Many of us wait until the holidays to gift our kids a phone, tablet, or gaming console. But getting the right device is just the beginning—these shiny new gadgets need proper protection to keep young users safe while they explore the digital world.
The numbers tell the story: the Consumer Technology Association reports almost 200 million Americans buy tech products during the holidays, and about two-thirds of Americans are expected to browse tech aisles for gifts in 2024. This guide will help you navigate the challenges of securing these devices while preserving the excitement of their new gift.
Holiday Tech Shopping Trends
Statista's 2023 holiday shopping survey revealed the most common tech gifts Americans purchased:
| Gift | Number of Buyers (millions) |
|---|---|
| Headphones/Earbuds | 61 |
| Streaming Services | 59 |
| Mobile Devices | 50 |
| Game Consoles | 46 |
This massive influx of new devices during the holiday season creates unique security challenges. With tens of millions of mobile devices and gaming consoles being gifted—to children and beyond—hackers see a prime opportunity to exploit newly activated technology.
"The holiday rush of device activations is like a goldmine for cybercriminals," explains Dray Agha, Huntress' Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager.
"Many of these devices will be used by children or set up by people who may not have any security knowledge. This combination of new technology and potentially inexperienced users creates the perfect storm for security incidents."
Understand Online Safety Risks
The National Center for Education Statistics shows that 97 percent of children have home internet access. This near-universal access to technology is a double-edged sword. While children often display remarkable aptitude with new devices—sometimes surpassing what the adults in their lives know—this tech savviness doesn't necessarily translate to safety awareness.
"Just because kids can navigate tech better than their parents doesn't mean they understand the risks," explains Herbie Zimmerman, Huntress SOC Manager.
"They might be pros at using devices, but keeping them safe online is still a parent's responsibility."
Understanding the risks is the first step to protection. This table outlines the most concerning online activities for parents:
| Activity | Safety Concern |
|---|---|
| Using social media | |
| Online gaming | |
| Watching videos or streaming | |
| Using messaging apps | |
| Accessing inappropriate websites | |
| Engaging in financial activities | |
| Using unvetted apps or platforms | |
| Creating and sharing content |
To help you understand these risks and take action, we've created a video series perfect for the holiday period: ‘Tis the Season for Giving: Unwrap the Gift of Cybersecurity Training.
You'll find everything from creating uncrackable passwords to spotting sneaky phishing attempts. Our bite-sized episodes, available to all for free until January 2025, cover essential topics like secure mobile device setup, protecting against malicious ads, and using password managers to keep your accounts safe.
Beyond the technical aspects of security, success also depends on how families approach digital safety together. Let's explore strategies for creating an environment where safety becomes second nature.
Start With Strong Communication
Every parent or guardian walks a tightrope when it comes to keeping young people safe. They naturally crave freedom and test boundaries, and it can lead to tension. This is as true for their online activities as it is in the real world when they want to stay out late or choose their friends.
"Open communication is the foundation of online safety," says Becky Teal, Huntress Community Lead. "When children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, both positive and negative, they're more likely to come to you when they encounter something concerning."
Key communication strategies include:
- Discussing both the benefits and risks of technology
- Sharing your own online experiences and challenges
- Creating a non-judgmental environment for reporting concerns
With open lines of communication, it also becomes easier to set boundaries surrounding technology use. Put simply, when children understand the "whys" behind your rules, they're less likely to push back or feel as if you're treating them unfairly.
Create a Secure and Fun Digital Environment
When someone of any age receives a new piece of tech as a gift, they often want to explore it immediately. This is especially so with children—a smartphone, tablet, or console provides a great outlet for their natural curiosity.
You can make this both safe and engaging by adopting these measures before handing over the gift or allowing them to use it.
Initial Device Setup
When receiving new tech devices during the holidays, proper setup is crucial. "The first hour after unboxing a device is critical for security," emphasizes Agha. "Many people skip important security steps in their excitement to start using their new gift."
Essential first-time setup steps include:
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Updating to the latest firmware
- Avoiding public WiFi for initial setup and secure network connections
- Pre-installing age-appropriate apps and platforms
- Configuring age-appropriate settings (e.g., approvals in the App Store (iOS), restrictions on gaming consoles (Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation), or Restricted Mode (YouTube))
- Using Safe Search filters or child-safe DNS filtering
Lifelong Security Habits
"Security isn't just about rules and restrictions," says Agha. "It's about developing habits that become second nature." The most effective ongoing protection combines active involvement with smart security practices:
Stay Involved:
- Get to know your children's favorite games and apps
- Play and explore technology together as a family
- Set and discuss boundaries for online activities
- Keep communication open about digital experiences
Build Privacy Awareness:
- Teach the parallel between physical and online privacy
- Practice identifying suspicious online behavior
- Discuss how to handle unexpected situations or requests
- Review and update privacy settings together regularly
Create Healthy Habits:
- Establish device-free times and zones
- Balance screen time with other activities
- Teach them about phishing, malvertising, and password protection
- Keep software and security updates current
- Encourage critical thinking about online content
Take Action: Your Online Safety Checklist
To help families navigate these challenges, Huntress is hosting a special Fireside Chat on December 12: Secure Those New Devices. Join Community Lead Becky Teal and SOC managers Dray Agha, Chris Hecker, and Herbie Zimmerman as they share their expert insights on:
- Initial device setup best practices
- Common holiday season security threats
- Age-appropriate security measures
- Protecting your family's new tech investments
A free recording will be made available shortly after that. Reserve your spot for the December 19th chat today.
A comprehensive cybersecurity checklist will also be available to download after the session.
Can't wait? Check out our Fireside Chat Channel, which is full of other cybersecurity tips to start securing your and your family’s devices today.
Stay Informed in the Digital Age
The digital world is as real and unavoidable as the physical world. It’s also just as rich with opportunities and experiences as it is with risks and threats.
Safely gifting tech is not something you can take lightly, especially when the recipient is a child. So, make a point of staying updated about the latest apps and platforms—so you know exactly how to protect your child from both cybersecurity and personal dangers.
Don’t feel you have to do it all by yourself. Make use of Facebook parenting groups, local WhatsApp groups, and our own Fireside Chats to to learn about common threats and to share tips and resources.
