Strong Passwords: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for each online account. These passwords should include a combination of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters.

Update Software Regularly: Make sure that seniors’ devices and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities. (Digital Safety for Seniors)

Beware of Phishing: Educate seniors about phishing scams, where attackers try to trick people into revealing personal information. Advise them to be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software on their devices to help detect and remove malware.

Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Ensure that their home Wi-Fi network is secure by using strong encryption (such as WPA2) and changing the default password on the router.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication for online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device.

Be Careful with Personal Information: Advise seniors to be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media and in response to unsolicited requests. (Digital Safety for Seniors)

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: Discourage seniors from conducting sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping, over public Wi-Fi networks, which may not be secure.

Stay Informed: Encourage seniors to stay informed about the latest online threats and scams by reading reputable sources of cybersecurity news and updates.

Trust Your Instincts: Remind seniors to trust their instincts. If something seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Limit App Permissions: Review and limit the permissions granted to apps on their devices. Only allow apps to access the information they truly need to function. (Digital Safety for Seniors)

Backup Important Data: Regularly backup important files and data to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. This ensures that data can be recovered in case of a security incident or hardware failure.

Educate and Communicate: Regularly communicate with seniors about online safety best practices and provide guidance as needed. Education is key to empowering them to protect themselves online.