The impact of technology on the world today is quite different from what it used to be many years back. Its benefits are numerous, but continuous changes can make it difficult to realize when something is unsafe.
The case seems even worse for seniors, who don't know much about the latest changes in technology. This makes them more vulnerable to online threats. However, seniors can use the following 7 tech tips compiled by WriteMyPaper123 tech experts to stay safe online.
7 Tech Tips for Seniors
These simple tips will help the older adults to stay a step ahead of bad actors by safeguarding their online accounts and mobile devices.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Whenever you are creating a password, never use common number patterns like 12345 or common phrases. Instead, you should use a combination of numbers with alphabets and symbols. And after creating a secure password, you should not keep it strictly to yourself. If perhaps you write it somewhere, just in case you forget the password, make sure you must hide it where no one can find it.
2. Guard Your Personal Information
Always think twice before you give out any personal information online. Some websites want to steal your personal information for fraudulent purposes. Beware of pop-up that seeks some data or e-mails from anonymous sources asking you to provide some information. If you must enter any data at all, make sure that the site is a trusted one and you must know exactly where the data is going.
3. Be Wary of Unrealistic Offers
While you are online, it's possible that you see a pop up that congratulates you and tell you that you won a lottery. It's a trap to steal information from you. Most times, the pop up will ask you to enter a few details before you claim your prize. It's best to ignore offers like this except if you have applied for a promo earlier.
4. Report Cyber Abuse
It's not only children that get bullied online. Senior adults get bullied too. Make sure you don't condone any online act of threatening, blackmailing or any other form of abuse. If anyone attempts to make you a victim of abuse, you should report the situation to the hotline of state elder abuse or local law enforcement.
5. Use Privacy Settings on Social Media
You make yourself more vulnerable to internet attack when you allow everyone around the world to see your posts. You should limit the audience for your posts to the people you trust. To do this, change the privacy settings for all your social accounts to allow only your friends to view your posts.
6. Install Reputable Security Software
Security software helps you to protect your computer. It's reasonable to get reputable security software and not just any software that you come across first. Do some research on the software that you want to download. Read reviews from other users to confirm its usefulness. The moment you are able to get one, make sure that you update it regularly.
7. Monitor Your Online Banking Accounts
Check your bank statements periodically just to be sure that no strange transactions occur on your account. In case you notice any fraudulent attempt, contact your bank and take other steps to secure your money.
Conclusion
As a senior or older adult, you are not exempted from the usage of technology. That is why you must have knowledge of tech tips. The above tips will help you to stay safe while making use of the technology devices.
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