Staying Safe Online

Older adults are becoming increasingly Tech-Savvy

Canadian adults 65 and older are the fastest-growing group of internet users, with 70% of these individuals going online daily. As a result, internet awareness and security have become crucial topics to understand as scammers continuously adapt their tactics to exploit unsuspecting people, especially seniors.

However, by gaining some basic knowledge of common scam tactics and taking proactive measures, you can significantly protect your finances and personal information. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to ensure your online protection.

• Develop unique passwords A weak password is like leaving your front door open. Safeguard your accounts with strong passwords:

  • Utilize a minimum of 12 characters (more is preferable).

  • Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

  • Avoid common words (such as 'password' or '123456789').

  • Employ a password manager (like Nordpass or Bitwarden) to store and generate strong passwords.

  • Do not reuse passwords across various accounts.

  • Example of a strong password: Rb$^43TssY4%LJ78z

• Keep your devices and software updated Outdated software is susceptible to hacking. Updates address these security weaknesses. Every computer runs an operating system (like Windows or Mac), which is software that manages and controls all hardware and applications. Keeping your operating system current better protects your computer against viruses. While you should receive alerts for new updates, you can also update your system manually.

• Protect Your Personal Information Be careful not to share too much online, as scammers and hackers may use your information to deceive or impersonate you.

  • Be cautious with:

    • Your full name, address, and phone number.

    • Your birthday - it helps hackers guess passwords.

    • Your workplace and travel plans - avoid announcing vacations.

  • Do not share sensitive photos (such as passports, IDs, boarding passes, or work badges).

  • Opt for a nickname or username instead of your full name on public websites.

  • Protect your financial information - do not share your card or account details online.

• Additional General Safety Measures

  • Be cautious of anything that seems too good to be true, such as an email claiming you've won a contest or offering a remarkably low price on a vacation or product. Exercise caution with offers for inexpensive medications or health coverage as well. Be alert if someone is urging you to act quickly – they may be trying to prevent you from taking the time to consider and protect yourself.

  • Shop only at familiar merchants. Exercise caution with those you're unfamiliar with, as they might attempt to steal your credit card details or other financial information, or not deliver the items you've purchased.

  • Seek out secure websites with “https” in the browser’s address bar. The “s” denotes “secure.” If it reads just “http,” the site is not secure. Look for the “s” in the address and the padlock icon to ensure it’s safe to enter your information.

  • Secure your devices by using a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition to unlock your phones or tablets. This prevents unauthorized access and helps safeguard our information if the device gets lost or stolen.

  • Investigate before donating. Platforms like GoFundMe are widely used. However, it's important to examine the details and conduct some research to verify the legitimacy of the cause and the individual involved. For safety, manually enter the charity's website address instead of clicking on a link.

  • Monitor your accounts. Be vigilant for any unauthorized charges on your credit, debit, or bank accounts, as well as any alterations to your online investments. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your bank.

  • Be cautious of pop-up alerts indicating issues with a website's security certificate. These could lead you to a fraudulent site intended to steal your security information.

  • Report the scam. If funds are missing from your account, contact your local police and your bank. Reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.

The more you understand internet safety, the more assured you'll be in utilizing online services and resources. Taking charge of your online security empowers you and enhances your confidence. It's always a good time to learn!