Online Safety Tips for Seniors

This article is a summarized version of the one put out by WizCase

9 Simple and Effective Online Safety Tips for Seniors in 2024

Written by: Ben Pilkington
Cybersecurity & Tech Writer

We highly recommend you read the full article here: https://www.wizcase.com/blog/simple-and-effective-online-safety-tips-for-seniors/

As the digital world continues to evolve, seniors are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, embracing the internet more than ever. A recent survey from Pew Research indicates that three-quarters of individuals over 65 are now using the internet daily, with 61% owning a smartphone and 45% engaging on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. While this growing online presence offers numerous benefits, it also exposes older adults to new risks, particularly from cyber criminals.

As seniors continue to immerse themselves in the digital landscape, their cyberattack vulnerability also increases. It is estimated that older adults in the U.S. lose $30 billion annually due to cybercrime, making it essential for seniors to be proactive in protecting themselves online. The good news is that with a few simple and effective security practices, seniors can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe from scams, cyberattacks, and other online threats. Here is an ultimate online safety guide tailored for seniors.

1. Protect Your Devices

The first line of defense against online threats is protecting your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Any device connected to the internet is vulnerable to cyberattacks, but there are several steps you can take to keep your information and data safe.

Use Strong Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most significant vulnerabilities for online accounts. Hackers have become adept at guessing common passwords, and tools they use can crack billions of passwords in seconds. Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “12345” or personal information like your name or birthdate.

A strong password should contain at least eight characters and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like “!” or “%.” It’s also essential not to use the same password across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each of your accounts, making it easier to manage your online security.

Install Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is critical in protecting your devices from malware and other malicious attacks. Viruses can infiltrate your system through phishing emails or malicious websites, potentially leading to data theft or damage to your device. Antivirus software ensures that your devices are continuously scanned for threats and that any malware is promptly removed before it can cause harm.

Stay Updated

Keeping your devices updated is another crucial step in maintaining your online security. Software developers regularly release updates that patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. Enabling automatic updates on your devices ensures that you’re always protected against the latest threats. Many people worry these are a scam, they are not.

Customize Security Settings

Every device and app comes with default security settings, but these may not offer the highest level of protection. You should adjust your devices’ and apps’ privacy and security settings to suit your needs. For example, enabling biometric security, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, adds an extra layer of protection to your devices.

2. Be Aware of Scams

As seniors spend more time online, they may encounter various scams designed to steal personal information or money. Phishing scams, where fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls aim to trick you into providing sensitive information, are prevalent. In fact, phishing accounts for 80% of all internet security incidents.

Older adults are less likely to fall for scams than younger generations, but as their online presence grows, they become more exposed to these risks. Recognizing common scams and knowing how to respond can help prevent becoming a victim.

Common Scams Include:

Phishing Emails and Messages: Fraudulent communications that appear to be from legitimate companies or individuals asking for personal details or payment information.
Fake Competitions: Scammers offer prizes that seem too good to be true, asking you to click on a link or provide personal information to claim your “reward.”
Online Dating Scams: Fraudsters create fake online profiles to establish relationships with the intent of exploiting their victims emotionally and financially.
Fake Pharmacies: Fraudulent websites offer medications at unrealistically low prices to lure buyers and steal payment information.
Personal Emergency Scams: Scammers pose as a distressed relative or friend and ask for immediate financial help.

To protect yourself, always be cautious when sharing personal information online, especially with unfamiliar contacts or websites. If something seems suspicious, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of the message or caller by contacting the company or person directly.

3. Stay Safe on Social Media

Social media has become a popular way for seniors to connect with friends and family, with over half of individuals over 50 using Facebook regularly. However, sharing too much personal information on social media can make you vulnerable to hackers and other malicious actors.

Social Media Safety Tips:

Think Before You Post: Avoid sharing sensitive information like your address, phone number, or personal details about your family.
Adjust Privacy Settings: Limit who can see your posts and personal information by reviewing and adjusting the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Be Wary of Strangers: Don’t accept friend requests or messages from people you don’t know, as scammers often use fake profiles to gather information or solicit money.

4. Online Shopping Safely

Online shopping offers convenience, but it also opens the door to potential fraud. Always ensure you’re shopping on legitimate websites by checking for a secure “https” connection and a padlock icon next to the website’s URL. Additionally, using a credit card for online purchases offers an extra layer of protection since most credit card companies have fraud protection policies in place.

Tips for Safe Online Shopping:

Use Trusted Websites: Only shop on well-known and reputable websites.
Avoid Saving Payment Information: While it may be convenient, saving your payment details online can be risky if the website is hacked.
Use a Virtual Credit Card: A virtual credit card provides temporary card numbers, making it harder for scammers to access your real card information.

5. Recognize and Avoid Misinformation

The internet is full of misleading information, especially regarding news, politics, and health advice. As seniors become more engaged online, it’s important to critically evaluate the information they come across.

Use fact-checking websites like Snopes or Politifact to verify the accuracy of news articles or claims. Always rely on trusted sources for health and medical information, such as government health websites or established medical organizations like the Mayo Clinic or WebMD.

Conclusion

As older adults continue to integrate technology into their daily lives, staying safe online is more critical than ever. By following these simple yet effective tips, seniors can protect themselves from cyberattacks, scams, and other online risks. Remember, your best defense against cybercriminals is staying informed and taking proactive steps to secure your devices and personal information. With these practices in place, seniors can safely enjoy the many benefits the internet has to offer.