Online Safety Essentials

Protecting Personal Information

As older adults increasingly navigate the digital landscape, it's crucial to prioritize internet safety to protect sensitive information. Adhere to these guidelines to secure personal and financial details:

Demand Verification: Before sharing any personal details, always require validation and authentication. This is especially pertinent when dealing with institutions like your bank account manager or credit card company. Remember, reputable companies will never ask for sensitive information via unsolicited communications.

Beware of Social Engineering: Scams often lurk on social networking sites where quizzes and surveys prompt you to enter personal details. These may seem harmless but can be gateways for stealing your identity. Before participating, verify the web address and ensure it belongs to a reputable source.

There are many ways to verify a web address, but the easiest way would be to check the online URL and make sure that it is https:// and not http://, as this means it is not secure.

You can check this at the top of your browser window:

Minimize Online Footprints: Reduce the risk of identity theft by limiting the amount of personal information you share online. Avoid posting details that could be used to impersonate or locate you, such as your home address, date of birth, or social security number.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as winning a contest or getting a great deal on a product. Be especially cautious of scams related to online dating, as predators often target vulnerable individuals.
Don’t give remote access to your computer, as it can put your private information at risk.
Be suspicious of anyone contacting you to inform you that there is something wrong with your computer.

Safe Online Shopping and Banking

Only shop at reputable online merchants and be cautious when entering personal information.

Use strong and unique passwords and never share them with anyone.

Be wary of links in emails or social media from banks, credit card companies, or government agencies.

Staying Safe and Connected

Communicating with Family and Friends

Use social media to stay connected with family and friends, but be cautious of online scams.

Online scams are often characterized by unnecessary surveys, requests for personal information such as social security or bank information, refusal to reveal one’s actual face, etc. Always make sure you know exactly who you are talking to, what information you are providing them with, and why they may need that information, to avoid being scammed.

Consider using video calls to stay in touch with loved ones.

Use online platforms to stay up to date with news and events.

Staying Up to Date with Online Safety

Take an online safety course to learn about the latest scams and fraud.

Try taking one of our favorite FREE online safety courses: https://www.gocybersafe.org/the-course

This course includes: 9 lessons, 1 hour of video content for visual learners, and engaging activities! Try it out now—it's free, so there’s no pressure to complete it if you don’t like it!

Watch out for incorrect information online—for example, make sure to check if a website’s truly legit through things like reviews, browser security, and some quick internet research. A simple search like “is examplewebsite.com legit?” could help save you from being scammed.

Consider consulting with an internet safety expert to get personalized advice.

Online Interactions

Secure Connections: When engaging on social networking sites or exploring online dating, use secure and private connections. Educate yourself on common online scams.

Here are 7 tips to avoid online fraud!

Verify Identities: If you meet someone online, verify their background through multiple sources before sharing any personal information. If something feels off, discuss it with trusted family members or friends.

Home Safety Tips for Older Adults

General Safety Measures

To ensure a safe environment and proper home safety that supports aging in place, consider these home safety tips for physical modifications and practices in your home:

Install grab bars in key areas, such as the bathroom and stairs, to prevent falls.

Equip bathrooms with grab bars by the toilet and in the shower to prevent falls, which are a leading cause of injury among seniors. Also, ensure that you use nonslip mats and that all pathways are free of trip hazards like loose electrical cords.

Consider installing a walk-in tub or shower to reduce fall hazards.

Try incorporating nonslip mats and removing trip hazards to prevent slipping for the older adult. This reduces fall risks on the shower floor.

Improve lighting in the home to reduce tripping hazards.

Place bright lights over stairways, near the front door, and in hallways. Adequate lighting helps avoid tripping and can make navigating through the home easier and safer.

Family Member Support for Home Safety

Have a family member or caregiver perform an in-home consultation to identify safety concerns.

Establish a process for alerting family members in case of an online emergency or suspicious activity.

Create a home safety checklist with a family member to review each month.

Consider hiring a home safety specialist to make recommendations for minimizing risks.

Try using this home safety checklist for aging adults!

Source: https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/home-safety-older-adults/

Online Interactions

Secure Connections: When engaging on social networking sites or exploring online dating, use secure and private connections. Educate yourself on common scams online, and learn how to recognize signs of malicious software and false information.

Verify Identities: If you meet someone online, verify their background through multiple sources before sharing any personal information. If something feels off, discuss it with trusted family members or friends.

Combining Online and Home Safety

For seniors living in their own homes, integrating safety practices for both the physical and digital realms is key. Use technology to your advantage:

Smart Home Devices: Consider installing devices that can be controlled remotely, such as thermostats, lights, and security cameras. These not only improve home safety but also add convenience.

Emergency Preparedness: Program emergency numbers into your phone and consider subscribing to a service that provides emergency alerts and updates from trustworthy sources like the Federal Trade Commission or Centers for Disease Control.

By adopting these comprehensive online and home safety measures, seniors can safeguard their well-being in the digital age while maintaining independence and security in their daily lives.