10 cybersecurity practices for older adults: Practicing cyber safety can go a long way toward protecting your identity and sensitive personal information. “Cybersecurity is about risk reduction,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. “It’s difficult to achieve perfect security. But you can work to make yourself a more difficult target.”
10 cybersecurity practices for older adults: Consider these tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance, The Stop Think and Connect campaign’s online safety tips for older adults, Public Safety Canada and the Home Instead Senior Care® network. And take the “Quiz: Can You Spot an Online Scam?”
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Create passwords and make them strong. Half of seniors do not use the password feature on at least one of their internet-enabled devices, leaving it open to whomever may pick it up, according to research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network. Lock all of your devices including computer, tablet and smartphone with secure passwords. That will keep prying eyes out and add a line of defense in case your devices are lost or stolen. A strong password is at least 12 characters long. Strong password tips include the use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and try not to include personal information.
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Secure access to your accounts. Since passwords can be stolen, adding two-step authentication to accounts provides a second layer of protection. Many online services, including apps and websites, offer free options that could help you protect your information and ensure it’s actually you trying to access your account – not just someone with your password.
