Cyber Security Month: How Seniors Can Stay Safe Online

cyber security month

These days, it’s pretty rare to come across anyone who doesn’t use the internet. It’s a fantastic source of information and is a great resource for everyone. More and more seniors are getting online as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, get shopping done, and get their daily dose of news.

While it’s undoubtedly full of amazing benefits for seniors (and for all of us), the internet can also be a dangerous place. Seniors are at risk for being targets of fraud, so it’s extra important to make sure they are aware of the potential dangers associated with their regular browsing activities.

Staying Safe Online

Identity fraud is one of the biggest risks facing everyone online these days. Seniors are especially at risk, since these scams are designed to target those who may not be as familiar with the current technology and advertising practices. By ensuring your loved ones know what to watch out for online, you can help keep them safe.

Keep your personal information close

There are many scams designed to trick people into giving away sensitive personal information. This often takes the form of emails or text messages created to look like they are being sent from a well-known company or government entity. The message will typically ask you for your user account information, such as your online banking username and password. It’s important to note that no bank, company, or government office would ever ask for this information via email, text, through a link sent in an email, or over the phone. If something seems suspicious, it’s best to call the company’s customer service line to check if there is actually an issue with your account. They’ll be able to tell you whether the communication is a scam or not. A good rule of thumb is to never give out any information without checking first.

Be cautious with strangers

It’s a lesson we all learned as children: don’t talk to strangers! While it’s never quite as simple as that in the real world, it’s a good idea to be cautious when you meet new people online. On the internet, it’s a very real possibility that people aren’t who they say they are and might try to get sensitive information from you. If you don’t have a relationship with someone offline (aka in the real world) it’s best to exercise caution and don’t give them any information that is too personal, especially when it comes to requests to send money or sign up for anything.

Get tech savvy

When you know a little bit more about computers, it’s much easier to stay safe online since you know what to look out for. Once you get familiar with how the internet works and how your computer works, you’ll be able to easily spot things like pop-up windows that try to get you to install viruses on your computer, or fake links in emails. Knowledge is power!

Use antivirus software

There’s so much information coming at you when you’re online, which can make it tough to spot all the bad links and pop-ups. Antivirus software is designed to watch out for potential dangers and alert you when it sees something suspicious. It’s easy to use and runs in the background all the time, which keeps your computer safe.

How Bria Communities Promotes Online Safety for Seniors

Bria Communities actively hosts Seniors Safety Series in conjunction with the Langley Seniors Resource Society, with a focus on fraud prevention.

The Wexford frequently invites the Delta Police Community Liaison to do information sessions on fraud prevention.

Recreation teams at Bria Communities’ host tech sessions helping seniors familiarize themselves with their tablets, social media best practices, email, etc. and these always come complete with lessons on how to stay safe online.

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