Daily Living Blog

5 Things Every Senior Should Know About Internet Safety

Recently we have been assisting some older friends with various things including computer issues. At 80, Frank is surprisingly knowledgeable about technology. Shirley is a super whiz when it comes to all things creative including computer software and utilizing the internet for her creativity. Both are adept at email and the social media website, Facebook, as well as various software programs.

During a recent conversation, passwords and internet safety came up in our discussion. I realized that they were unaware of the many scams on the internet. While they understood that they were never to give their social security number, date of birth or any personal information to telemarketers or door-to-door solicitors – they were unaware of the many ways that someone can use the internet and emails to acquire that information in order to deceive them and/or commit fraud and theft.

I discussed some of the most important points that any person should know about computer safety. Today, I thought I’d share them with you as well so you can make sure that not only you – but your older loved ones are aware of these safety measures.

#1 – Protect Your Identity. Do not provide your social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, place of birth, personal information about your children and spouse, passwords, usernames or even your home address to anyone that you do not personally know. Companies that you already deal with, like your bank or credit card company, will NEVER send you an email requesting personal information – they already have it. If you are filling out an online application that requests this information – ensure that you are actually providing it to a legitimate entity through secure means (for example through an encrypted server connection) and make sure that you know the reputation of the party in which you are providing it. If you have any doubts, then don’t do it online.

#2 – Protect Your Computer - Before you do anything via the internet – Make sure that your computer is protected. Keep you operating system and browser software up to date and set to the highest security level you can tolerate. Use quality anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall software and make sure that it is also current and ON. Use passwords, anti-virus software and firewalls on every computer you use. If you have a wireless connection – make sure that you put a password on it so that it is LOCKED and not usable except by those in your household. Further, schedule your computer to delete history, cookies, passwords, temporary files and the like on a regular basis. Not only will your system run better, but you will further protect yourself.

#3 – Buying Online - Never provide banking information and/or credit card numbers or pin numbers to anyone on the computer except through secure shopping sites. If you are making an online purchase – ensure that the company you are buying from is reputable and has a secure online payment process. Look to see if they are using a verified secure server notification like McAfee Secure, Yahoo, or PayPal. Use credit cards rather than debit cards, and keep track of your purchases by making a list so that you can compare them to your statement when it comes in the mail.

#4 – Passwords – Use strong passwords: at least six characters, including at least one number and/or symbol, and no reference to your name or other personal information. For example, don’t use your street address or your first name and last 4 digits of your social security number. Use a different password for every site that requires one, and change passwords regularly. Keep a list of your current passwords in a paper file – not on your computer. If your computer is ever compromised – you have just done most of the work for the hacker. Also, never send your user name or password via email.

#5 – Email Safety - It is important to look carefully over every e-mail you receive. Don’t just randomly open up the spam mail like you do the junk mail at home. Be careful what you open. Never open e-mail and/or download attachments from anyone if you are not expecting them and if you must open an attachment – always virus scan it first, it could contain a security threat, like Trojan or Spyware. Use any spam filters available for your email provider. These will help separate legitimate emails from spam. Be aware of Scams that come through email and also via direct messaging on the social media websites.

The following is a partial list of SCAMS that are often sent via Email:
■ Advertising on online services – there are no “get rich quick” schemes
For example – Don’t respond (or at least if you do be very careful) to competitons, promotions, surveys etc. They may be an attempt to steal your details.
■ Online auctions – Going . . . Going . . . Uh-Oh! Unless you belong to the auction website, be leery of actually opening the email.
■ Disaster-related scams – when criminals exploit the caring and the victims by asking for money. Do not respond to requests for money unless it is an organization you already support. And if they solicit you – go directly to their website to use a secure server to donate.
■ Nigerian e-mail scam – why would a total stranger want to make you rich? These emails state that you have inherited money. There are also scams that are supposedly from the IRS, the Federal Government and even state officials. If you are to receive money from someone – they would send you a registered letter via the US Post Office – not via your email account.
■ Phishing. You get an e-mail that appears to be from your bank or an online service, most often PayPal or eBay, instructing you to click on a link and provide information to verify your account. Do not click the link. Often these have viruses or malware attached that can steal personal information.
■ Pharming or spoofing. Hackers redirect a legitimate Web site’s traffic to an impostor site, where you’ll be asked to provide confidential information. Scammers have been targeting social networking sites, such as Facebook.
■ Smishing. This is phishing done with text messaging on your smart phone. It instructs you to visit a bogus Web site.
■ Spyware. You’ve unknowingly downloaded illicit software when you’ve opened an attachment, clicked on a pop-up or downloaded a song or a game. Criminals can use spyware to record your keystrokes and obtain credit card numbers, bank-account information and passwords when you make purchases or conduct other business online. They also can access confidential information on your hard drive.

Much of this information was provided via Wired Safety. For additional information on scams – check out their website: http://www.wiredsafety.org/scams_fraud/index.html

Computers and the internet are very easily accessible. They aid so many in living Life Unlimited! This is a wonderful fact. However, in this age of advancing technology – it is also important to know the possible drawbacks and dangers that are out there so we can be safe and secure.