How to Stay Safe Online: The Basics Every Senior Should Know

Going online opens up a world of connection, information, and convenience — but it also comes with a few real risks if you do not know what to watch for. The good news is that you do not need to be a computer expert to stay safe. A handful of simple habits are all it takes to protect your personal information and use the internet with confidence.

Make Your Passwords Strong and Memorable

One of the simplest ways to protect your accounts is to use a strong, unique password for each of your important logins. Many people make the mistake of using the same basic password for their email, online banking, and Medicare accounts. If a scammer guesses that one password, they can open every door.

Instead of choosing a short, complex word that is hard to type, use a "passphrase." A passphrase is a long sentence of several unrelated words. It is incredibly easy for you to remember but almost impossible for a computer program to crack.

• The passphrase method: Choose a series of words, capitalize a couple of them, and add some numbers or punctuation. For example, a phrase like "BlueDogLovesSnow22" is highly secure and easy to type.
• Keep them separate: Never use your banking password for social media or retail sites.
• Consider a digital notebook: If you have trouble remembering all your passphrases, write them down in a physical notebook kept in a safe drawer at home, or consider a free password manager tool which stores them under one master lock.

Click on Updates When They Appear

Every now and then, a window will pop up on your computer, tablet, or phone asking you to install a software update. It is tempting to hit "ignore" or "remind me tomorrow" because you don't want to interrupt what you are doing.

However, accepting these updates is one of the most critical steps in keeping your device safe:

1. Software companies routinely find security gaps or "glitches" that hackers try to exploit to sneak into computers.
2. The instant these gaps are discovered, the software creators write patch codes to fix them and send them out as updates.
3. When you agree to the update, you are essentially letting your device patch its armor.
4. To make life simpler, you can go into your device settings and turn on "automatic updates" so your phone or computer can keep itself secure overnight while you sleep.

Look out for Suspicious Links

Scammers often try to trick you into giving away your passwords or account numbers by sending fake emails or text messages that look official. This is known as phishing.

To avoid falling for these tricks, develop the habit of pausing before you click on any link.

• Check the sender: Look closely at the actual email address of the sender, not just the name on the screen. Scammers can easily fake a display name like "Social Security Office," but the real address behind it will often look like a long string of random letters.
• Type the address yourself: If you receive an email from your bank or a government agency warning you of a problem, do not click the link in the message. Instead, open your web browser and type the official web address directly into the bar at the top, or call the agency's customer service number to find out if the alert is real.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks

Public wireless networks at coffee shops, doctor offices, libraries, and hotels are incredibly convenient for checking the weather or looking up a map. However, these networks are not secure.

Because public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, someone with the right software sitting nearby can intercept the information flowing to and from your screen. Reserve your financial tasks, online banking, and doctor portal visits for when you are connected to your secure, password-protected home network.

Put an Extra Lock on the Door with Two-Factor Authentication

You might have noticed some websites asking you to enter a special numeric code that they text to your phone before letting you log in. This is called two-factor authentication, sometimes abbreviated as 2FA.

Think of your password as the front door lock, and this text code as an extra deadbolt. Even if a stranger manages to steal your password, they still cannot access your account because they do not have your physical cell phone to receive that text code. Always turn this feature on if your email, banking, or medical provider offers it.

Trust Your Gut

When navigating the online world, your instinct is your greatest asset. If a website looks strange, if an email sounds surprisingly demanding, or if a browser window demands immediate action, take a deep breath. You can always close your browser, turn off your computer, or ask a knowledgeable family member or friend to take a look before you do anything. You are in control of your screen.