How to Safeguard Your Parents Online: A Practical Guide

If you’ve ever had to help your parents set up an email account or show them how to use an app, you’ve probably realized that what seems easy to us can feel like a complicated task for them. While they’ve adapted to the digital world in many ways, older generations often find themselves feeling overwhelmed by everyday online activities. Things like managing online bank accounts, shopping, or even just navigating social media can be intimidating, and, unfortunately, this unfamiliarity can leave them vulnerable to online risks.

With more of our parents using technology to stay connected, it’s important to make sure they’re aware of the potential dangers they might face. Scammers and cybercriminals often target older adults because they assume they’re less familiar with the internet. That’s why helping our parents stay safe online has never been more critical.

The Types of Risks and Scams Targeting Parents

As our parents dive deeper into the digital world, they are more exposed to the various risks that come with it. From identity theft to phishing scams, the internet can be a dangerous place for those who are not well-versed in how to protect themselves. According to a recent ExpressVPN study on how to teach your parents about tech, phishing emails, social media scams, and fake tech support calls are among the most common scams targeting older adults.

One of the most prevalent threats is phishing scams, where scammers pose as legitimate companies or institutions in emails or text messages to steal sensitive information. Many older adults don’t always know how to recognize a phishing email, making them an easy target for scammers.

Another growing concern is social media scams. As more older adults use platforms like Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends, scammers take advantage by setting up fake profiles or posting fraudulent ads. In fact, 27% of Gen X scam victims have fallen for social media scams, and Baby Boomers are also frequently targeted. These scams can trick older adults into sharing personal information or even sending money to people they think are friends.

Finally, fake tech support scams are particularly dangerous. These scams involve fraudsters who call older adults pretending to be from well-known tech companies, claiming their device has a virus or issue that needs to be fixed. They then ask for remote access to their device, allowing them to steal personal information or install harmful software.

Practical Tips to Safeguard Parents Online

As younger generations who are more familiar with the digital world, it’s our responsibility to help guide our parents through it safely. By teaching them some basic online safety practices, we can ensure they stay protected while enjoying the benefits of being connected. Here are some practical tips to safeguard your parents online:

1. Teach Them How to Recognize Phishing Scams

Phishing emails and messages are designed to look like they’re from legitimate companies. Show your parents how to spot the telltale signs of a phishing scam—such as poor grammar, requests for personal information, or suspicious links. Teach them to never click on links in unsolicited emails or messages, and to contact the company directly if they’re unsure about a request.

2. Encourage the Use of Strong, Unique Passwords

One of the simplest ways to protect against hackers is by using strong, unique passwords. Help your parents set up secure passwords for their accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Avoid using obvious information like birthdays or common words, and make sure they use a different password for each account.

3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to a password. This could be a text message sent to their phone or an email with a verification code. Enabling 2FA on their accounts ensures that even if someone guesses their password, they won’t be able to access the account without the second form of identification.

4. Keep Their Devices Updated

Regularly updating their devices’ software is essential for keeping them secure. Software updates often include important security patches that protect against new threats. Make sure your parents’ devices are set to automatically update so they don’t miss these critical security measures.

5. Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Having antivirus and anti-malware software installed on their devices can help block suspicious activity and protect against malware. Ensure that the software is up to date and running in the background to provide constant protection. Some antivirus programs also offer additional features like email scanning to detect phishing attempts.

6. Discuss Social Media Safety

Older adults can be particularly vulnerable to scams on social media platforms. Discuss with your parents the importance of not accepting friend requests from people they don’t know, being wary of ads that seem too good to be true, and avoiding messages from strangers asking for money or personal information.

7. Be Cautious of Unsolicited Tech Support Calls

If someone calls claiming to be from a tech company and asks for remote access to their computer, it’s most likely a scam. Let your parents know that legitimate tech companies don’t make unsolicited calls offering support. If they’re unsure, advise them to hang up and contact the company directly through a verified phone number.

8. Use a VPN for Safe Browsing

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts Internet traffic and protects your parents’ data from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Using a VPN provides an extra layer of protection and privacy, ensuring that their online activities stay secure. This is especially useful if they frequently shop or bank online.

9. Back Up Important Files

Encourage your parents to back up their important files regularly. Whether they use cloud storage or an external hard drive, backing up their data ensures that if their device is compromised, they won’t lose essential documents or photos. As detailed in this guide from Internet Matters, regular backups and secure online habits are key to staying safe from scams and fraud.

10. Building Digital Confidence

The goal isn’t just to protect our parents from online risks—it’s also to help them build digital confidence. By educating them about the dangers and teaching them how to navigate the digital world safely, we’re empowering them to be independent online. As we’ve grown up with technology, it’s easy to forget that our parents didn’t. Taking the time to explain things in a way that makes sense to them can go a long way in helping them feel secure.

Conclusion

Keeping parents safe online starts with simple steps like teaching them how to recognize scams, encouraging strong password habits, and setting up security measures like two-factor authentication. By helping them build their digital confidence, we can ensure they stay safe while enjoying the convenience and benefits of staying connected.

Ready to help safeguard your parents online? Start by showing them how to recognize phishing scams and encouraging them to use strong passwords. With your support, they’ll be navigating the digital world with confidence.