The internet can be a wonderful tool—keeping you connected with family, helping you manage finances and health care, and providing endless opportunities to learn and explore. But it can also be a place where scammers and cybercriminals target older adults. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Access Care Partners is highlighting the steps you can take to protect yourself online.
Why Older Adults Face Higher Online Risks
Every age group has unique vulnerabilities, and older adults are no exception. Scammers rarely invent entirely new schemes for this group—they adapt existing scams to appeal to common concerns. For instance:
Beyond targeted scams, certain factors can make older adults more vulnerable online:
1. Lack of Computer Skills
Not all older adults grew up with technology. Many haven’t set up firewalls, automatic updates, or secure passwords. If you don’t feel comfortable securing your computer yourself, ask a trusted family member or a reputable, vetted technician for help. Be wary, though—never trust unsolicited calls or emails from people claiming to be Microsoft or Dell technicians, or someone who says there is something wrong with your computer. These “tech support scams” are among the most common.
2. Lack of Internet Skills
Even those who used computers in their careers may not be familiar with modern internet risks. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reminds us, online safety is less about technical ability and more about understanding human behavior and recognizing deception.
3. More Trusting of Authority
Older adults often place trust in official-looking documents or websites. Unfortunately, scammers exploit this by designing professional-looking fake websites. Unlike a physical storefront, which you can size up in person, anyone can make a website look real. Always double-check the web address and go directly to the official site rather than clicking links.
4. Social Networking Risks
Quizzes and surveys on social media often ask invasive health or financial questions. These are designed to collect your information for profit. Answering can expose you to targeted scams, higher insurance premiums, unexpected items, or unwanted spam.
5. Cyberbullying and Family Exploitation
Cyberbullying isn’t just a teen issue. Some older adults face online abuse from family members and individuals on social media, ranging from emotional harassment to attempts at financial control. If you wouldn’t tolerate abuse in person, don’t accept it online either.
6. Online Dating Scams
Online dating can be rewarding, but also risky. Scammers prey on loneliness, building trust over weeks or months before asking for money or personal details. Confidence tricksters are skilled at emotional manipulation—be cautious, and never send money to someone you’ve met only online.
7. Misunderstandings About Information Exposure
Many older adults believe, “If I don’t use a computer, I’m safe.” But public records, donation lists, family genealogy websites, and even grandchildren’s blogs may already include your name, address, or financial details. This information can be used in identity theft or to target scams.
Practical Tips for Safer Internet Use
Account & Password Security
1. Use Strong Passwords
A good password is your first line of defense. Experts recommend creating long, complex passwords with at least 12 characters, including a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal details like birthdays, pet names, or addresses.
2. Use Different Passwords for Each Account
If one password is stolen, you don’t want it to open all your accounts. Think of it like having different keys for your home, car, and mailbox.
3. Consider a Password Manager
Password managers can securely generate, store, and auto-fill your passwords. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), these tools help reduce the temptation to reuse the same password across multiple accounts. Tools like NordPass, Keeper, or 1Password are a great way to remember your passwords across your accounts. There may be a cost for these services, but the cost of a hacked password can be greater.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring both your password and a unique code sent to your phone or email. This makes it much harder for hackers to break in.
5. Use Passkeys
Passkeys are a new, safer alternative to passwords. Instead of typing a password, you log in using your fingerprint, face scan, or a device PIN. Passkeys are harder for hackers to steal because there’s no password to guess or phish. According to Google, passkeys are “more secure than passwords because they can’t be reused, don’t get leaked in server breaches, and protect users from phishing attacks.” If the websites and apps you use offer passkeys, consider switching—they make logging in both simpler and more secure.
Device & Network Security
1. Keep Software Updated
Don’t ignore those update reminders! Software updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notes that outdated software is one of the biggest entry points for cybercriminals.
2. Use Antivirus Software
Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. It can protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other threats. Norton and McAfee are the most well-known antivirus software providers. Others include Avast, Bitdefender and Malwarebytes.
3. Secure Your Wi-Fi
Make sure your home Wi-Fi is password-protected and that you’re using a strong, unique password. Avoid using “123456” or “password” for your network—those are the first combinations hackers try.
Scam & Phishing Awareness
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contacts
If you receive an unexpected email, phone call, or text asking for personal information or money, pause and verify before responding.
2. Watch for Phishing Scams
Phishing emails often look official but contain suspicious links or ask you to enter sensitive information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns: “No legitimate company will ever ask you to send passwords or financial information by email.”
3. Don’t Fall for “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Lottery wins, miracle cures, or investment opportunities promising fast money are common scam tactics. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Don’t Let Them Rush You
Phishing emails often try to create panic or urgency, with messages like “your account will be closed tomorrow” or “act now to claim your prize.” This tactic is designed to push you into making quick, unsafe choices. If you don’t know who the message is from, it’s better not to respond at all. Take your time, verify, and when in doubt—delete.
5. Verify Before You Give
If you receive a request for donations or see an ad for an unfamiliar company, do a quick search before providing any financial information.
Online Behavior & Protecting Personal Information
1. Be Mindful of Sharing
Think twice before posting personal details like your address, travel plans, or family photos. Once shared, it’s very hard to take back.
2. Use Privacy Settings
Most social media and online accounts have privacy controls that let you decide who can see your posts, photos, and personal details. By default, many accounts are set to “public,” meaning anyone on the internet can view your information—even people you don’t know.
Take time to review your settings and change them to a level that feels comfortable. For example:
It’s a good idea to review these settings every few months since platforms sometimes change their policies or add new features. Keeping tight control over your privacy settings helps reduce the chance of identity theft, scams, or even unwanted contact.
3. Monitor Financial Accounts
Check your bank and credit card statements often. Report any unusual charges immediately—catching them early can prevent bigger losses.
4. Look for Secure Websites
Before entering personal or financial details, ensure the site’s web address begins with “https.” The “s” stands for secure. Not all websites will show the https in the address bar. If you are using Microsoft Edge, look for a lock next to the address bar. It will show locked if the site is secure. On Google Chrome, click on the two connector lines next to the address bar and it will tell you if it’s secure or not.
5. Track Renewals
If you are paying for a service, make a note of when it “auto -renews” and /or how to cancel a service. Otherwise, you may be paying a service that you no longer need or want to use.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking small steps—like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of scams—you can dramatically lower your risk.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” With a little extra caution, older adults can enjoy the benefits of the internet while keeping their personal information safe.
