The internet has become an integral part of everyday life, offering information, entertainment, and communication at our fingertips. But with these benefits comes a list of potential risks, especially for seniors less familiar with navigating the new online world. Cyber security for seniors has become a hot topic recently, as more and more scammers are targeting older adults. We’ve unfortunately entered a world where online safety for seniors is constantly at risk of identity theft, fraud, and financial scams.

At GoGoGrandparent, we care about your security and well-being. That’s why we created this guide with 19 internet safety tips to help you stay safe online. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of cyber security for seniors. 

‍Why seniors use the internet 

The internet can enrich your life in many beautiful ways.

1. Many seniors use the internet to stay connected with family and friends, especially those who live far away. 

• Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become invaluable tools for sharing updates, photos, and videos, helping maintain connections despite physical distance.
• Video chatting platforms like Facetime and Zoom have become cornerstones in fostering connections across state lines, allowing family members and friends to keep in touch “face-to-face.” 

2. The internet also offers a surplus of entertainment options based on your interests and preferences:

• Streaming services let you watch movies and TV from the comfort of your couch. 
• Online radios and music playlists let you find new music or listen to some of your favorite classics. 
• Online games and puzzles offer mental stimulation and social interaction. 

3. The worldwide web is a gateway to information and resources that can improve your physical and mental well-being. 

• News outlets and current events can keep you updated in real-time. 
• Many doctors’ offices and hospitals have online patient portals where you can access your healthcare records. 
• You can find healthcare information from reputable sources, which will better equip you with knowledge about health, diet, and lifestyle. 
• Online support groups can help provide information about your interests, from hobbies to pets to local goings-on in your town. 
• You can take online courses to expand your knowledge and quality of life, like chair yoga with GoGoGrandparent or interior design on Masterclass. 

The benefits of using the internet are plentiful but not without risks. In a world of constant cyber-attacks, online security for seniors has never been more vital. 

Stay safe online: why online safety for seniors is at-risk

Several factors contribute to the need for additional cyber security for seniors: 

• Navigating a new world: Most of us didn’t grow up with the internet, and learning a new technology isn’t easy. It’s common for seniors to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the changing internet. As a result, you may not be aware of the different kinds of internet scams or how to stay safe online. 
• Trusting: Scammers often exploit the kindness, compassion, and trusting nature of older adults to manipulate them into giving money or divulging personal information. 
• Isolation: Socially isolated seniors may be more likely to engage with strangers online, which increases their risk of encountering scammers. 
• Cognitive changes: Age- and medical-related cognitive changes can impair judgment and decision-making for some seniors, making them more vulnerable to exploitation. 

Common online threats and scams

The first step in cyber security for seniors is understanding what kinds of scams you might run into. Here are a few common online scams that often target seniors: 

• Phishing scams: These scams involve fraudulent emails or text messages that seem to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies, but are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. 
• Tech support scams: Scammers often impersonate tech support representatives and claim your computer has a virus or other issue that requires immediate attention. They will then trick you into paying for unnecessary repairs or software. Often, that software you pay for ends up being a virus that can steal more of the information on your computer. 
• Romance scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media to develop online relationships with seniors, only to exploit them for money or personal information. Stay safe online by minimizing interactions with internet strangers.  
• Lottery or prize scams: You may receive a notification claiming you’ve won a lottery or prize for a game you did not play. They’ll then force you to provide personal or financial information to “claim the winnings.” 
• Scare scams: Many scammers will call or email you that a loved one is injured, in jail, or in a desperate situation. They’ll then require you to pay a certain amount of money to “help” your loved one. 

These are just a few types of scams that threaten online safety for seniors. New threats are constantly being exposed, so it’s important to stay vigilant when on the internet. Read on to learn how you can stay safe online. 

Internet safety tips for seniors 

Here are some essential internet safety tips to help you stay safe online. 

