Ways to Help Protect Seniors from Cyber Security Threats

Protect Seniors Against Cyber Security Threats This Year

The internet has made it easier to access information and connect with loved ones, but it also comes with risks. Seniors are becoming increasingly targeted by cybercriminals and fraudsters. As families and caregivers, it's important to help our senior loved ones stay safe online. This blog will discuss five ways to help seniors protect themselves from online scams and cyber security threats.

Update Software

Several different types of anti-virus and anti-spyware software can help protect seniors online. Families and caregivers should check the programs that seniors use to ensure their proper installation. They should also run updates regularly to ensure new threats are prevented.

Additionally, families and caregivers should update the software on the elderly loved one's computers, tablets, and mobile devices to the latest version whenever new updates are released. Updates provide patches that protect users from ever-evolving cyber security threats.

Evaluate Email Security

Email is undoubtedly the primary tool that scammers use to steal information from seniors. Families and caregivers should train seniors on email security best practices. The following are a few tips to improve the email security of senior loved ones:

Create strong passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across accounts
Don't click email links
Never access emails from public Wi-Fi
Scan attachments before opening
Consider changing passwords regularly
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Practice Caution on Social Media

Another avenue that cybercriminals use to steal from elderly loved ones is social media. Criminals often pursue a friendship with target people through their social media channels. Their main objective is to get their victims to trust them. They may spin sad but false stories regarding their daily living challenges to get seniors to send them money.

Criminals may also pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to steal personal information from their victims. Families and caregivers should advise loved ones only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. They should refrain from sharing personal information online.

Use Reputable Sites When Shopping Online

One of the typical ways seniors' information can be stolen online is through fake shopping sites. Families and caregivers should help seniors shop using trusted and reputable vendors. Such vendors usually alert shoppers to potential scams when they notice suspicious activity. It is also important to monitor seniors' accounts regularly for fraudulent activities.

Strengthen Home Network

Family and caregivers should ensure seniors' home networks are fortified with strong encryption and a virtual private network. A VPN encrypts all traffic leaving home devices until it arrives at its destination. Should criminals manage to hack communication lines, they won't get anything since all the data is encrypted. Additionally, seniors should use a VPN whenever they use a public Wi-Fi network, whether in a library, cafe, hotel, or airport.

Know What to Do When Seniors Become Victims

The steps one takes immediately after falling victim to cyber criminals can help forestall further damages and losses. The following are some of the steps to take after learning a senior loved one has become a victim:

Contact companies and banks where the fraud occurred
Place fraud alerts and get senior's credit reports
Report identity theft to Federal Trade Commission

Contact Senior Helpers Boise in Treasure Valley Today

Cybercrime is a growing concern for businesses, the government, and individuals. For seniors who may not be well conversant with changing technologies, protecting themselves from becoming victims of cyber security threats is crucial. As online fraud evolves, families and caregivers in should prioritize strategies that protect their loved ones from cybercriminals.

Senior Helpers offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services that support aging in place. Our compassionate and kind caregivers in Boise, Eagle, Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell, and Lewiston are ready to provide tailor-made senior care services wherever your senior resides.