7 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Online: A Friendly Guide for Seniors

Welcome to Your Digital Safety Companion!

Remember when we used to keep our important documents in a locked filing cabinet? Today, our personal information often lives in the digital world. Just like you'd lock your front door, taking a few simple steps online can keep your information safe and secure.

This guide shares practical tips that will help you navigate the digital world with confidence. No technical experience required—just straightforward advice you can start using today!
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Why This Matters for You

Over 67% of seniors now use the internet regularly, whether it's to video chat with grandchildren, manage healthcare appointments, or shop online. With this increased connectivity comes a need for simple safeguards.

The good news? You don't need to be a computer expert to protect yourself. A few easy habits can dramatically reduce your risk and help you enjoy all the benefits of technology without the worry.
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What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• How to spot the warning signs of common online scams
• Simple ways to create passwords you can actually remember (that are still secure!)
• Practical steps to protect your personal information
• What to do if you suspect something isn't right
• Where to find help if you need it

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7 Smart Ways to Stay Safe Online

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1. Trust Your Instincts - Recognizing Red Flags:

You've developed good judgment over the years—use it online too! Be cautious of:

• Messages creating urgency: "Act now or your account will be closed!" Real organizations don't pressure you this way.
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• Unexpected windfalls: Whether it's a lottery you never entered or a long-lost relative leaving you money, remember—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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• Requests for unusual payments: No legitimate business will ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers out of the blue.
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• Personal information requests: Your bank already knows your account number and Social Security number—they won't email asking for it.
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Remember: When in doubt, pause and verify independently. Find the organization's phone number from their official website (not from the email or call you received) and call them directly.

2. Create Strong Passwords That You Can Remember

Forget complex rules that make passwords impossible to remember. Try this instead:

• Use a phrase: Think of a meaningful sentence, then use the first letter of each word. "I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1975!" becomes "IgfRHSi1975!"
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• Make it unique: Add something specific for each website. For your email, add "EM" at the end: "IgfRHSi1975!EM"
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• Write them down safely: It's okay to write passwords down—just keep the list somewhere secure in your home, not with your computer or phone.
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3. Be Careful What You Share Online

Social media is wonderful for keeping in touch, but think before you share:

• Avoid posting travel plans: Wait until you're back to share vacation photos.
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• Skip the personal quizzes: Questions about your first car or childhood pet are often the same as security questions for your accounts.
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• Check your privacy settings: Make sure you're only sharing with people you know and trust.
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4. Keep Your Devices Updated

When your phone or computer suggests an update, DON’T IGNORE IT!

These updates often fix security problems. Think of them as changing the locks when needed. If technology updates feel overwhelming, ask a family member for help, or check if your local library offers tech assistance programs.
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5. Be Smart About Emails and Links

• Check before you click: Hover your mouse over links to see where they really go. If an email from "Amazon" has a link to "amazn-secure.net" (notice the misspelling), that's a red flag.
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• Look for personalization: Legitimate emails from companies you do business with usually include your name, not "Dear Customer."
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• When in doubt, go directly: Instead of clicking links, open your browser and go directly to the website. For example, type "amazon.com" yourself rather than clicking a link in an email.
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6. Protect Your Personal Information

• Public Wi-Fi caution: Avoid checking bank accounts or entering passwords when using Wi-Fi at coffee shops or libraries.
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• Check for website security: Look for "https" and a padlock symbol in the address bar before entering personal information.
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• Shred sensitive documents: Just as you'd shred paper statements, delete sensitive digital files you no longer need.
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7. Know Where to Get Help

Everyone needs assistance sometimes. Keep these resources handy:

• Family tech buddy: Identify a patient family member who can help with technology questions.
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• AARP Fraud Resource Center: Call 1-877-908-3360 for guidance if you suspect a scam.
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• Local senior center: Many offer free computer classes and one-on-one help.

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What If Something Doesn't Seem Right?

If you suspect you've encountered a scam:

1. Don't panic—even tech experts can be fooled
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2. Don't share any personal information
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3. End the communication immediately
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4. Talk to someone you trust about what happened
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5. Report it to AARP's Fraud Resource Center or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (https:///www.IC3.gov)

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Continue Your Digital Safety Journey

The tips in this guide are just the beginning! At Cyber Smart Seniors, we provide comprehensive resources tailored specifically for you:

• Full access to our comprehensive library of protection guides that shield you from digital threats while building your technology confidence.
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• Fresh content weekly with 52 new expert articles each year that alert you to emerging scams and introduce helpful technologies in simple, understandable language.
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• Practical, printable checklists for every article that helps you implement security measures and navigate new technology with confidence.
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• In-depth companion podcasts tailored for each article that explain technology and digital safety in a friendly, conversational way.
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• Weekly cybersecurity newsletter delivering critical scam alerts and technology insights straight to your your inbox to help you stay connected and protected.
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• Actionable blog content featuring technology tips and scam prevention strategies you can implement immediately.
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Take the next step in your online safety journey by signing up for Cyber Smart Seniors premium content and joining our community of confident digital citizens today!
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Remember, you don't need to become a technology expert—just a smart, cautious user who knows when to be careful and where to find help when needed.