What is safe and secure software?

There are numerous free programs available for use on the internet. However, when children are learning online, school teachers and parents are responsible for their safety. They need to assure that their children/students and their data is safe and secure and not being spammed, as can often be the case with free software.

“I initially got another typing tutor and was emailed continuously with snippets of information. It continued, in spite of me telling them to stop. I cancelled my subscription and bought KAZ. I’m so pleased I did - it just worked and no spam!” Mary Owen UK.

Why give the software away for free?

Generally, free software is a means for gathering or ‘harvesting’ data and/or for generating revenue from advertising. However, the real concern is what is done with this data?

“Where did they get my information, my email, learn my shopping habits, what I like to eat, read…?”

Data collection is a science, with degrees and doctorates in the subject. Google and Facebook are just a couple amongst many who harvest and collect data. They can establish where, when and how we shop, purchase and browse. Allegedly, elections have been won using this science!

Where do they get our information?

From your browsing history and your favourite blogging/posting sites.

Remember, by just browsing, your location and search history can be monitored.

With ‘opt-in’ sites, there is an even larger collection of data, as ‘opting-in’ gives the site the go-ahead to gather more information, such as email addresses, job titles, sectors etc.

Additionally, free courses may place a cookie on your computer, to harvest data and by ‘opting in’, you are allowing them to show advertisements or pop-ups. These may or may not be appropriate for you. How can you guarantee the content from a site you have no control over?

We are all aware of ‘cookies’, ‘bugs’ and ‘worms’. Essentially, these are all the same but some are malicious, others are not. So, before you download freeware, check the site is secure, guarantees are in place and if they have a:

privacy policy

data policy  

But I have anti-virus software…

There is a very good reason why we all have some form of anti-virus software installed on our computers, protecting us and our data. These subscriptions keep our computers safe by constantly fighting cyberwars and updating bug fixes, infecting both your computer and that of the wider web community. However, they cannot stop us giving our data away freely.

Recent GDPR rules and regulations gave us a reprieve for a few months but all seems to have reverted, with inboxes filling with junk /spam.

Safe and Secure…

Remember, you have to safeguard your family, especially your children, keeping their data and online environment safe.

Teachers are responsible for ensuring the health, wellbeing and online safety and security of all colleagues and for protecting their students and their data.

Is it really worth taking a risk with free software? What are the legal implications? Is the company legally registered? Can you contact them and is their information clearly displayed? Always read their Privacy and Data Policies.

KAZ's website and all courses are safe and secure

KAZ are members of ICO.org

They strictly adhere to all their rules and regulations. 

They are a UK registered company and guarantee no pop-ups, no advertising and no solicitation by email.

Their Privacy and Data Policy is clearly displayed on their website