Online Safety Checklist for Seniors & Parents

Stay safe online with these essential tips for protecting yourself and your family.

Be extremely wary of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups claiming your computer is infected. Legitimate companies won't contact you this way.
Be cautious of online romance scams; never send money to someone you've only met online.
Beware of the "grandparent scam," where someone calls pretending to be a grandchild in trouble needing money urgently. Always verify by calling another family member directly.
If unsure about a website or email, ask a trusted family member or friend before clicking or providing information.

Talk openly with your children about online safety rules, dangers like cyberbullying, and interacting with strangers online.
Know which apps and websites your children use and consider using parental control software or features.
Teach children not to share personal information, photos, or videos with strangers online.
Instruct children to tell you immediately if anything online makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or threatened.
Set clear rules and time limits for screen time and online activities.

Keep operating systems, browsers, and important applications updated with the latest security patches.
Install and maintain reputable antivirus/anti-malware software on all computers and mobile devices.
Secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password (WPA2 or WPA3 encryption). Avoid using default router passwords.
Back up important data regularly (photos, documents) to an external drive or secure cloud service.
Use screen locks (PIN, fingerprint, face ID) on smartphones and tablets.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks; avoid accessing sensitive accounts. Consider using a VPN.

Use strong, unique passwords for every important account. Don't reuse passwords!
Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA or 2FA) wherever available, especially for critical accounts.
Change passwords immediately if you suspect an account has been compromised.
Never share your passwords with anyone.

Be suspicious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information or immediate action.
Carefully check the sender's email address; look for misspellings or unusual domains.
Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders. Hover over links to check destination.
Beware of messages creating urgency, fear, or offers too good to be true.
Hang up on suspicious callers demanding payment or remote access. Verify independently.
Never provide personal info or pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto in response to unexpected requests.
Learn how to spot a phishing email.

Ensure websites are secure (`https://` and padlock icon) before entering payment info.
Shop only from reputable vendors. Be wary of unbelievable deals.
Prefer using credit cards over debit cards online for better fraud protection.
Monitor bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Avoid saving payment information on websites unless necessary and trusted.

Staying safe online is an ongoing process. Regularly review these points and stay informed about new threats.

Test your knowledge with our Phishing Game or Safety Quiz!