Are you a senior who is concerned about protecting your personal information while navigating the internet? You are not alone. With the digital age comes a new variety of scams and threats, making personal information security more important than ever. Unfortunately, senior citizens are often specifically targeted by these scams. In this Senior Helpers blog post, we will discuss why protecting your personal information is important and provide some simple dos and don'ts to help you stay safe online.
Dos of Internet Safety for Seniors
Strong Passwords
The first line of defense for your online safety is creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. A good password should be a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to make it difficult to crack. Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or pet names. If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider using a password manager, a tool designed to help you manage and store your passwords securely.
Two-factor Authentication
Another smart security measure is enabling two-factor authentication for your online accounts whenever it's available. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This can be in the form of a fingerprint or a unique code sent to your phone. It helps guarantee that even if your password is compromised, your account remains secure.
Email Safety
Being cautious with emails is also very important. Scammers often use emails to trick you into clicking on suspicious links or revealing sensitive information. To stay safe, avoid clicking on links from unknown senders, and always verify the sender's email address before replying or taking any action. If you come across a phishing attempt, report it to your email provider to help stop the spread of scams.
Update Software
Always update your software and security programs regularly. Cybercriminals are known to take advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated software. Keeping everything up-to-date is essential for protecting your personal information. Set automatic updates for your programs whenever possible so you are always using the latest and most secure versions.
Don'ts of Internet Safety for Seniors
Social Media
While it's tempting to share your life with friends and family on social media, it is a good idea to be cautious with the information you share online. Avoid posting personal details including your home address, phone number, or other sensitive information that could be exploited by scammers. Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to limit who can see your posts, and be cautious when accepting friend requests from people you don't know personally.
Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions or accessing personal information is another risk that should be avoided. Public Wi-Fi connections are often unsecured, which makes it easy for cybercriminals to intercept and steal your data. If you need to access sensitive information while on a public network, use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your connection remains secure.
Internet Browsing
It pays to be vigilant and skeptical when browsing the internet to avoid falling for online scams. Offers that seem too good to be true often are, so exercise caution before clicking on links or making online purchases. Verify the legitimacy of websites by checking for secure connections (look for “https://” in the web address) and researching customer reviews. Protect your personal and financial information by only providing it to trusted sources and well-established websites.
Senior Helpers Can Keep Seniors Safe Online
For seniors in Spokane, Coeur D'Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, Rathdrum, Hayden, and Moscow seeking assistance with daily living or companionship, Senior Helpers Spokane is here to help. Our team of dedicated caregivers provides personalized support to ensure you can confidently and safely navigate life, both online and offline. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your loved ones.