The internet is a great tool that allows us to stay connected with friends and family, shop, bank and work online. However, it’s important to remember that the internet is also a tool criminals can use to access our personal information or commit fraud or identity theft.
Digital privacy and cybersecurity are essential for everyone, but especially for seniors. As we age, we become more vulnerable to scams, phishing attacks and other online threats. That’s why it’s crucial to protect your data and privacy while using the internet.
Guardio has some tips to keep you safe when using the internet:
Secure your accounts:
Use strong passwords for all your online accounts, and never use the same password for more than one account. Be sure to change your passwords regularly, and don’t forget to log out of your accounts when you’re finished using them.
Protect your personal information:
Don’t share your personal information with anyone online, such as your Social Security number or bank account information. Be cautious about what information you post on social media, and consider making your accounts private.
Don’t click on links or attachments from strangers:
Links in email messages, tweets, posts and online ads can be malicious. If you don’t know the sender, don’t click on any links or open any attachments they send you.
Be aware of phishing scams:
Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals send emails or text messages masquerading as a legitimate company in an attempt to steal your personal information. Be suspicious of any message that asks you to click on a link or download an attachment, even if it looks like it’s from a trusted source.
Install security software:
Install antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer, and keep it up to date. Antivirus and security software can help defend your computer against viruses, malware, and other online dangers.
Back up your data:
Regularly backup your important files and data if your computer is lost, stolen or damaged. Cloud-based backup services are a great option, and many of them offer free storage.
Keep your software up to date:
Install all the latest security updates for your operating system and other software programs. These updates often include new features that can help protect your computer from the latest online threats.
VPNs provide another layer of security:
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy. When you connect to the internet using a VPN, your data is sent through a secure tunnel, making it difficult for anyone to spy on your activity.
Watch out for fake websites:
Be aware of fake websites that are designed to look like legitimate sites to steal your personal information. These sites may use a similar domain name or logo, but they’re usually hosted on a different server. If you’re not sure if a website is legitimate, contact the company directly to verify its authenticity.
Be careful what you download:
Be cautious about what you download, especially if you’re downloading files from strangers or untrustworthy websites. Stick to trusted sources, and scan any files you download with antivirus software before opening them. Scammers can hide malware in downloads, and it can infect your computer if you’re not careful.
Be aware of social engineering attacks:
Social engineering is a type of attack where criminals use psychological tricks to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may pose as a trusted friend or authority figure or try to scare you into giving them your information. Be suspicious of any messages that try to provoke an emotional response, and never give out your personal information in response to an unsolicited message.
Keep your privacy settings high:
Be sure to adjust your privacy settings on social media and other websites to control who can see your personal information. The higher your privacy settings, the less likely criminals will target you.
Use two-factor authentication:
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a second code in addition to your password when logging into an account. This code is typically sent to your phone or email, and it helps to ensure that only you can access your account even if someone else knows your password.
It’s important to be cautious when browsing the internet, especially if you’re sharing personal information. By following the tips above, you can help protect your data from criminals and keep your online activity private.
