As technology continues to advance and become a part of our daily lives, staying connected can be an enjoyable yet daunting experience, especially for seniors. While having access to communicate online has many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the dangers it poses. For those interested in learning more about staying secure in this evolving digital world, here are some online safety tips to consider.
1. Understand the Risks
The first step to online safety for seniors is being aware of the potential risks. Keeping your personal information protected can help prevent identify theft and financial exploitation. For seniors specifically, being extra cautious of common scams such as phishing emails, fake charities and lottery fraud can reduce your chance of being a victim.
2. Create Unique Passwords
While creating passwords can be frustrating, writing a strong password is key to keeping your online accounts safe. Focus on forming a memorable password that will be top of mind and easy to remember. It’s also important to incorporate a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. For example, instead of using “Password123,” try something like “Pa$sWoRd123#.” Password managers can also be considered as a good tool to help generate and keep track of your list of passwords. By using a complex password, you’re less likely to experience data breaches.
3. Utilize Two-Factor Authentication
Adding an extra layer of security is always smart. Enabling two-factor authentication (“2FA”) can help ensure your accounts are protected with a few easy steps. With 2FA, before you access your account, you’ll need to complete an additional verification step. A great tool for this is Google Authenticator. First, you’ll need to download the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device. The next step will be to then open the app and head to your account settings, then click on security where you can grant access.
Once that’s set up, enter your account password as you normally would. After that, go to the Google Authenticator app to find the verification code, and simply enter that code back in the login page. By following these steps, you enhance account security, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access.
4. Pause Before Using Public Wi-Fi
While access to public Wi-Fi may be convenient, you run the risk of the networks not being secure. When joining public Wi-Fi on your device, it’s important to be cautious of sharing sensitive information, such as personal banking info. If possible, try to use a private network to keep your information protected from the internet.
5. Be Careful Clicking
Before opening links or attachments, be sure you know who it’s from. Clicking on links or attachments from unknown senders may contain malware (malicious software). Taking extra precaution when receiving messages can help ensure your files and personal information stays safe.
6. Shop Smart
As simple as online shopping can be, it’s best to use sites that are secure and well-known. An indicator of a trustworthy site is if it begins with “https://,” which can be seen at the top of your screen when browsing the internet. It’s also helpful to read customer reviews when looking to make a purchase with an unfamiliar seller.
7. Keeping Your Device Up to Date
Even though it can be difficult to remember, updating your device regularly can help protect your online safety. Setting automatic updates is an efficient option to ensure your connected devices stay clean and secure from any risks.
8. Reaching Out to Friends or Family for Help
Keep in mind, there may be some things you are unsure of as technology can be confusing for anyone. If you come across something online that concerns you, it’s best to ask for help and seek support. Reaching out to family and friends who may have more experience with technology can provide valuable assistance. There are additional online resources or local workshops or that can offer further support to help seniors with technology and the challenges it can present.
Despite these challenges, the digital world can be a great tool for seniors to stay connected and offer opportunities to explore new interests or hobbies. Utilizing these online safety tips for seniors can allow you to enjoy all that the online world has to offer while also keeping yourself secure from potential threats.
