Seniors today are online more than ever – as of 2022, more than 80% of seniors aged 65 and older were on the internet (a figure over 6% higher than just two years earlier). Despite this growing presence, seniors remain vulnerable to cyber threats like scams, identity theft, fraud and more. The good news? With the right tools, education and software, seniors can safely browse the internet without falling victim to cyber threats.
Whether you’re a senior seeking online security guidance or you’re looking out for a senior in your life, here are five tips to consider.
Take password security seriously
Strong passwords are – and always will be – the foundation of a secure online presence. A weak and/or overused password can provide the key a cyber criminal needs to unlock online accounts, while a strong password can put up a strong defense against hackers. Here are some best practices to follow when it comes to passwords:
Consider using a password management software
Password management software is a great option for online users in general, but particularly effective option for seniors. Here are a few reasons why:
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Password managers can keep passwords organized in a vault, reducing the stress of remembering multiple combinations
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They prevent the tendency of reusing passwords across multiple accounts
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Login credentials are automatically filled in, reducing the likelihood for mistakes
What’s more, a cloud-based password management program allows seniors and family members to securely share passwords – in other words, you can grant access without actually sharing passwords.
If password management software isn’t in the cards, here are other tips that can boost your password security:
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Avoid using guessable information: Such as your name, your child’s name or birthday.
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Make your password unique: Using 12345 or “password” is like leaving your front door wide open and leaving your ID on the counter.
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Don’t have a sticky note of all your passwords fixed to your device: Or a book of all your passwords on your desk. This defeats the ultimate purpose of passwords.
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Avoid using the same password across accounts: If one is breached, a hacker can easily gain access to others.
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Consider using passphrases: Such as a string of words or a saying – a longer password is harder to crack, and a phrase could be easier to remember. Be sure to intersperse the phrase with random characters to make it even harder to guess.
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Add multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible: This adds a second step (like a code or fingerprint) to verify your identity
Practice social media safety
In Canada, 50% of seniors aged 65 or older are regular social media users. As with anyone active on social platforms, it’s important to practice safe social media habits. While posting photos or updates can create connection, there are some things that should never be posted, such as your address, phone number or specific vacation dates. It’s also wise to avoid posting birthdays of loved ones – especially if you ever use these dates to create passwords.
And consider this: Every social media platform has built-in privacy settings. Setting them to maximum protection will prevent others from accessing your personal data and keep people outside your network from seeing your posts without your permission.
Get savvy about scams
There are many factors that make seniors an attractive target for cyber fraud – from a perception they have a nest egg in the bank and a greater sense of trust, to having more time to answer calls or emails. But with the right awareness, it can be easier to detect and avoid online scams. Here are some quick and fundamental cyber lessons:
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Never click on a link within an unsolicited email. It could lead to a fake website designed to steal your information or install malware on your device.
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Check for the lock icon. Before you enter any confidential or financial information online, look for a lock symbol in front of the URL in the address bar. Also check that the URL starts with “https”.
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Don’t give into pressure to send money or information quickly. Cyber criminals often try to create a sense of urgency, using fear and panic to urge someone to act without taking a moment to think about what they’re doing. If you’re being pressured, stop and question whether this situation seems real.
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If a computer warning appears on your browser window, ignore it and close the window.
Install antivirus software
Antivirus software is designed to protect computers and their users from digital and online threats. With real-time scanning capacity, this software can detect and prevent malware and viruses while you browse the internet safely. It can also block sites they flag as fake or suspicious, so you don’t get caught on a webpage that exists only to steal from you.
Talk to someone you trust
If you’re not sure if the email you’ve received is a scam, if the site you’re visiting is real or if the person you’re chatting with online is in fact a real person, it’s worth phoning a friend or family member. As scams have become increasingly sophisticated and hard to detect, a second opinion can save you from revealing private information to a fraudster.
The internet is a powerful tool that can help seniors stay in touch with friends and family, shop for essentials, bank online and keep up with the news. Whether you’re just learning how to navigate cyberspace, you’ve been browsing for years, or you’re helping a loved one get online, these tips can help safeguard personal information — and build the confidence to enjoy all the internet has to offer, safely.
For more information on how to protect seniors online check out our resources at Understanding Cyber Safety.
