Seniors of today are using digital devices more and more. Scammers also frequently target them in an effort to take advantage of their inexperience with more recent technologies. Here are three ways you may assist the elderly members of your family in becoming cyber secure if they are unclear how to handle life online.
Help them learn about common scams
Scams that target seniors specifically are common. Cybercriminals pose as grandparents in need of money transfers, frequently in the form of gift cards, and approach elderly people via text, email, or phone in what is even known as the “Grandparent scam.” Many families have chosen unique passwords—such as code words—that only their loved ones know in anticipation of this. In this manner, all individuals may confirm that the one reaching out to them is indeed who they claim to be.
Another popular scam involves cybercriminals posing as bank representatives, government workers, or police officers and reaching out to elders with a compelling narrative. The intention is to steal sensitive and private information about them. In an official operation, banks, the government, and the police would never use common citizens and would never ask you to confirm important information via a brief message, email, or phone call.
Share password smarts
Reusing passwords to help you remember them is tempting. However, all of your other accounts using the same login credentials may also be vulnerable if your login information is compromised on one website.
Make sure your passwords have a minimum of 12 characters, a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Another alternative for seniors who are concerned about remembering these intricate combinations is to use a passphrase. This is a string of at least fifteen characters long, consisting of four or more random words that you can remember but would be incredibly difficult for someone else to predict.
Encourage them to be tech-savvy
Every gadget needs to be password-protected in order to safeguard critical data, including bank accounts. Assist customers in configuring multi-factor authentication (MFA) on their accounts and devices. MFA can be achieved through the use of a verification pin sent to a different source or a biometric instrument like a fingerprint or facial recognition. In addition to providing an additional layer of security to safeguard their private information, MFA also provides a backup login option in case the first is lost or hacked.
It should be evident to all that applying software updates on a regular basis is crucial. These are typically security-related and meant to seal any gaps that identity thieves might exploit to obtain personal data. Configure every device to update automatically when new updates and patches become available to prevent missing critical updates.
Older Canadians can become more knowledgeable and safer online by focusing on these important areas, which will make their digital experiences safer and more comfortable.
Learn more at: https://newscanada.com/en/How-to-help-older-Canadians-become-cyber-safe-139470
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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