Essential Online Safety Tips for Older Adults
An internet scam is often only on someone's radar about thirty seconds after they become a victim of one, as the slow realization hits.
The costs are potentially massive. At best, stolen data can leave you with an admin headache. At worst, you could lose your life savings.
Being prepared means understanding the risks. We've put together this simple guide sharing our best online safety tips. Read on to ensure you don't become a hacker's next online victim.
Internet Security Tips: Revisit Your Passwords
Hackers are forever attempting to get into secure accounts, and they do that by trying to crack passwords.
The best way you can secure any online account or data is to improve the strength of your passwords. Weak passwords tend to be predictable combinations or use personal details, so avoid these patterns. A good password contains:
- A unique combination of letters and numbers
- Characters, including mixing upper case letters.
- Combinations of three random words separated by characters or numbers also work well
Remember to keep your passwords secure. Never write them down in a notebook that can be accessed by others.
Online Privacy for Seniors: Two-Factor Authentication
If you have read any articles on cybersecurity, you might have come across the term Two Factor Authentication.
This method isn't as complicated as it sounds and is an essential way of protecting your online information. Two-factor authentication essentially means a two-step process for logging into an account online.
You enter your username and password, and in the second step, you receive a code sent to your phone or email address. It's the most robust and reliable way to protect against hackers.
Most online platforms offer two-factor authentication as a standard, so ensure you opt in.
Know How to Identify Phishing Scams
A phishing scam is a common method to gain access to your secure information, like passwords and personal details, or steal money from you.
Knowing how to spot the signs of a phishing scam can help protect you from becoming a victim.
Most phishing scams start when a hacker pretends to be someone else, usually a trusted company or contact, like your bank. They often encourage you to click a link or download an attachment.
They may also claim they need personal and private details from you. If you aren't expecting a company to contact you, be wary about whether you are dealing with a phishing scam.
Check the sender's details. It's always best to err on the side of caution and never click on links, download files, or share private information with a stranger, even one claiming to be from a trusted company.
Protect Personal Information: Update Your Devices
If you have a phone, laptop, or tablet, you'll often see requests to update it.
These updates are frequently made for security reasons because a new threat has emerged, which makes that technology vulnerable. So, you should continually update your systems as soon as you see these notifications.
If you aren't sure how to do that, ask a relative or an IT expert. In a senior living community, you may have a staff member who specializes in supporting residents with technical issues.
However, running updates aren't always sufficient to protect your devices.
You may also need anti-virus and anti-malware software to shore up that defense. Again, you should hand this to an IT expert if you don't know how to do it yourself.
Anti-virus software detects potential virus threats and stops them from entering your computer-anti-malware guards against software that can steal your personal information.
Be Cautious About Sharing Personal Information in Public
Online hackers can trawl through public information to get an accurate profile of someone.
Often, that's enough to pull the data together, crack passwords, and set up phishing scams. So be wary about what you share, especially on social media. Don't share:
- Your phone number
- Passwords
- Personal details you use in password hints
- Your full name and address
You should also be wary about any online place that entices you to share this data, like quizzes or questionnaires. Sometimes, the most harmless websites actually pose the most significant risk.
Safe Browsing Tips: Secure Wi-Fi Connections
If you have ever used Wi-Fi in a public place, you will have noticed that some, but not all, are password-protected.
If you use ones without password protection, you aren't granted the same level of security because it means anyone can access that network, including those carrying out illegal activity like hacking.
It's also worth being mindful about accessing sensitive data when using any personal Wi-Fi network. For example, accessing your online bank account is best when you are on a more secure network.
Cybersecurity Basics for Seniors: How to Spot a Fake Website
Fake websites are where scammers access personal information, hack your accounts, or take your money. These scammers are often clever at mimicking authentic, trusted brands. So it's helpful to know the signs of a fake website, such as:
- An HTTP URL rather than HTTPS
- A lack of the padlock icon next to the website URL
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Requesting irrelevant personal information
As with any scam, it's always better to be cautious. If something seems off with a website, exit out of it.
Report Suspicious Activity
Suppose you spot something that looks like a fraud or worry you may have fallen victim to a scam. In that case, it's essential to report it immediately.
If you are in a senior living community and it happens on the internal network, the first contact point is a member of staff. If the issue concerns finances, contact your bank and credit card companies.
You can also report cases of fraud to government agencies. The FTC will be the best agency as it handles ongoing threats like online fraud.
Online Safety Tips: Being Aware of the Dangers
You shouldn't lose sleep over the risk of online fraud, but you should be thoroughly prepared. Use these online safety tips to get to know the risks and learn how to spot the danger signs.
Taylor Place Assisted Living cares for all our residents, and online safety is one of many services we put in place to ensure the best community for all. Find out more about what we offer in Findlay, OH, by heading here.