1. Verify the sender’s identity. 

Avoid phishing scams by double-checking the email address, phone number, or website domain of any new messages you receive. Be wary of emails from unfamiliar or misspelled domains. Legitimate organizations typically use official domain names that match their brand or website. 

The most important step toward enhanced cyber security for seniors is verification. If you don’t know if an email is legitimate, contact the organization directly through official channels, such as their website or customer support hotline. Legitimate companies will never ask you to disclose sensitive information via email or text. 

2. Don’t click on links or attachments. 

Phishing emails often contain malicious links that lead to fake websites that steal your login credentials or install malware on your device. Don’t click on any links or download attachments from unknown contacts or senders, especially if the file extensions are .exe or .zip. If the file or link appears to be from a friend or family member, contact them first to make sure they’ve sent you something. 

3. Examine the message content. 

Stay safe online by paying close attention to the content of unfamiliar emails or texts. Phishing emails often use fear tactics, urgency, or promises of rewards to manipulate recipients into taking action. Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information, account credentials, or financial details. 

Scammers will often make you feel like you need to act fast. This is how they pressure victims into making rash decisions. If you feel a sense of urgency, it’s likely a scam. 

4. Ignore calls from unknown numbers. 

If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, let it go to voicemail. Scammers often use spoofing techniques to disguise their phone numbers so they can trick you into revealing sensitive information or participating in fraudulent schemes. If someone legitimate needs to reach you, they’ll likely leave a voicemail so you can call them back. Government entities, like the IRS, and tech companies will never call you asking for sensitive information. 

What is voice phishing?

When you answer the phone, a live person or recorded voice will give you false information that sounds important and urgent. For example, they might claim to be a young relative in trouble, your car’s warranty is expired, or your computer is infected with a virus. They’ll often ask for personal information that could be used to steal your money or identity. 

The most crucial internet safety tips are to screen your calls and never give money (wire transfers, gift cards, fines, or bail) to someone you don’t know, especially over the phone or through email. 

5. Don’t click on pop-up windows. 

One of the most essential internet safety tips is never clicking on pop-ups or advertisements. 

Pop-up windows are often phishing attempts to steal personal information or download malicious content that compromises cyber security for seniors. Even with just one click, you could accidentally download a virus that allows a scammer to steal all your personal information. Just don’t click. 

6. Use strong passwords to stay safe online.

Online safety for seniors starts with a strong password. Passwords protect your private online accounts from being hacked. The harder the password is to crack, the more secure your information. 

Create unique, complex passwords for each online account. Use different letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Consider using a password manager or physical journal to store and manage your different passwords securely.

Never give someone your passwords, even if they claim to be from a bank or government agency.

7. Set up legitimate antivirus software. 

Reputable antivirus software promotes strong cyber security for seniors. This software helps protect against malware, viruses, and other online threats. Some recommended options include Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender. Make sure you stay safe online by regularly updating your antivirus software. 

Don’t purchase antivirus software that you haven’t thoroughly vetted and researched. Many scammers try to sell fake antivirus software that’s actually a virus that infects your computer. 

8. Don’t log in to accounts on public networks. 

Don’t access sensitive accounts or share personal information while using public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks like libraries, coffee shops, and community buildings are great for surfing the web, but they don’t have protections or safeguards to monitor cyber security for seniors. Scammers use public networks to intercept passwords, bank account numbers, and sensitive information. They don’t even try to scam you – they can just take your information because they have access through the public network.

Stay safe online by never logging into private accounts while on public networks.   

9. A VPN promotes online safety for seniors. 

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection. This helps protect your data from potential hacks or leaks. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are popular VPN options to help you stay safe online, both at home and while using your devices in public spaces.  

10. Be careful about what you post on social media. 

Social media seems safe, but many scammers are sitting in-wait for the right moment to take your information. For example, thieves might see your “heading on vacation!” post as an opportunity to rob your house. Or a scammer might see a post about your favorite cat and know how to guess your bank password with your cat’s name. 

