Hackers: Targeting All Devices

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Your desktop computer isn’t the only device that can be hacked. The difference is that we all know that desktop computers can be vulnerable, and we protect them, but what about all those other devices that connect to the Internet?

We are seeing an uptick in hackers going after the devices on the network that don’t have security protection. In the last few days, we have seen several router vulnerabilities either actively exploited or holes that are exploitable.

A well-known router vendor has just announced that backdoors have been installed into the router; another vendor of security gateway products has admitted a vulnerability and a VPN vendor has an exploit that hackers are actively using to access corporate networks.

In household networks, we have reached a tipping point where there are more IoT and non-desktop devices connected to the network. Think of all the Cameras, Thermostats, Printers, TV’s etc that you have connected in your home. Now think of how you protect them and then be concerned about the fact you don’t know what they are actually doing, where they are communicating and what information they have access to.

The next problem is when did you last update the software on these devices? Another network vendor stated that tens of thousands of their devices had not been updated even after discovering a problem. The hackers don’t give up. They will use these devices for as long as possible.

We have to treat every device connected to the internal or external network as untrustworthy. The challenge is that a client cannot be installed on the vast majority of devices.

This is exactly where DNS protection products step in and help.

For Enterprise networks, a DNS product allows the network administrator to set policies for users and devices as well as protect against Malware, Phishing, Ransomware etc. The Secure64 platform can also be set to define a policy to prevent a device from accessing anywhere it shouldn’t.

Removing problems for routers connected to the estate is a sensible precaution for ISP networks to prevent further issues.

For Home Users, this is a valuable service that can offered to users as an additional revenue-generating service.

These issues are only worsening, and we must develop strategies to stop the problem.

DNS filtering is today the best option. It covers every device type and operating system. It blocks the lookups for command and control sites, and it works over every kind of connection (cellular, Wifi, Hardwired, Satellite). The solution has a constantly updating list of bad sites and the ability to report on the devices that have tried to access these sites.

It is a simple solution to deliver high benefits with little or no impact the users internet experience

The Dark Side of the Web

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The Dark Side of the Web:

Why Controlling Kids’ Online Access Matters

In an increasingly digital world, the internet has become an integral part of childhood, offering limitless opportunities for education, entertainment, and social connection. Yet, beneath its surface lies a host of potential dangers that can profoundly impact young minds. From harmful content and cyberbullying to addiction and privacy risks, the internet can expose children to challenges they are not equipped to handle alone. This raises critical questions about the necessity of controlling children’s access to the web. What are the most pressing reasons for monitoring their online activity? Which types of content are particularly damaging to their mental, emotional, and physical well-being? And how are governments around the world stepping up to regulate children’s internet access? In this blog I’ll be exploring these pressing questions, shedding light on the risks of unregulated access and the global strides being made to create a safer digital environment for the next generation.

What are the key reasons for controlling children’s internet access?

Controlling children’s access to the internet is essential to protect their development and well-being. While the internet offers vast educational resources and creative opportunities, it also exposes children to risks that can harm their mental, emotional, and physical health. Exposure to inappropriate content, such as violent or explicit material, can lead to anxiety, distorted worldviews, or premature awareness of adult themes. Additionally, misinformation and fake news can mislead young minds, disrupting their understanding and learning.

Cyberbullying is a significant online threat. Social media platforms and messaging apps can become spaces for harassment, leaving children vulnerable to emotional distress, low self-esteem, and even depression. Similarly, the risk of online predators exploiting children through manipulation or grooming highlights the importance of supervision in digital spaces.

Excessive screen time presents its own challenges, including addiction, disrupted sleep, and reduced physical activity. Platforms like gaming and social media are designed to maximize engagement, making it difficult for children to regulate their usage effectively.

Parental controls and boundaries are crucial in creating a safer online environment. By monitoring activity and teaching responsible online behavior, caregivers can help children navigate the internet without falling prey to its darker aspects. Open communication about their online experiences empowers children to make safer choices while benefiting from the internet’s vast potential.

What are the most prominent forms of damaging content for children?

The internet is a treasure trove of information and entertainment, but it also harbours damaging content that can significantly impact children’s well-being. One of the most concerning forms is explicit material, including pornography and graphic violence. These can distort a child’s understanding of relationships, desensitize them to violence, or instil fear and anxiety. Hate speech and discriminatory content are also harmful, as they expose children to toxic ideologies that can influence their developing perspectives on society and relationships.

Another major concern is self-harm and pro-eating disorder content, often disguised as motivational or community support posts. Such material can exacerbate mental health struggles, leading vulnerable children down dangerous paths. Similarly, viral dangerous challenges on social media—such as choking games or stunts—pose significant physical risks, with some leading to severe injury or death.

Cyberbullying, often enabled by anonymity online, is another widespread issue. Hurtful messages, public shaming, and exclusion can severely impact a child’s self-esteem, mental health, and social development. Additionally, misinformation targeting children, such as fake health tips or conspiracy theories, can mislead their understanding of the world and erode trust in reliable sources.

Addictive content, including social media algorithms and endless video streams, can harm children by fostering dependency, reducing physical activity, and disrupting sleep patterns. Lastly, online predators exploit forums and chat rooms to groom children, posing serious threats to their safety.

These forms of damaging content highlight the need for robust parental controls, digital literacy education, and ongoing conversations to help children safely navigate the online world.

Global Approaches to Regulating Children’s Internet Access

Countries around the world are recognizing the urgent need to regulate children’s access to the internet to protect them from harmful content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation.

Australia has recently taken the global headlines, passing a bill in November 2024 to legislate against under-16’s using or creating social media accounts. This becomes law in November 2025 with social media companies then having responsibility to enforce the rules or face fines up to $50Million.

China has been regulating the internet since 1996, but since 2021 it has implemented many strict controls on children’s internet use. This includes limiting screen time for online gaming to just three hours per week, daily smart device access limits of 40 minutes, for under 8’s, and 60 minutes for over 8’s. Research has shown a 96% drop in gaming hours over 3 years.

The European Union has introduced initiatives like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which includes specific provisions to safeguard children’s data online. Individual EU countries, such as France and Germany, have also implemented stricter content moderation laws to limit access to harmful material and enhance online safety for younger users.

The United Kingdom enacted the Online Safety Bill, which places a duty of care on social media companies and other platforms to protect children from harmful content like pornography, cyberbullying, and grooming. Platforms failing to comply face significant fines and potential bans.

In the United States, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires websites to obtain parental consent before collecting data from users under 13. States like California are advancing additional child- specific data privacy laws.

Many emerging countries, such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan havefocused on digital literacy campaigns and enhancing parental controls. Meanwhile, nations such as South Korea have implemented gaming curfews and monitoring tools to address online addiction.

These global efforts reflect growing awareness of the need to balance internet access with robust protections for young users.

A final thought…

In conclusion, the internet offers immense opportunities for learning and growth, but it also exposes children to significant risks that require proactive management. From harmful content and cyberbullying to excessive screen time and online predators, the challenges of unregulated access are clear. Countries worldwide are stepping up to address these concerns through regulatory measures, digital literacy initiatives, and enhanced parental controls. However, safeguarding children online is a shared responsibility that involves governments, educators, parents, and tech companies working together. By fostering safer digital environments and teaching responsible internet use, we can ensure children benefit from the internet’s potential without unnecessary harm.

About Secure64

Secure64 brings control to the internet through content filtering and malware blocking. Our technologies are widely deployed and protect over 1.2billion users globally.

Author
Will Brebner is an independent writer on internet safety and is currently studying Biomedicine at Manchester University, UK