Cyber Security and Online Privacy Tips for Seniors

At the core of cybersecurity is the need for risk reduction, especially in the face of increased cybersecurity threats. While it is perpetually impossible to achieve perfect security, seniors should still embark on several cybersecurity and online privacy safety tips that are in line with public safety.  Some of the best practices to ensure more robust cybersecurity include: 

Password-protected Devices 

Part of your go-to cyber security essentials should be a password. At its tenet, this password is a practical, proactive measure in which you can ensure your cybersecurity. When effectively utilized, you should be able to intercept any unauthorized transmission over your network and any unauthorized entry into your devices. As a precaution, you should have a different password for each site you access. An additional tip would be to have a system in place for passwords in which you have a core password with a number of variations. Make sure you never share the password or leave it written down next to your computer even as you try to remember said password in the future. 

Secure Access to All Accounts 

The most straightforward tip that can help you stay safe while online is to secure access to all your accounts using two-step authentication. The latter provides you with an additional layer of protection. You get to have free options that help you control who gets into your account. Note that it would be best if you were wary of public Wi-Fi. In the event that you have to use a shared network, avoid logging onto any secure sites. Finally, you want to limit access to your accounts as much as possible, only offering up login details sparingly. 

Shopping Scams

Shopping scams are particularly prevalent during the holidays, so to protect your identity and your device, ensure that you are shopping on legitimate websites, install or update your antivirus software and use strong passwords when creating accounts.

Install Security Software on Devices 

Security software is a tool that should help protect your computer and network from malicious software. Installing and keeping this security software up to date should help protect your computer and devices from malware, virus, and any prying eyes. Note that while some mobile devices come with already installed security software, you might need to get said software from trusted third parties. Finally, you need to be wary of any pop-up ads or emails and periodically embark on clearing your browsing history at the end of any session. 

Critically Inspect 

You are your first defense against cyberattacks. In retrospect, it can be argued that you are the most essential element of your robust cybersecurity solutions. In line, you want to question before acting. Specifically, you want to critically inspect some of the email and login requests that pop up on any of your devices. You want to determine whether the email attachment you are about to open is, in fact, safe. 

Admittedly, keeping tabs on all your devices and online activities can be daunting. That said, you might want to consider getting an identity theft protection service, where Lifelock is a top-of-mind brand. But conduct due diligence to see if Lifelock is even worth it today before you subscribe to a plan.

Tweak Your Browser Safety Settings 

Your browser can be a sweet spot for cybercriminals. As such, it would be prudent to consistently tweak your browser safety settings. For starters, as part of your web browser security measures, keep your browser of choice up-to-date. Additionally, enable automatic updates to said browser. It would be best if you also blocked any pop-ups, plug-ins and phishing sites, thus providing you with an extra level of security. Finally, consider turning off any instant searches and syncing your email account with your browser. 

Utilize the Default Firewall Security Protection On Your Computer 

For a senior, there is a fine line between security and ease of use. Fortunately, regardless of the operating system you use on your personal computer, you will often have access to the default firewall settings that are meant to protect your computer. These default firewalls work to protect your computer or network from malicious or unwarranted network traffic. Additionally, the firewall should be able to prevent the entry of any malicious software into your IT infrastructure via the Internet. Altogether, the default firewall that comes with your operating system keeps your PC safe from any intrusion by hackers. 

To secure your firewall, you will first have to delete, disable or rename any default user accounts and passwords. You want to replace the latter with secure passwords, after which you will then monitor the health and state of the different elements of your computer system. As an alternative, you can configure the SNMP to use a secure community string. Overall, ask support to create demilitarized zones (DMZ) based on the sensitivity levels and functions critical to your internal network system. 

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the regular internet user makes for easy prey. Seniors have to be constantly aware of email scams that attempt to prompt the entry of their personal or financial details. Additionally, there is a need to look out for fake websites in which you are fraudulently required to enter sensitive personal information. Besides, there is an increase in rogue programs that are sent as emails with an attachment. All of these represent risk factors that could see seniors compromise the integrity of their cyberinfrastructure. We understand that education is the first step towards cybersecurity. As such, you can browse through our site for additional information on how to protect yourself as a senior against cyber threats.