Before sharing content on social media, consider whether the information could compromise your privacy if it fell into the wrong hands. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and refrain from sharing sensitive or unnecessary details. 

11. Change your social media privacy settings. 

Instantly boost cyber security for seniors by making your social media platforms “private.” This limits who can see and interact with your posts, so you’re less likely to have scammers watching your information. Review your privacy settings and enable additional cyber security for seniors, like two-factor authentication. 

A private account isn’t enough protection, so follow the other social media internet safety tips for additional online safety for seniors. 

12. Don’t accept unknown friend requests. 

Exercise caution when accepting friend requests. Meeting new people can be exciting, but consider whether the person sending the request has legitimate reasons for wanting to connect. Many scammers will send friend requests and messages looking for “friendship,” when they’re really looking for personal information and money. When in doubt, decline the request. 

Scammers frequently create fake duplicate accounts using the names and photos of individuals you’re already friends with. They’ll then send you a friend request, pretending to be someone you know. If you receive such a request from a new account of a “friend,” reach out to that friend directly through another channel – like a phone call or text – before accepting to ensure it’s really them.

Remember: one of the most essential internet safety tips is to verify first. 

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13. Be wary of online interactions. 

The internet is a great place to connect with new friends worldwide, but be careful when communicating with strangers online, especially on social media, dating websites, and online forums. Never share personal information or engage in financial transactions with individuals you don’t know personally. Be skeptical of requests for money, assistance, or personal favors, as these are often part of financial schemes. 

14. Stay safe online shopping. 

When making online purchases, stick to trusted websites with secure payment methods. Don’t give your payment information unless you know the brand well. Always do more research to ensure the brand is legitimate before purchasing. 

Look for https:// in the website address versus http://, as the “s” indicates it’s “secure.” Use payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, which offer added cyber security for seniors, like protection against fraudulent transactions. 

15. Research before donating. 

Many charities and organizations solicit donations online. While many are legitimate, many are also unfortunately scams. Ensure online safety for seniors by researching companies or organizations to ensure legitimacy and reliability before donating online. Verify contact information and read reviews to assess credibility. Be cautious of unsolicited donation requests or crowdfunding campaigns asking for money. 

16. Monitor your financial accoun

‍Boost cyber security for seniors by setting up credit card notifications and alerts. Credit card companies and banks can send you alerts when there’s activity on your account. This helps you recognize unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity in real time, so you can catch fraudsters quickly. Report fraud or identity theft to relevant authorities and financial institutions immediately. 

17. Lock devices when not in use. 

Cyber security for seniors is sometimes as simple as password-protecting your devices. Use pins, passcodes, or biometric authentication methods, like fingerprint or face recognition, to make sure no one has access to your phone. Enable automatic screen locking to minimize the risk of unauthorized access by strangers. 

18. Report suspicious activity. 

Online safety for seniors isn’t always cut and dry. If you receive a suspicious email or message, don’t be afraid to report it to the relevant authorities or organizations. Authorities can help you understand if the message is legitimate or fraudulent. By reporting phishing attempts, you also help other people stay safe online against scammers. 

19. Educate yourself and others. 

Stay informed about the latest internet safety tips and cyber security for seniors. Attend workshops, read online guides, and seek assistance from trusted sources to boost your digital literacy and stay safe online. 

Share your knowledge and experiences with your peers. Working together is the best way to promote online safety for seniors. 

Promoting online safety for seniors

Following these internet safety tips can dramatically reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams and threats. The internet is a treasure trove of information and entertainment, and taking additional steps toward cyber security for seniors ensures you can enjoy all its benefits without worry. 

Did you know that GoGoGrandparent has 24/7 GoGoGuardians who monitor your GoGo requests? Our technologies monitor your requests and broker communication, helping protect you and your sensitive account information. In-person and online safety for seniors has never been easier, thanks to our GoGoGuardians. 

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