UTEP Expert Warns of Rising Online Threats on Safer Internet Day

On Safer Internet Day, Bhanukiran Gurijala, a professor at UTEP, highlighted the increasing dangers of the internet, particularly for children who are vulnerable to online exploitation and sextortion. With the rapid evolution of technology, including the rise of artificial intelligence, issues such as deepfakes and fraud schemes are becoming more prevalent. Gurijala stressed the importance of parents discussing internet safety with their children and monitoring their online interactions. He also recommended using unique passwords for different accounts and employing two-factor authentication to enhance security. As technology advances, he urged for improved regulations to keep pace with these changes.

Key Details: • Parents should discuss internet safety with children and monitor app usage. • Create unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager. • Utilize two-factor authentication apps for added security. • Stay informed about the dangers of deepfakes and AI-generated scams.