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Internet Safety

What is Internet Safety?

Internet safety, also known as online safety or cyber safety, is a wide-ranging topic about risks associated with the Internet. It might include, for example, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate material, online predators, release of private information and computer crime.

Why Internet Safety Matters

The Internet is a powerful and wonderful resource, used by both children and adults, that has changed the way we live on a global scale. While risks associated with using the Internet are manageable, it is important to educate yourself on what those risks are and what you can do to mitigate those risks. Specifically, by reading this section of our website on Internet safety, you’ll be helping us to make HiMama a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

HiMama’s Commitment to Internet Safety

HiMama is a tool for childcare and early learning programs, as well as parents, to record and share children’s activities. As a result, we take the safety, security and privacy of all information very seriously. We are committed to having the latest security systems in place to protect this information, as well as policies that respect the privacy of all of our users.

Website security

All information on HiMama is stored behind an encrypted password, both for our childcare and early learning programs, as well as parents. Only those with authorization are able to access HiMama. The website also has a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the HiMama server and your browser remains private. SSL is an industry standard for securing online transactions so is used by online banking and payments sites and, similarly, is used by HiMama to encrypt data transfers containing children's information.

Server security

Information on HiMama is stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure. It is one of the most secure cloud computing environments available with highly secure data centers utilizing state-of the art electronic surveillance and access control systems, including 24x7 trained security guard protection. It is suited to run sensitive government applications and is used by over 300 U.S. government agencies, as well as the Navy, Treasury and NASA.

Database security

HiMama’s database complies with the most stringent security requirements. As part of our first-rate services, all data is stored encryption-at-rest. Data at rest refers to inactive data stored physically in any digital form, for example, information on your laptop is considered data at rest. Encrypting data at rest means that in the exceedingly unlikely event of a physical breach of underlying infrastructure, your data would remain safe and secure.

Access to information

Access to a child’s information through HiMama is provided only to the child’s primary guardians by their childcare or early learning program. Once primary guardians have access to HiMama it is at their sole discretion to share their child’s information with other family and relatives if they choose to do so. This access can also be revoked at any time at the discretion of the primary guardians.

Privacy of information

HiMama does not own any personal information about your child that is stored on our server, including any photos or videos. HiMama has no license to use any of your content covered by intellectual property rights, including photos and videos. Personal information on HiMama is never shared with any third party as per our Privacy Policy. It will never be used for marketing or advertising purposes without express written consent.

Guide for Parents using HiMama

While HiMama is a secure system, people without appropriate Internet safety knowledge can make it less secure. As a parent or family member invited to use HiMama it is important that you understand the basics about keeping information safe and private on HiMama.

Setting your password

To prevent unauthorized access to your HiMama account, it is important to set a strong password. A strong password is at least twelve characters long, does not contain your name or your child’s name, and contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers. It is also good practice to use a different password from other accounts you have and to change your password regularly. If you must write down your password, keep it in a secure, locked place.

Sharing within HiMama

HiMama allows you to share your child’s activities with close family, relatives and friends, also known as your child's Crew. It is a great way to keep them in the loop on your child’s special moments and memories. You should never invite someone you do not know and trust into your child's Crew as it is intended only for close family and friends.

Setting sharing permissions

HiMama has various permissions in place for each person invited to share in a child’s activities. These permissions are in place to maintain the right balance of information sharing. An Owner on a child’s account allows for full access so should be reserved for primary guardians. Private access will allow the individual to see all activities posted to a child’s account, including activities posted by a childcare or early learning program, which are marked private by default. This access should be reserved for your very closest family members only.

Sharing outside HiMama

HiMama provides parents with the ability to share their child’s activities through a closed, private and secure network of family, relatives and friends. It is recommended that you do not share your child’s information beyond this small and private network known as your child’s Crew. When it comes to your own children it is your choice what to share outside of HiMama. However, please keep in mind that young children cannot make their own decisions about what is published about them online through more open social networks. As a primary guardian you are responsible for making these decisions in your child’s best interest.

Inappropriate content

We have a zero tolerance policy for any objectionable material posted on HiMama. If someone has posted content to your child’s account that you feel is inappropriate in any way, please report this immediately using our report suspicious activity flags or by contacting us.

Suspicious activity

HiMama will never request your password via email in any circumstance. If you think someone is acting suspiciously, or requesting information you feel uncomfortable sharing, please report them immediately.

Helpful Links About Internet Safety

If you're interested in reading more about Internet safety, we encourage you to check out some of the great resources available to you through the websites below

Australia

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

https://www.cyber.gov.au/

Canada

https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/is-si/index-eng.htm

United Kingdom

https://saferinternet.org.uk/

https://www.childnet.com/

https://www.missingkids.org/NetSmartz

https://staysafeonline.org/

Have any question or concerns?

The privacy and safety of your child’s information is of utmost concern to us at HiMama. If you have any questions at all about the information provided here, please do not hesitate to contact us.