Internet Safety Tips for Seniors

There were 5.03 million internet users in New Zealand at the start of 2024, and this number has been steadily increasing for good reasons. Being online allows you to keep up with current events, stay in touch with family and friends, manage medical appointments, play games, and much more. 

While the internet offers many benefits, it can also expose us to potential harm if not used responsibly. Some of the most common risks include: 

• Inaccurate or misleading information that can be dangerous, especially those related to medications and health advice. 
• Unsolicited emails, texts, or premium rate offers that may contain inappropriate content or scams. 
• Malware and data leakage through risky apps that collect and transmit personal data
• Access to personal information that can be misused or passed to third parties.

Before hitting the road, you buckle your seatbelt; similarly, it’s essential to take precautions before using the internet to ensure your safety. Here are some tips that you can follow: 

Use strong and unique passwords

Create unique passwords that are at least eight characters long, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like names, birthdays, or common words. Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to gain access to your accounts, which can lead to identity theft, data breaches, and loss of privacy.

Keep your passwords confidential

Sharing your password gives someone else control over your account, allowing them to access, change, or misuse your information without your knowledge. Also, if someone else has your password, they could lock you out of your own account by changing the password or security settings. To keep you secure, only share your passwords with trusted individuals if absolutely necessary, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. 

Recognise phishing attempts

Phishing scams often masquerade as legitimate communications from banks or government agencies attempting to steal personal information. It often comes from suspicious senders and email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may have slight misspellings or additional characters, e.g., “support@paypall.com” instead of “support@paypal.com.”

Moreover, messages that create a sense of urgency, such as “Your account will be locked,” “Immediate action is required,” or “You’ve won a prize,” are common in phishing attempts.

Watch for too-good-to-be-true offers

Scammers know that people are often drawn to opportunities that promise rewards with little effort. They exploit this by offering something that seems highly valuable for little or no cost. So, be sceptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that provide large rewards or discounts on medications. These are often scams designed to obtain your trust and trick you into providing personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords.

Keep your mobile apps, software, and devices updated

Cybercriminals often utilise security vulnerabilities to gain access to systems, leading to data breaches and identity theft. Regular updates close these security gaps, thereby reducing the risk of malware infections and unauthorised access to sensitive information. 

In addition to enhancing security, updates improve overall device performance. Software developers frequently release patches that fix bugs and optimise existing features, which helps devices run more smoothly and efficiently.

According to reports, older adults are five times more likely to report scams compared to younger users of the internet. By incorporating these internet safety tips into our daily online routines, we can navigate the digital landscape with minimised risks and enhanced peace of mind.