Cybersecurity tips for older adults

Introduction What is Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity tips for older adults. Cyber security is a discipline that covers how to defend devices and services from electronic attacks by nefarious actors such as hackers, spammers, and cybercriminals. And while some components of cyber security are designed to strike first. However, most of today’s professionals focus more on determining the best way to defend all assets. Hence, from computers and smartphones to networks and databases, from attacks.

Cyber security has been used as a catch-all term in the media to describe the protection process against every form of cybercrime, from identity theft to international digital weapons. These labels are valid, but they fail to capture the true nature of cyber security for those without a computer science degree or experience in the digital industry.

Definition

Cybersecurity tips for older adults. Cisco Systems, the tech conglomerate specializing in networking, the cloud, and security, defines cyber security as “…the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information; extorting money from users; or interrupting normal business processes.”

The Scale of the Cyber Security Threat

Cybersecurity tips for older adults. According to Forbes. 2022 will present us with diverse and terrifying cybersecurity challenges. In addition, everything from supply chain disruption to increased smart device risks to a continued cyber security talent drought.

According to Cybercrime Magazine, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Furthermore, global cybercrime costs are predicted to rise by almost 15 per cent yearly over the next four years.

Concepts such as the pandemic, cryptocurrency, and the rise in remote working are coming together to create a target-rich environment. Here, for criminals to take advantage of. So then, Cybercriminals often target older adults who might be less tech-savvy than younger generations. There are many different ways hackers can steal your private information. so then, it’s important to follow certain safety practices when using the internet and logging in and out of devices.

Use strong passwords

Cybersecurity tips for older adults. So, if you haven’t set up strong passwords for your phone, laptop or other devices. Make sure to do so immediately. passwords are the first line of defence against people trying to access your private information. When you leave your phone unattended without a required passcode or with a very weak one. Here, anyone can pick it up and look through your files, from pictures to emails and text messages. Also, when you create your passwords, make them as strong as possible by having at least eight characters. And using a unique set of letters, numbers and symbols. 

Beware of email scams

Did you know that 73% of adults over the age of 45 have been targeted by email scams. The most common attack vector is the phishing scam, which involves cybercriminals impersonating trustworthy entities. Such as, a bank or insurance company, to obtain sensitive material like credit card details, Social Security numbers, login credentials, etc. As a rule of thumb, don’t ever send someone your private information via email, no matter who they claim to be. For example, if you get an “urgent” email from a “representative of your bank” asking for your checking account routing number, ignore it.  

Remember to log out

Even though you close the Facebook app, it doesn’t mean you’re logged out of the account. However, if someone gets access to your phone or laptop. Hence, they’ll be able to open up and look through any accounts you’re still logged into. This can lead to a serious invasion of privacy and theft of personal information. The tedium of having to log in and out of websites and apps more frequently is a small price to pay for the added level of security.

Do not engage with ‘virus alert’ pop-ups

When you’re on the internet, and a message says that your computer is infected with a virus, don’t click on it. Though it’ll claim to be the solution, it’s actually the problem. These pop-ups, known as scareware, are an attempt by cybercriminals to trick you into giving them access to your computer so that they can infect it with malware. When you come across this, immediately reboot the device and clear your browsing history.   

Stay away from ‘free” prizes and gifts

You might get an email or a pop-up on a website that says you won a free prize. Or, in many cases, they’ll pose as a trusted entity, like Google or Amazon, promising to send you a reward for filling out a short survey. Do not click on these messages, as they will likely lead to a malware infection. Instead, ignore the pop-up and exit that page.

Think before you share

When you’re using social platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, try to avoid sharing personal information like where you live and any company you work for so that it isn’t accessible to strangers. Also, make sure your accounts are set to private so that when you do post things, the only ones who can see them are people you trust.  

Download and install a quality antivirus software

Many security solutions will help protect you from cybercriminal activity online. They can detect malware, from viruses to worms, and remove it from your system. Once you’ve downloaded suitable antivirus software for your computer, keep it updated, either manually or automatically.

Guest Article from iReviews

How To Keep Elderly Loved Ones Safe From Online Scams.

Our guest article comes from the iReviews organization, which reviews consumer products and items of interest. This article is about keeping older adults safe online; it contains useful information. Consequently, that can help you to spot scams that claim to be from various government and media organizations. Please follow the link and click here iReviews

In Conclusion

Cybercriminals and scammers target older adults as they see us as less technically aware and vulnerable. Hence, you must follow the advice to keep your online activity secure and prevent being robbed. Consequently, there is no such thing as free, someone is paying for it somewhere; make sure that someone is not you.

Important Note *

Remember that everyone is different, and it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

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