Welcome to the Online Safety section! In today’s world, protecting your privacy and staying safe while using the Internet is more important than ever, especially for older adults. Scams, data breaches, and sneaky tactics from companies are becoming increasingly common, and it’s crucial to know how to safeguard your personal information. This section provides resources to help you keep your devices and your identity intact.
Remember, while technology can help protect you, it is still up to you to stay vigilant. Best practices include:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create passwords that are hard to guess and use a different one for each account
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many services offer this extra layer of protection. It requires both a password and a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone.
Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software to protect against the latest security threats
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or messages, as they can contain malware.
Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Only connect to trusted, secure networks, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Avoid public Wi-Fi for activities like online banking.
Limit the Personal Information You Share: Be mindful of what you share online, especially on social media. The more you share, the more data is out there for others to misuse.
Check Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on your accounts and devices to limit how your information is shared.
Turn Off Unnecessary Data Collection: Disable data collection and location services when they’re not needed, especially on apps and devices that listen or track your activity.
Be Aware of Scams: If something sounds too good to be true or feels off, it probably is. Phishing scams and fraudulent emails are common ways criminals try to steal personal information.
Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.