Family Safety

Feeling overwhelmed by all the threats that could affect your family? Our bloggers do the legwork for you, reading all the research and providing a summary of the most important factors, as well as links to gather more information.

Spring Cleaning Your PC

If your PC is bogged down with useless software and your desktop is jammed with icons and documents, then your PC is next to useless as a productivity tool. Even scarier is the increased likelihood that if you have lost track of your files, you could easily have sensitive personal information exposed without your knowledge. Read more…

Tags: anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-spam, anti-spyware, antivirus, Antivirus software, computer security, Cybercrime, cybercriminals, cybercrooks, firewall, hacking, identity theft, internet security, malware, McAfee, pc security, phishing, Safe search, safe surfing, scams, site advisor, spam, Virus protection, web security

My Thirteen Year Old Is Our “I.T. Director”

I don’t know HOW often I hear these comments when I am out and about: “My son manages all our computers.” “My daughter sends my emails for me.” “My teenage son has installed our security software … and the parental controls.” (No joke!) So, why is it that parents don’t back themselves? Why do some Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, children online safety, cyber security, cybermum, cybersafe, families online, Internet Safety, McAfee, mothering, mothering advice, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice

How To Help Your Kids Manage Their Laptops (And Reduce Your Headaches)

Now, I know at first glance this might seem humorous to many parents – helping their tech-savvy children with their laptops – but PLEASE read on – it could possibly save you some headaches and even some money! Along with lunchboxes, pencil cases and hopefully a little completed homework, many Australian school kids also count Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, children online safety, cyber security, cybermum, cybersafe, families online, laptops, McAfee, McAfee Family Protection, mcafee total protection, mothering advice, mothering Internet safety, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice

Staying Safe Online And Off

As Cybermum, my job is to help keep you and your family safe in your online lives. But as a mother I would also like to make sure you have some tips and ‘know-how’ for staying safe in your day-to-day lives. It is empowering to know that you have a ‘go-to’ plan in case you Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, Brent Sanders, children online safety, cyber security, cybermum, cybersafe, families online, Family Safety, McAfee, mothering advice, mothering Internet safety, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice, personal protection, self-defence

Hactivism – Be Alert But Not Alarmed

Last year we decided to bite the bullet, max out the credit cards and take our kids to the US. We had such a fantastic time: Disneyworld and Harry Potter world in Orlando, the Smithsonian in Washington, Hollywood and the walking zombies in New York. Yes, walking zombies. We were in New York when the Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, Anonymous, children online safety, cyber security, cybermum, cybersafe, families online, Family Safety, Hacktivism, Holidays, McAfee, mothering advice, mothering Internet safety, Mummy blogger, Occupy Wall Street, online safety, online threats, parental advice, predictions, spam

Be Aware of Tax Time Scams

The Internal Revenue Service has issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” ranking of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. An IRS notice informing a taxpayer that more than one return was filed in the taxpayer’s Read more…

Tags: identity theft, IRS scams, tax returns, tax scams, tax season reminder, taxpayer warning

Keep Your Digital Lives And Devices Safe In 2012

Well, I don’t know about you, but the relaxing summer days now seem like a distant memory. The crazy combination of work, kids, school, sport and social activities has returned. Plus let’s not forget the kids’ social lives! Sometimes, when I am feeling completely strapped for time, I cut corners. I dry shirts in the Read more…

Tags: 3DS, Alex Merton-McCann, Apple, children online safety, computers, cyber security, cybermum, cybersafe, facebook, families online, Family Safety, Holidays, malware, McAfee, mothering advice, mothering Internet safety, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice, PC, Playstation, smartphones, social media, social networking, tablets, Wii, Xbox

Kids Back To School…Now The February To-Do List

As much as I love the Christmas school holidays, I am always so grateful for the peace and quiet February brings. After the craziness of Christmas, the annual January family holiday and the hectic ‘Back to School’ spending spree, I can finally take a breath. And then get psyched up to get organised for the Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, Apple, Back To School, children online safety, christmas, cyber criminals, cyber security, Cybercrime, cybermum, cybersafe, facebook, families online, Family Safety, holiday scams, Holidays, malware, McAfee, mcafee all access, mothering advice, mothering Internet safety, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice, smartphones, social media, social networking, tablets

Introducing The New Australian Cybermum

Hello Cyberspace, My name is Alex Merton-McCann and I am McAfee’s new Australian Cybermum. As a mother of four boys aged 8 to 15, I am totally immersed in managing my kids’ cyber lives every day. From buying Yu-Gi-Oh cards on Ebay to online gaming, Facebook and ‘homework’ research, I am living and breathing the Read more…

Tags: Alex Merton-McCann, children safety online, cyber security, Cybercrime, cybermum, cybersafe, families online, Family Safety, Internet Safety, McAfee, mothering advice, mothering boys, Mummy blogger, online safety, parental advice, tips and tricks

Almost 5% of Smartphones Lost Every Year

McAfee and Ponemon Institute recently released “The Lost Smartphone Problem,” a study that attempts to determine how many employees’ smartphones are lost or stolen, and the consequences of these lost cell phones on various organizations. Among the 439 sample organizations, the number of missing smartphones is significant: 142,708 in one year. Approximately 62% of smartphones Read more…

Tags: Android, android antivirus, Android security, android security app, anti-phishing, anti-theft, anti-virus, antivirus, app protection, BlackBerry, internet security, McAfee SiteAdvisor, mobile antivirus, phishing, QR codes, safe searching, Symbian, tablet security, web protection