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Keeping Senior Citizens Safe Online: 5 Cybersecurity tips for the elderly

Kinyarwanda version
 
The elderly are targeted by cybercriminals for their personal data due to being less aware of the risks of the internet, while still having needs that require them to be online.
 
Here are some simple best practices that the elderly can adopt to help prevent a malicious actor from stealing sensitive data.
 
1. Get to know your devices
In cases where devices are given as gifts, take time to gain a deeper understanding of how your device works before engaging in full use. Jumping into usage too quickly can lead to mistakes that expose your data to malicious actors.
 
Consult the person who gave you the gift, a friend, or a digital mentor for guidance on how your device works, and the risks associated with its use. It may be helpful to have this person with you as you use the device early on, so as to guide you through using the device and necessary online services safely.
 
2. Be careful with the sites you visit
In many cases, malicious websites that host scams intending to steal sensitive data, specifically target the elderly. This is because the elderly are more likely to be isolated, and are more trusting of what they find online. It is important to know the signs of a malicious site that hosts an online scam, and when you think you may be on one of these sites, leave immediately.
 
Malicious sites normally feature:
  • A lack of contact options
  • A URL that mimics another company
  • A lot of pop-ups and ads
  • Grammatical errors or spelling mistakes
 
3. Don’t click on links in emails unless you are sure they are trustworthy
One of the most common online scams is phishing, where someone sends you a link to what looks like a legitimate website, but it is actually a scam created by criminals to steal your sensitive information through fake websites or a computer virus.
 
Even if the link features the name of a company you trust, it is always safer to open up a new tab and type in the web address as usual to get to the intended destination, instead of clicking through a link from an email.
 
4. Ensure devices are updated regularly
Although your devices may look like they are in top condition, new bugs and security holes are continually discovered, and these vulnerabilities can be used to steal information. Software updates are critical to protecting your device and information. Always update all internet-connected devices to their most recent versions as soon as they become available.
 
5. Never reuse passwords
Just as physical documents that have sensitive information should be kept secure, the places where you store sensitive digital information, such as your mailbox or online accounts, should be equally protected. Strong passwords protect your accounts, and although it may be tempting to use just one strong password for all of your online accounts, this puts all of your accounts in danger in the case of a hack.

 

23 June 2022

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