Question: How does my kids going back to school affect me as an employee or business owner?
Back to school for kids can have a significant impact on parents in the workplace, and it’s essential to consider potential challenges and cyber security concerns that may arise during this period. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Time management and productivity
Parents may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate school drop-offs, pick-ups, and other school-related activities. This can affect their availability during traditional working hours, potentially impacting productivity and response times. Business owners should communicate these changes with their teams and set clear expectations to minimize disruptions.
2. Remote work considerations
With the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become more prevalent. As children return to school, parents who continue to work remotely may need to establish boundaries to ensure they can focus on their work while providing appropriate supervision for their children. This may involve setting up dedicated workspaces, managing distractions, or exploring childcare options.
3. Increased online activity
Back to school often means increased online activity for both children and parents. Students may need to use school-provided devices or access educational resources online, while parents may engage in more online research or communication related to their children’s education. This heightened online presence can increase the risk of cyber threats, such as phishing scams, malware, or data breaches.
4. Personal device security
If children are using personal devices for remote learning or other school-related activities, it’s crucial to ensure that proper security measures are in place. This includes installing reliable antivirus software, enabling firewalls, regularly updating software and operating systems, and educating children about safe online practices to mitigate potential cyber risks.
5. Data Protection
Parents who are business owners should be mindful of the data they handle related to their children’s education, especially if they operate in sectors such as education or technology. It’s important to comply with privacy regulations, safeguard personal information, and implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive data.
6. Phishing and social engineering
Cybercriminals may take advantage of the back-to-school period by launching phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks targeting parents. These attacks can trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious content. It’s crucial to educate employees, including parents, about identifying and reporting suspicious emails, links, or requests for personal information.
To address these cyber security concerns, businesses should implement robust security practices, such as strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, regular data backups, employee training on cyber security best practices, and network monitoring for any suspicious activities.
Additionally, business owners should consider working with IT professionals or cyber security consultants to assess and strengthen their overall security posture, particularly during periods when cyber risks may be heightened, like back to school.
By being proactive and vigilant, parents in the workplace can help protect both their personal and professional digital environments from potential cyber threats.
