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As more seniors become active on the Internet, they are increasingly exposed to malware, phishing efforts, and other online scams. In the year 2020, cybercrime against adults in the United States 60 years of age and older resulted in direct losses of almost $1 billion. Over the losses that were reported the prior year, this amount indicates a 30% rise. Nearly 800,000 cybercrime reports were sent to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2020, with over 200,000 of those victims being over the age of 60.
Personal cyber security
Cyberspace is an open environment, with little to no formal oversight. Seniors with little Internet literacy are particularly vulnerable if they do not follow safety guidelines. Let’s take a look at the top senior cybersecurity tips, and examine why seniors are such ideal targets.
- Create strong passwords. Research has found that 50% of seniors do not use the password feature on at least one of their internet-connected devices, leaving it vulnerable to theft. Lock all of your devices, including your computer, tablet, and smartphone, using secure passwords. That will deter prying eyes and provide security in the event that your devices are stolen or lost. A secure password must have 12 characters or more. When choosing a strong password, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and steer away from using any personal information.
- Make your accounts secure. Because passwords can be stolen, adding two-step verification to accounts gives an additional layer of security. Many online resources, including both paid and free options, can help you protect your data and ensure that anyone attempting to log into your account is indeed you and not just someone who knows your password.
- Think before you act. Emails and other forms of correspondence that appear urgent, such as those that suggest a problem with your bank account or taxes, are often frauds. Consider calling the company directly to verify whether the email is legitimate.
- If in doubt, discard it. By clicking on links in emails, scammers frequently obtain access to personal information. It’s a good idea to delete an email if it seems odd, even if you know who sent it. Remember that scammers can steal the email addresses of your friends and send you messages appearing to be from them. Enable spam filters for your email account to help you filter dubious emails.
- Use caution while posting information online, especially on social media sites like Facebook. Change your privacy settings to limit who may see your information. Don’t reveal where you are.
- Utilize security software. Install and update security software on your devices from a reliable source. It is best to run anti-virus and anti-spyware programmes on a regular basis. Be cautious of email security updates or pop-up ads. They could be malicious software that harms your computer.
- Reconfigure your browser’s security settings. When looking up news, information, and products online, you most likely use a web browser like Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari. Modify the settings in each of those browsers to configure your options for the maximum level of security. These menus are typically found in your browser’s top-right corner. Consider erasing your internet history after each session to prevent leaving a trail of private information.
Sign off. Remember to log out of an app or website when you’re done using it. You run the risk of endangering your security and privacy if you leave them open on your computer screen.
Don’t forget!
When your older loved ones request your computer assistance, make sure they follow cybersecurity best practices. Cyberattacks can have extremely detrimental impacts, even if the risks are minimal. Teaching seniors proper security habits now will save you time and trouble later.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about Internet Safety for seniors by reaching out to us at wecare@considracare.com, or by calling us at 1-855-410-7971.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.
