Practicing Digital Health and Cyber Security

Blog Category: Tech

Technology has grown more useful and accessible every day, and now, the senior demographic has taken it by storm. But with such a powerful tool comes great responsibility, and scammers are lurking behind every corner of our devices and the internet. Arm yourself with these helpful cyber security tips to promote digital health in your home.

Keywords to Know in Cyber Security

If you’re going to use technology and the internet, you’ll need to protect yourself first with knowledge. Here are some important words to remember so you can best understand and communicate them in conversation:

  • Antivirus Software: A program designed to prevent, search for, detect, and remove software viruses.
  • Authentication: The verification of the identity of a user.
  • Breach: An incident resulting in unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks, or devices.
  • Cyber Security: The protection of computer systems and networks from malicious attacks that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to software, data, or hardware.
  • Encryption: The process of converting information or data into code to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Firewall: A part of a computer system or network that blocks unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.
  • Malware: Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.
  • Network Security: The protection of the underlying network infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft.
  • Phishing: The fraudulent practice of sending messages pretending to be from reputable companies or people to get individuals to reveal personal information or click questionable links or attachments.
  • Ransomware: A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
  • Software: Programs and other operating information used by a computer.
  • Spyware: Software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another’s computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive.
  • URL: The Uniform Resource Locator; the address of a given unique resource on the Web.
  • Virus: A computer program that can occupy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user.

Information To Avoid Sharing In Digital Spaces

Technology is incredible for connecting us to anyone in a matter of seconds. But that accessibility can make us forget to be careful of the information we discuss. Be mindful of discussing the following information in digital spaces:

  • Your banking information, such as account and routing numbers
  • Medical information
  • Your social security number
  • Your credit card number
  • Personal information such as your address, date of birth, and other details you use for login questions, such as your mother’s maiden name
  • Your username and password

How To Prevent Scams

Scams can happen through emails, phone calls, social media, and texts. There are easy things you can do every day to protect yourself from potential scams:

  • Restart and install updates on all devices whenever you can
  • Do not click suspicious links
  • Use strong and different passwords for everything
  • Use two-step or multi-factor authentication when given the option
  • Set up a password manager to help remember all your many unique usernames and passwords
  • Do not open emails or answer calls from people you don’t know
  • Double-check your online purchase is secure before checking out
  • Do your research, and don’t believe everything you see
  • Never send money via wire transfer or gift card to someone you’ve never met
  • Use secure and traceable transactions
  • Be mindful of what you share on social media
  • Resist demands to act quickly

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Scammers are always finding new and sneaky ways to trick you. If you happen to fall victim to a scam, here are some steps you can take afterward to protect yourself and catch the bad guy:

  • Immediately stop contact with the scammer and beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming to help you get your information back
  • Collect the information used in the scam (i.e., email addresses, phone numbers, and receipts)
  • Contact your state consumer protection office to share what happened
  • If you lost money, possessions, or other valuable information, call the police
  • Report the scam online to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which works to protect consumers and offers tips to help safeguard personal information
  • If information such as your Social Security Number, bank details, or credit card was stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report to stay aware of the activity on your account and make it harder for imposters to open more accounts in your name
  • Contact your bank to share what happened
  • Change all account passwords (i.e., social media, email, bank, and credit card)
  • Check your computer antivirus software is up-to-date and running and your system is free of malware

Take hold of the future of technology in retirement with our free ebook, Control Your Technology.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.