What are some useful tips of smartphones, social media sites, and other modern gadgets for old age people (senior citizens)?
1. Make your passwords strong.
A study conducted by Home Instead, Inc. found that half of senior citizens did not use a password on at least one of the devices they used, leaving it vulnerable to theft. It is essential to lock all your devices with secure passwords, including your computer, tablet, and smartphone. That will keep prying eyes out and add some degree of defence in case your devices get lost or stolen. A safe password is at least 12 characters long. You can use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and try not to include your personal information in it.
2. Secure access to your accounts.
Passwords can be stolen; therefore, adding two-step authentication to your accounts provides a second layer of protection for you. Many online platforms, including apps and websites, provide free options that could aid you in protecting your information and confirm it’s actually you trying to access your account – not just someone possessing your password. Here you can find information on “Lock Down Your Login” at http://www.lockdownyourlogin.com/. For more information on two-step authentication, go to http://www.turnon2fa.com/.
3. Think before you act.
Emails that create a sense of urgency, like a problem with your bank account or taxes, are likely scams. It’s advisable to contact the company by phone to make sure if the email is legitimate or not.
4. When in doubt, throw it out.
Clicking on email links is usually how scammers access your personal information. If an email seems unusual, even if you feel you know the person who sent it, it is wise to delete it. Remember that scammers can claim friends’ email addresses and send you emails posing as them. So turn on spam filters for your email account to prevent suspicious messages.
5. Share with care.
Be mindful of what you share publicly on social media sites like Instagram or Facebook. Change your privacy settings to limit who can see your information and do not share your location.
6. Use security software.
Install security software on devices you use from a reliable source and keep it updated. You should run your anti-virus and anti-spyware software regularly. Be careful of security updates from pop-up ads or emails. They may be malware infecting your system.
7. Adjust your browser safety settings.
You probably search for news, information, and products using an internet browser such as Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari. Change your settings in each browser to set your options for optimum security. They can often be found in the upper right corner of your browser. It’s best to clear your browsing history at the end of your session to avoid leaving a trail of liable data.