Whether you’ve been surfing the internet for decades or have a newfound passion for it, the online world offers many possibilities. However, with all this freedom comes a wealth of security risks. Scammers and fraudsters are looking for ways to attack, to try to get hold of your data or money.
No matter how experienced you may be, we’re all at risk of getting caught out if we’re not careful! But there are several things that you can do to make sure that you’re as protected as possible.
Passwords
It may be easier to have the same password for every account, but this can put you in danger of hacking at any moment. Once a hacker gets hold of this single password, they may be able to access more than your personal information! Having a robust password for each website or app can help to safeguard your details, emails, and accounts.
Different platforms may have rules for passwords, such as including a number, upper-case letter, or maybe a special symbol. These are there to make guessing someone’s password much more difficult. Remember to make your passwords unique, longer, and avoid common words.
It is also a good idea to set up two-factor authentication. This is a process in which you are sent a code by text when you log in. It means that merely having obtained your password will not be enough for a hacker to access your account.
VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, helps to protect your internet connection and privacy while you’re online. Whether you’re looking for the best Chrome VPN, it is used to hide your identity while you’re surfing away.
No matter if you’re using the Wi-Fi in your own home or in a café, giving yourself additional protection is a wise decision. A VPN is especially handy if you’re shopping online or using online banking.
Online Shopping
Speaking of online shopping, 65% of over 65s bought an item online in 2020, making it one of the most popular places for silver surfers to buy things. However, the growing popularity of online shopping makes those sites a breeding ground for hacker activity.
When you visit a website, look for the padlock symbol in the URL bar at the top of your web browser. This will tell you whether the site is secure. You’ll also want to make sure that the web address starts with ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. This tells you that the site on which you’re shopping has an extra layer of security.
Scams
Anyone can fall foul of fraud, and scammers often target the elderly, so it’s a good idea to stay wary online. One prominent type of scam is email phishing, where a fraudster tries to access your personal information by sending you an email.
If you receive an email and you’re at all concerned about it, even if it looks genuine, do not click on any links. The first thing to do is click on the sender’s name and check their email address. If it’s not from someone or a company you know, delete it immediately.
Social Media
Social media can feel like a minefield! It’s now become an integral part of our online lives, especially if you use platforms to stay in touch with family and friends. Remember that, if someone wants to get hold of your data, social media accounts are an obvious place for them to start. Ensure to enable privacy settings on your accounts and be careful about sharing sensitive information or pictures.
