How to Teach Seniors About Online Safety

Seniors are often targeted by scammers and cyber criminals, making them vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud. Educating seniors about online safety can help them protect themselves and their personal information.

Some common online scams targeting seniors include phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and romance scams. It’s important to educate seniors on how to recognize and avoid these scams.

Seniors should use strong, unique passwords for each online account and avoid using personal information in their passwords. Passwords should be at least 8-12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Seniors should be cautious about sharing personal information online and only provide it when necessary. They should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Keeping their software and antivirus programs updated can also help protect against malware and other online threats.

Many organizations offer resources and classes specifically for seniors to learn about online safety, such as the AARP and SeniorNet. Online resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s website and the National Cyber Security Alliance can also provide helpful information.