New PrivacySteward.org Website Helps Busy Parents Protect Their Family's Digital Privacy

CHERRY HILL, NJ, January 21, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Digital privacy advocate PrivacySteward.org today announced the launch of its first website at www.privacysteward.org.  Founded in 2014, this non-profit organization is led by cyber security industry veteran Mehlam Shakir to help busy parents protect their family’s digital privacy in the complex, fast paced cyber world.

“My wife and I - and all the parents we know - are facing family privacy challenges unlike any generation of parents before us,” said Mehlam Shakir, founder and Chief Technology Officer of PrivacySteward.org. “Todays grade school and teenage kids are the most tech savvy kids ever.  We parents are juggling careers, parenting, and family obligations, and are very aware of increasing cyber privacy threats, but it’s hard to make time to do anything about it.”

Digital privacy for children is becoming a federal priority.  In last night’s State of the Union address President Obama charged Congress to pass his new Student Digital Privacy Act, which would restrict the ability of companies to mine the data produced by children for promotional purposes.

PrivacySteward.org is content rich with educational, technology, and policy information on the wide-ranging topic of individual privacy in the digital world.  Among its valuable resources are “Privacy Action Cards,” which Shakir and his team have developed by digesting thousands of privacy facts and translating them into simple “How To” instructions for hundreds of key privacy protection tasks like “Managing Your Online Reputation”, “Opting Out of Direct Marketing”, and “Checking Security of New Apps.” 

HELPS PARENTS ANSWER KIDS QUESTIONS RELATED TO DIGITAL PRIVACY

 “Mom, how can I be sure that a game I download to a smartphone is safe to use?” asked the 12 year old son of Barbara Pulliam of Deptford, NJ, an early user of the PrivacySteward.org website.  “Instead of saying I need to research this, I was able to say “It’s easy - just go to PrivacySteward.org, click on the ‘All Actions’ page and look through the Privacy Action Cards.  See if there’s one for “Check a Smartphone Apps Privacy Grade” and then follow the step-by-step instructions.”

PrivacySteward.org is designed to help answer questions just like these and more:

-       How can I fix my current reputation on Facebook?

-       What is the best way to privately browse and search the Internet?

-       Where can I double-check if a new app file is safe?

-       Who can help me keep my email communications private?

“Our goal is to encourage every family to have a Privacy Steward – whether a parent or tech-savvy child - by continuously adding timely content that is easy-to-use, fun and educational” said Shakir. “If one of your New Years resolutions is to learn more and take steps to protect your family, the new PrivacySteward.org website is ready to help.”

PrivacySteward.org recommends every family take 5 key privacy actions in early 2015:

1.    Use a Password Manager - it will help ensure you use strong unique passwords.

2.    Use 2-step Verification for Online Banking and Shopping - it makes your accounts nearly impossible to hack because bad guys would need both your device and password.

3.    Get your Free Annual Credit Report – A quick review can uncover activity by potential identity thieves and helps set-up regular monitoring.

4.    Register Home Phone Number in the National Do-Not-Call Registry - Telemarketing is not only annoying but also unsafe.

5.    Learn About Children’s Privacy Protection Laws such as COPPA and FERPA – existing laws gives parents the tools they need.

“The website and video are amazing,” said preview tester Christian Habina, scoutmaster of Troop 170 in Cherry Hill, NJ.  “This is an incredible service that I didn't realize how much I actually needed until now.  Thank you for making this available, all at my fingertips, you rock!”

About PrivacySteward.org

PrivacySteward.org's mission is to spread privacy awareness and greater transparency everywhere and to empower families with the information and tools they need to take charge of their individual and family privacy.  Founded in 2014 by cyber security industry veteran Mehlam Shakir, this non-profit organization advocates for the digital privacy rights of all families.