Digital Safety: Securing the Golden Age

Here at Cybermaniacs,  we believe that cybersecurity education should extend beyond the workplace to encompass the entire family. Our goal is to create happy, cyber-secure humans, ensuring safety both at work and at home.

To be frank, this ever accelerating digital age is hard to keep up with, even for those of us plugged into comprehensive cyber awareness programs at work. This is even more daunting for seniors who may not be as familiar with the latest tech developments. By empowering your employees to help their loved ones stay secure, we leverage a highly effective strategy—supporting others can often enhance one's own understanding and adherence to safety practices.

Did you know? Research suggests that people are more diligent about others' well-being, such as giving pets medication on time, than they are about their own care. (It’s true. We’re guilty of this as well!) What I think is interesting is harnessing this psychological connection for cybersecurity efforts, encouraging employees to protect their families, which in turn reinforces their own security habits. 

Integrating cybersecurity for seniors into your training programs can be part of broader campaigns, like October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Family packs and educational resources tailored for seniors can help bridge the knowledge gap, making cybersecurity a collective effort. By addressing the unique needs of our elderly loved ones, we not only safeguard them but also foster a culture of comprehensive cybersecurity awareness.

Incorporating these practices ensures that cybersecurity becomes a shared responsibility, deeply ingrained in our daily lives. This holistic approach helps create a safer digital environment for everyone, nurturing a community of vigilant and informed individuals.

Keeping a Watchful Eye on Scams

According to AARP, phishing emails and tech support scams are the most common tactics used against seniors. Scammers often pose as legitimate companies, claiming there are issues with their accounts, asking for remote access, or demanding payment for unnecessary services.

How You Can Help:

1. Verification: Teach them to always verify the legitimacy of the source before clicking on links or sharing personal information. Encourage them to contact the company directly using a trusted phone number.
2. Caller ID and Email Filters: Show them how to use caller ID to screen calls, and that even though they may not recognize a number, they don’t need to answer it. Take the time to explain the amazingness of email filters to block spam. Many email providers offer built-in tools to detect phishing attempts. It does the work for them!

Passing Down Password Wisdom

Easy, avoidable passwords are a cybercriminal's dream. Help seniors create strong, unique passwords for their accounts.

How You Can Help:

1. Length and Complexity: Guide them in creating passwords that are at least 12-15 characters long, mixing letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Avoid Common Words: Encourage them to avoid using easily guessable passwords like “Password123.” Suggest using their favorite song lyrics, phrases, or quotes that are easy for them to remember but hard for others to guess.
3. Password Managers: Introduce them to password managers, which store and manage passwords securely, relieving them of the burden of remembering multiple passwords.

• We also recommend that, if you already have a password manager in use, to invite them as a user. It never hurts to keep a watchful eye on their passwords.

Privacy Settings: The Gatekeepers of Personal Information

Privacy settings control who can see and use personal information on social media and other platforms. NOTE: It’s okay to tell them that they don’t have to respond to *every* post.

How You Can Help:

1. Review Privacy Settings: Sit down with them and go through their privacy settings on social media and other platforms. Ensure these settings are configured to protect their personal information.
2. Limit Information Sharing: Advise them to avoid sharing sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers, or travel plans online. Getting likes on social media doesn’t mean you have to tell them your daily routine.
3. Browser Extensions: Recommend browser extensions that block ads and trackers, adding an extra layer of security to their online experience. Go one step further and install them directly on their devices.

Regular Monitoring: Staying Vigilant

Regularly monitoring online accounts is crucial in detecting any suspicious activity early on.

How You Can Help:

1. Frequent Checks: Encourage regular check-ins for online accounts to monitor unusual activity. This includes financial statements and credit reports.
2. Reporting Suspicious Activity: Teach them the ways of reporting any suspicious activity immediately to prevent potential fraud.

Empowering Seniors with Knowledge

Our goal is to empower seniors, making them feel confident and secure online. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, they can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without fear of cyber threats.

Here’s a quick recap of how we can help the seniors in our lives stay safe online:

1. Be Cautious with Apps and Websites: Before downloading apps or signing up for new websites, review their privacy policies to understand how their data will be used.
2. Regularly Monitor Accounts: Keep an eye on online accounts for any suspicious activity. Regularly review financial statements and credit reports to detect potential fraud early.
3. Strong Passwords: Reinforce the importance of strong, unique passwords for each account.

In this article, we've explored various ways to keep seniors and aging family members safe in the digital age. As you consider implementing these strategies, it's essential to think about the content and resources you provide. Using a content provider or security awareness company, like ours, can significantly ease the distribution of these assets and make them more accessible for seniors. 

You can't do it all alone, and that's where we come in. Let us help you ensure that your loved ones are well-protected. Get in touch with us, and we'll show you how to seamlessly integrate these resources into your family's cybersecurity plan. Together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone.