Whether you’re keen to keep abreast of current affairs or you’re researching for a new blog post, a journal or work-related tasks, your phone is a portal to all the information you could possibly need. You can access news sites, download apps for your favorite sites or newspapers for easy access and find academic sources. There is a huge amount of information available online, and not all of it is accurate, so bear this in mind when you’re trawling through search engine results. Stick to reputable, respected sites.

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Socializing

Has it been an age since you caught up with old school or college friends? Is a message to your sister or grandmother long overdue? If you’ve got a phone to hand, take advantage of the time you have and be social. Check out the latest news on social media, start a new group chat with your old classmates and get in touch with family members you haven’t seen in a while. It’s never been easier to stay connected. Social platforms, email and video calls enable you to contact others for free, no matter where you are in the world.

If you’re a dad who regularly finds themselves with half an hour to kill while you’re waiting for your children, your phone can keep you entertained in numerous ways. Indulge your interests, get up to speed with what’s going on in the world, play fun games and be sociable.

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.