Everyone faces cybersecurity risks, but with a few smart habits and tools, you can stay safe online. The key is awareness, strong passwords, and cautious behavior when interacting with emails, websites, and social media.
Here are some tip to help protect yourselves online:
Click here to find out more about the Grandparent Scam
Why Seniors Are Targeted
High trust levels and less familiarity with digital threats make seniors prime targets.
In 2024, adults aged 60+ lost $4.8 billion to online scams in North America.
Many seniors use the internet for banking, health info, and staying in touch, making their data valuable to cyber criminals. For additional information, click here floridaseniorconsulting.com.
Essential Cybersecurity Tips
Avoid suspicious links and attachments
Never click on pop-ups, emails, or texts from unknown sources. Scammers often disguise malware as legitimate messages
Malware, short for “malicious software,” is software intentionally designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer, server, or network. Malware has the power to destroy files and steal your personal information. It can even impact the performance of your computer.
Phishing is the act of creating fake websites, phone numbers, or email addresses that mimic legitimate sources for the purpose of getting information, stealing money, or deploying malicious programs on user devices.
Look for typos, poor grammar and urgencies
Phishing messages often contain typos or grammatical errors or they portray a sense of urgency for you to act.
Use strong, unique passwords
Avoid simple passwords like “1234” or “password.” Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Try NOT to use the same password for your different websites. If a hacker guesses your password, then the have access to your others!
Consider using passphrases for passwords. Such as
1lov3myGr@ndch!ldr3n!!
See how some letters are substituted with numbers and symbols. The phase I love my grandchildren is easy to remember.
Consider a password manager.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA stands for Multifactor Authentication, a security measure that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing an application or account.
This typically involves something you know (like a password) and a second form of identification like a 6 digit code texted to your smartphone or a fingerprint.
MFA enhances security by making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to your email, banking, and social media accounts.
Keep software and devices updated
Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates when possible.
Install antivirus and anti-malware software.
Choose reputable programs that offer real-time protection and automatic scans.
Be cautious on social media
Limit what you share publicly. Scammers can use personal info to impersonate or manipulate you.
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Monitor financial accounts regularly
Check for unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
Learn to recognize phishing scams.
These often mimic banks, government agencies, or tech support. If unsure, contact the organization directly using verified contact info.
Grandparent Scam
A grandparent scam is a fraud where a scammer calls pretending to be a grandchild or other relative in trouble, claiming they need money immediately for an emergency like bail or medical fees. To protect yourself, verify the story by calling the family member directly using a known phone number, ask the caller personal questions only a relative would know, and never send money or provide personal information over the phone.
How the scam works
The initial call:
A scammer calls, often late at night, claiming to be a grandchild or loved one who has been arrested, been in an accident, or is in another kind of trouble.
The request for money:
They urgently request money, sometimes through a second caller posing as a lawyer or police officer, explaining that the funds are needed immediately to resolve the situation.
Emotional pressure:
The scammer uses high-pressure tactics, playing on the victim's emotions to prevent them from thinking clearly and verifying the story.
How to protect yourself
Hang up and verify:
The most crucial step is to hang up immediately and call the family member or their parents directly on a phone number you know is reliable.
Resist pressure to act fast:
Do not be rushed into sending money or providing information. Scammers want you to act without thinking.
Ask probing questions:
Ask questions that a real grandchild would know, like "What is your dog's name?" or "What is the name of the school you went to?".
Create a secret code word that a real grandchild would know.
Do not provide personal information:
Never give out personal details like your bank account number, Social Security number, or credit card number over the phone to an unsolicited caller.
Be cautious with social media:
Scammers use information from social media (like names, photos, and relationship details) to make their scams more convincing. Be mindful of what you post publicly.
Contact authorities if you've been targeted: