Trend Micro Equips Parents to Have "The Talk" With Children about Online Protection

eGuide offers practical tips and conversation starters to provide a foundation for effective dialogue

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Nov 16, 2011, 09:00 ET

CUPERTINO, Calif., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to facilitate effective parent-child dialogue about Internet dangers, Trend Micro announces that it has developed an eGuide with tips to help families have "The Talk" about online safety. Trend Micro created this eGuide recognizing that there are social and educational benefits for children online, but also many significant risks that families must be aware of and discuss, including unwanted contact with predators and bullies; extreme and inappropriate content; identity theft; and malicious software threats.

Children are increasingly active on computers, and exposed to personal safety and financial risks as a result, but research indicates that parents are not necessarily taking steps to shield their children from dangers online. According to a recent survey commissioned by global Internet security leader Trend Micro, 83% of parents reported strong concerns about what their children are exposed to online, but only 30% of parents reported visiting their child's social media profiles.

"We want to prepare -- not scare -- parents and children, because there are so many amazing benefits to learning and exploring on the Internet," said Natalie Severino, director, consumer product marketing, Trend Micro. "Just as with the original big 'talk,' education is key. With this eGuide, we hope that families will gain a better understanding of how online risks look, act and feel like so that they can confidently reap the benefits of communicating and connecting online."

Trend Micro's eGuide offers parents specific actions and discussion tips that can help keep their children safe online, including:

Utilize reputable security software with parental controls and privacy features that block children's access to inappropriate websites and defend against contact from bullies and sexual predators. Trend Micro™ Titanium™ Maximum Security 2012 allows parents to activate this feature when children are using the computer. Trend Micro™ Online Guardian for Families helps parents monitor kids Internet activity 24/7 from anywhere so they can have a clear view of what their kids are doing on websites like Facebook and MySpace, regardless of their privacy settings.
Prepare for an informed discussion by reviewing Trend Micro's glossary of key terms and Common Sense Media's site with age-appropriate websites.
Select the most conservative privacy settings (typically "private") for social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Use the latest web browsers and anti-spam products and security software. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) encourages computer users to 'Keep a clean machine.' For more information about the NCSA's "Stop. Think. Connect" campaign, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org

Trend Micro is in the business of helping consumers protect their digital lives. In August the company released the industry's first security software product bundle for protecting multiple devices and platforms, and in October the company announced an extension to its product line with the Trend Micro™ Titanium™ Maximum Security Premium Edition. Titanium Maximum Security Premium Edition provides consumers with a complete security solution, empowering them to enjoy their technology safely.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global Internet security leader, creates a world safe for exchanging digital information with its Internet content security and threat management solutions for businesses and consumers. A pioneer in server security with over 20 years' experience, we deliver top-ranked client, server and cloud-based security that fits our customers' and partners' needs, stops new threats faster, and protects data in physical, virtualized and cloud environments. Powered by the industry-leading Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ cloud security infrastructure, our products and services stop threats where they emerge – from the Internet. They are supported by 1,000+ threat intelligence experts around the globe.

Additional information about Trend Micro Incorporated and the products and services are available at Trend Micro.com This Trend Micro news release and other announcements are available at http://trendmicro.mediaroom.com/ and as part of an RSS feed at www.trendmicro.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @TrendMicro.

SOURCE Trend Micro