Elderly people often make security mistakes on the Internet. Here are the 5 most common Internet security mistakes done by elderly people, as well as some tips to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Unsafe passwords
Unsafe passwords leave your computer vulnerable to attacks. A short password is easy to remember, but it doesn’t protect you well.
A strong password should be :
- as long as possible to remember,
- as random as possible,
- a mixture of alphabetic, numeric, and upper/lower case letters.
It’s also important to change your passwords every few months.
Mistake #2: Clicking on links
Clicking on links in emails can be dangerous. A fake email that looks like it’s from your bank may contain a link to a site that looks like your online banking login page but isn’t. By entering your username and password on one of these sites, you’re really sending your information to hackers.
Opening links in emails or attachments in emails can have dangerous results; it is best to verify the sender and content before opening anything in the email message.
Mistake #3: Downloading free software
Downloading free software from an unknown source, especially one that comes to you via email or a pop-up ad, is often a source of infections.
When you see these “free” offers, read the whole ad, including the small print. If you are uncertain, simply don’t click.
Mistake #4: Ignoring security questions
Not using security questions is a mistake. It can protect your online accounts even if someone steals or guesses your password. Security questions also allow us another avenue of account recovery in case of a lost password.
Mistake #5: Sharing personal information
Putting out too much personal information on social networks, blogs, and online forums is all too common. It’s better to avoid posting your email address, phone number, home address, vacation plans, and other personal info on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Also, never share your social security number casually or in a public forum. Failure in this area could lead burglars to your door, give identity thieves an opening to exploit, or have phone call scams sent to your home phone.
Read more : Infographics: Silver Surfers and their use of the Internet
Credit : grandparents.com
Published by the Editorial Staff on