Top 5 Internet Safety Tips for Seniors
The Internet is a useful tool and for some, it is a blessing! After all, it has single-handedly made lives easier for everyone. Plus, it is because of the internet that many business owners have found success. There are people who earn their livelihood because of this tool. Plus, not to forget how it allows you to connect with your loved ones who are oceans apart. But at the same time, it cannot be denied that the number of hackers has doubled who will do everything to target you. This is why when I subscribed to the Spectrum Mobile plan, I decided to download an antivirus app for my device so that I can browse the web without any worries.
5 Internet Safety Tips for Seniors
Cybercriminals with their sophisticated ways can target anyone especially seniors. Why them? Well, they tend to be wealthier, and might not report fraud immediately. The only way to avoid becoming their victim is to practice online safety measures. Let’s now have a look at some of them.
#1. Never Provide Your Personal Information
You have to be extra cautious when it comes to providing your personal information online. If you ever encounter a request to provide information such as date of birth, social security number, credit card information, or bank account number, try to verify the source first. If you think that the site which is asking you to provide such sensitive information is legitimate then you can go with it. For instance, shopping on Amazon is safe.
#2. Create A Strong Password
You have to understand that the passwords you create are the first line of defense against any online threats. A decent password will prevent hackers from accessing your data. Therefore, make it a habit of choosing a strong password whenever you need to create an account anywhere. So now the question is how can you make sure that a password is strong. Well, firstly, you need to make sure that the password has at least 12 characters. You can then get creative and use a combination of numbers, alphabets, and special characters to make it truly unique. Another tip that you should consider is never to keep the same password for all of your accounts. If you are worried that you might forget them all then you can opt for a password manager.
#3. Install Antivirus Software
If you want to stop a hacker dead in his tracks then installing antivirus software from a reputable company is essential. You should consider having the antivirus on all of your devices on which you will be using the internet. This tool will protect you from deadly viruses. You should also do your part in remaining safe online and never click on pop-up ads, or visit suspicious sites. If you have downloaded a virus unknowingly then the antivirus will detect it and will eliminate it right away. However, you have to make sure to keep the tool updated. Also, it is suggested that you schedule your antivirus to run regular checkups so that your device can stay clean from any spyware, malware, and viruses.
#4. Do Your Due Diligence Before Buying Online
Yes, you can shop online! However, make sure to do your due diligence first before you buy anything. It is recommended to always shop from those online stores that you have heard of before. For instance, Amazon is one name that everyone is familiar with. However, if you are buying from some other stores that are not known then do check the customer reviews first. You can also check if a site is secured or not by looking for a padlock icon that will be located in the address bar before “HTTPS”. If you can’t find the reviews or if their website is not secured then it’s advised not to shop from the site.
#5. Beware of Email Phishing
You have to be extremely cautious when it comes to checking your emails. If you have received an email from an unknown sender or if the email seems to be suspicious then don’t open it. Also, don’t download the attachments. Hackers also use phishing techniques to lure you into their traps. What they will do is send an email with a link in it. And if you click on them then it might take you to a fake site where your private information might be asked. If you enter that then you will be at the mercy of the hacker as they can really easily steal your data.
Conclusion
Although imagining life without the internet is hard, you should keep in mind that hackers are almost everywhere. They can easily attack you with their advanced techniques. Therefore, if you are a senior citizen then it is advised to take all the above-mentioned tips into account whenever you are using the internet. And remember, never share your private information unless it is absolutely necessary for you to do so. Also, before providing the data, do make sure that the site where you are entering the information is legit and secured.