You have no doubt seen the innumerable Facebook and Instagram postings and WhatsApp messages that many of our seniors enjoy. After all, it gives them a terrific way to pass the time. However, it’s a fact of the internet that you might frequently fall victim to malware, phishing scams, and other online frauds. The same is true of our senior citizens.
Cybercriminals target older people because they are less aware of the dangers of the internet and still have demands that necessitate being online. If you don’t adhere to the cybersecurity safety advice, cyberspace is an open area where you are most susceptible. What are some cybersecurity best practices, and why are elderly people such attractive targets? Let’s investigate.
Cybersecurity Tips That Every Senior Citizen Should Know
The elderly can use the following easy best practices to assist stop a malicious actor from stealing sensitive data.
1. Create stronger passwords
Due to memory problems, many elderly don’t use secure passwords, which leaves them open to assault. Making a strong password that is at least 12 characters long is always a very good idea. A strong password must be made up of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and, most importantly, it must not contain any personal data.
2. Be careful with the sites you visit
Elderly people are frequently the target of fraudulent websites that host scams meant to steal personal data. This is because older people are more likely to be socially isolated and to believe what they read online. It’s crucial to be aware of the telltale symptoms of a malicious website hosting an online scam, and if you suspect you may be on one of them, get off the page right away.
Malicious sites normally feature:
- Contact options are limited
- A URL that mimics another company
- A lot of pop-ups and ads
- The text is grammatically incorrect or misspelled.
3. Take Care While Shopping Online
When making a payment when shopping online, extra caution is required because direct money is involved. Even though the majority of websites have multi-factor authentication and 128-bit encryption, it is still suggested to only shop at reputable e-commerce sites.
4. Use Security Software
Install security applications on your devices, and it’s best to run antivirus and anti-spyware programs frequently. Software should always be installed from a reputable source and updated regularly. The Windows Defender Antivirus, which is included when you buy a Windows laptop, is one excellent example.
5. Throw it out if you are unsure
Scammers include links in emails to collect personal data. It’s better to delete an email if it seems particularly strange, and occasionally you might even recognise the sender. The only explanation for that is that con artists may have accessed your friend’s email account and sent messages pretending to be them. It’s a good idea to keep your email account’s spam filters kept on at all times as this will help to screen any strange communications.
6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn it on to secure all of their internet accounts, including those for banking and social networking. With simple to follow step-by-step instructions, Turn On 2FA demonstrates how. As we’ve seen, older people enjoy Facebook. Here they browse photos of their friends’ youngsters, keep up with former coworkers who have immigrated, and monitor neighborhood issues. Each course explains how and why the security settings are set up the way they are.
7. Usage of default firewall settings
Without any modifications, the default firewall settings in the majority of operating systems will safeguard your computer. It is preferable to ask a computer expert or technician for help if your antivirus product offers additional firewall protection that you may customize individually. If not, it may occasionally over-block websites or applications that you frequently use.
8. Browse Secure Connections
Your device’s connection to an internet source is crucial. Avoid connecting your device to a public source whenever possible. The majority of hackers construct their traps there. When using a public wifi network, be careful not to divulge any personal information if the situation calls for it.
9. Be aware when you do Financial Transactions
The banking institutions have a dedicated team to help validate every transaction of their customers and are in close contact with cyber attackers. Never be reluctant to immediately confirm any recent transaction by speaking with your bank representative or CFO.
10. Never reuse passwords
The places where you store private digital information, such as your inbox or online accounts, should be protected in the same way that sensitive physical papers should be kept secure. Strong passwords safeguard your accounts, and even while it would be tempting to use the same strong password for all of your online accounts, doing so puts them all at risk in the event of a hack.
Conclusion
Senior citizens are hopping on the digital bandwagon nowadays to stay in touch with their loved ones while young individuals move abroad for job or business. In addition, criminals who have been following the growth of digital payments have developed their own clones to prey on unsuspecting customers. Cybercriminals focusing on this group take advantage of older people’s tendency toward isolation and loneliness. People in their age category were mostly targeted for extortion, ransom, and spam calls.
However, online fraud and cybercrime are nothing new. Online scams including internet crime, threats, and hacking have expanded along with the rising use of technology. A startling 60% of respondents, according to a new HelpAge research, think that the usage of social media has exacerbated economic loss. Therefore, it is essential to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent activities, especially because one’s identity and financial information are utilized so frequently online, we hope you liked our blog which is on Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Senior Citizens.