Elder Care in Turnersville NJ: Tips on Cyber Safety for Elderly Loved Ones

When illness and injury and simply the effects of aging start to slow down an aging relative, it can make things like visiting friends, shopping and even getting out to the movies a real challenge. Even seniors that want to stay connected with family members near and far will have a better chance of interacting if they use social media. The computer can be a lifeline for elderly loved ones that aren’t as mobile as they used to be. Even elderly people that live with family caregivers and need assistance from elder care aides can feel independent and well-connected when they go online.

Very few seniors are tech-savvy and don’t really know how to protect themselves online. Without even knowing the basics, it’s all too easy for cyber criminals to steal their identities and access their sensitive personal or financial information. Seniors may not be as savvy as others when it comes to protecting themselves online, making them the most likely group to suffer from cyber attacks. While it’s impossible to be completely secure online, there are lots of things they can do to reduce the risk and not be such an easy target.

Here are some tips on boosting cyber safety for elderly loved ones:

Put strong passwords on all internet-enabled devices.
Never share passwords with anyone other than a trusted family member or friend.
Place digital locks on all of internet-enabled devices, like a smart phone or computer.
Activate two-step authentication to all online accounts for a double layer of protection.
Activate the highest level of spam filters for every email account.
Don’t open any emails from people or groups they don’t know.
Be suspicious about email messages that create a sense of urgency, like a financial problem or tax collection issue with the government.
Never click on links in emails because it can allow cyber criminals access to personal info.
Keep all personal information off of social media.
Don’t share personal information with anyone they haven’t met in real life, no matter how friendly or desperate someone may seem online.
Adjust social media account privacy settings to control who sees posts.
Protect computers with cyber security software and update it regularly.
Set security software to run anti-virus sweeps frequently.
Completely log out of any secure website like an online bank or store when finished.
Clear browsing history frequently.

Elderly loved ones don’t have the advantage of learning about cyber security at work or at school like younger generations do. Instead, they need to rely on family members to help them set up security measures and understand how to recognize scams. With proper education, seniors can reduce their risks of being the victim of cybercrime. Then, they’ll be able to go beyond their everyday routine of staying home and meeting with elder care aides to video chatting with grandkids, shopping for the holidays and streaming the latest blockbuster movie, just like everyone else.

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