Online Safety Tips for Older Adults

cyberseniors-still_2Going  online  lets  you  keep  learning,  connect  with  friends  and  family  and play games. Just as you fasten your seat belt before driving, take precautions  before  using  the  Internet  to  be  sure  you  are  safe  and  secure.  The  first  step  is  to  STOP.  THINK.  CONNECT.:  take  safety measures, think about the consequences of your actions and connect knowing you have taken steps to safeguard yourself when online.

STOP.  THINK.  CONNECT.,  in  partnership  with  Cyber-­‐Seniors,  wants  to  make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience while online. We  have  a  few  tips  that  will  help  as  you  learn  how  to  use  new  technology.

Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It. Lock your devices, like your tablet and phone: You lock the front door to your  house,  and  you  should  do  the  same  with  your  devices.  Use  strong passwords  or  passcodes  to  lock  your  tablet  and  phone.  Securing  your devices  keeps  prying  eyes  out  and  can  help  protect  your  information  in case your devices are lost or stolen.

Think  before  you  act: Ignore  emails  or  communications  that  create  a sense of urgency and require you to respond to a crisis, such as a problem with your bank account or taxes. This type of message is likely a scam.

When in doubt, throw it out: Clicking on links in emails are often how bad guys  get  access  to  personal  information.  If  an  email  looks  weird,  even  if you know the person who sent it, it’s best to delete.

Make passwords long and strong: Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a more secure password. Write it down and keep it safe: Everyone can forget a password. Keep a list that’s stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.

Share With Care What you post will forever: Be aware that when you post a picture or message online, you may also be inadvertently sharing personal details with strangers about yourself and family members ‒ like where you live.

Post only about others as you would like to have them post about you: The golden rule applies online as well. Own your online presence: It’s OK to limit who can see your information and what you share. Learn about and use privacy and security settings on your favorite websites.

About STOP. THINK. CONNECT. STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ is the first-­‐ever coordinated message to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online. The message was created by an unprecedented coalition of companies, nonprofits and government organizations. In 2009, the Anti Phishing Working Group and National Cyber Security Alliance led the effort to find a unified online safety message that could be adapted across public and private sectors. The goal is to help everyone understand the risks and benefits that come with using the Internet. For more tips and information about staying safe online, visit stopthinkconnect.org.

About Cyber-­‐Seniors Building on the award-­‐winning documentary “Cyber-­‐Seniors” and the high school community service project that inspired it, the Cyber-­‐Seniors non-­‐profit organization and Connecting Generations campaign encourages tech savvy youth to share their knowledge by mentoring older adults.


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