Senior Citizens Top Target Of Cyber Criminals, Here Is How To Stay Safe Online

As people’s engagement with the digital world increases at an unprecedented rate, senior citizens become the easiest target for cyber criminals.

Because of their age and a general inclination against the ever-changing technology makes senior citizens vulnerable to cyber fraud and various other online cons, including those that start from social media.

Being new to the internet, the gullible elderly people also seem to be more trusting and unaware of risks associated with social media when compared to the younger generations, which are more tech-savvy.

So in this situation, it becomes important for all of us to inform the senior citizens at home some basic safety measures so that they stay protected from cyber criminals.

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1.     Creating a Strong Password

This step is a prerequisite for basic online safety for everyone. Either it’s you or your parents, everybody needs a strong password comprising numbers, special characters and alphabets.

Avoid using very easy-to-guess passwords which can become a threat to your online existence. Also, avoid forgetting your login details and for the sake of remembering don’t use easy-to-learn passwords.

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2.     Two-Factor Authentication

The two-factor authentication process is very important. It is essential to switch on your two-factor authentication while using any social media platform.

3.     Wisely Use Your E-mail

While using your e-mail, it becomes very important to stay alert and not open all your spam mails. Moreover, it becomes important to not click on any anonymous or suspicious links.

Don’t open flashy tagline mails from unknown senders who are offering you money, jackpot or exciting offers.

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4.     Avoid Using Public WiFi

Avoid using free and open WiFi. Connecting to public WiFi means making yourself available to hackers.

5.     Be Cautious During Online Payments

Don’t open unauthorised sites and do online payments because it hinders your privacy greatly. With a slight change of spelling, hackers make fake websites of genuine brands making you a victim of their forgery.

6.     Setting Up New Password Through A Link

 Hackers send you links and messages saying that your earlier password was misused or you forgot your password and they’ll ask you to set up a new password using the link. But, stop this can be a major scam. This can lead you to losing your privacy to an attacker in a matter of few seconds.

ALSO READ: Want To Protect Your Data? Here Are Ways To Prevent Your Password From Getting Hacked

7.     Use QR Codes Judiciously

QR codes are very sensitive. If you are scanning a fake QR then hackers can get access to your phone very easily even from remote locations. It is difficult to differentiate between a fake and an original QR code, so it is advisable to scan QR code only from reliable sources.

8.     Take Social Media Seriously

Avoid using social media for depicting your life. Also don’t believe anything and everything on social media until and unless you’re sure about it. If there is a news which seems unbelievable, chances are it could be fake. Verify it from authentic sources.

Also, it is important to practice safety procedures while using social media because it is a vulnerable space for everyone. Putting out your daily life updates on Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp Status etc might invite risk.

Bonus Tip:

If you are a senior citizen, never hesitate in seeking help from family, friends or younger generation if there is any query related to technology or gadgets. You taught them the basics of life, now it’s their time to keep you informed!

Be cautious when online and utilise your time on social media channels.

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